Leeds City Council is considering significant changes to transport assistance for post-16 learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) due to financial pressures, including limiting support to those living over 3 miles from educational settings and offering free bus passes for independent travelers. The proposed adjustments aim to save over £800,000 by 2025 while ensuring that the most vulnerable students continue to receive necessary support, with feedback from over 300 stakeholders taken into account during the consultation process.
What are the proposed changes to SEND transport assistance for post-16 learners by Leeds City Council?
Leeds City Council proposes to:
– Limit SEND transport assistance to learners living 3+ miles from their educational setting.
– Offer free bus passes to those who can travel with limited support.
– Implement a Personal Transport Allowance based on mileage.
– Continue organized transport for those meeting exceptional circumstances criteria, ensuring support for the most vulnerable.
Introduction to Proposed Changes
Leeds City Council is poised to make pivotal decisions concerning transport assistance for post-16 learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In the face of financial pressures, senior councillors will consider alterations to the discretionary support system that has been aiding young learners in their educational pursuits. Currently, the council provides these services at a substantial cost, ranging between £4 million to £4.5 million annually. The sustainability of such support is in question, prompting the council to reassess its approach towards assisting this vulnerable segment of students.
Background of SEND Transport Assistance
It is a statutory requirement for local authorities to facilitate free-of-charge home to school travel arrangements for school-age children with SEND. Nonetheless, these obligations do not extend to post-16 learners. Despite this, Leeds City Council has been offering such services on a discretionary basis. This provision is now under scrutiny due to the significant financial challenges the council faces, alongside the increasing demand for support.
Public Consultation and Proposal Development
Earlier this year, Leeds City Council conducted a public consultation to gauge opinion on potential changes to the transport assistance program. Following the consultation, a report was drafted for the council’s Executive Board with a series of proposed changes. Over 300 responses were received during the consultation period, with contributions from a diverse group of stakeholders that included students with SEND, their families, school staff and governors, and post-16 education providers.
Proposed Changes in Detail
The council’s Executive Board is considering a number of modifications to the current transport assistance provided to post-16 learners with SEND. The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between maintaining support and addressing financial limitations.
Limitations and Independence
Key proposals include:
- Limiting transport assistance to learners with SEND who live three or more miles from their educational setting.
- Encouraging independence through free bus passes or equivalent for those able to travel independently or with adult accompaniment.
- Providing a flat-rate Personal Transport Allowance based on distance from home to the learning setting, with varying levels of support depending on the mileage.
Financial Implications
These proposals are not only about reshaping the structure of support but also about alleviating the financial burden on the council. If these adjustments are approved and implemented, the council anticipates savings exceeding £800,000 in the 2025/26 financial year. This significant reduction in expenditure is much needed, considering the council’s financial outlook.
Criteria for Exceptional Circumstances
The council also plans to continue providing organized transport for those who meet exceptional circumstances criteria. This ensures that the most vulnerable learners will not be left without necessary support.
Implementation and Impact
The proposed changes, if approved by the Executive Board, would take effect for new post-16 learners from September 2025. However, to provide continuity, learners already receiving assistance under the current policy would not be affected unless their circumstances change.
Response from Council Representatives
Councillor Helen Hayden, the executive member for children and families, has acknowledged the concerns raised by the affected parties and assured that their feedback from the consultation has been integral to the finalization of these proposals. She states:
“We absolutely recognize and understand the concerns of young people, their families and carers, in how these changes may affect them, and we have fully considered their feedback from the consultation when finalizing these proposals.”
Outreach and Continued Dialogue
The council intends to keep families and key services informed about the changes well before their introduction. Continuous engagement with parent forums, young people, and families will be a priority to understand and mitigate the impact of these changes. Additionally, the council promises to collaborate with public transport providers to enhance the accessibility and awareness of the young people’s needs.
Feedback and Non-Implementation
It’s important to note that some proposals, such as removing transport assistance for post-19 learners and introducing a charge for transport, were not recommended for implementation. This decision was influenced by the feedback received during the public consultation.
Further Information
For more details on the proposed changes and consultation responses, interested parties can access the full report provided by the council here.
Outlook on SEND Transport Assistance
The review of transport assistance for post-16 learners with SEND marks a critical juncture for Leeds City Council. Balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of SEND learners requires careful consideration and planning. The proposed changes are aimed at maintaining a level of support while fostering independence for learners and ensuring the council’s resources are directed in the most effective way. The outcome of the Executive Board’s decision will be a determinant in the future landscape of educational support for SEND students in Leeds.
- Leeds City Council is proposing to limit transport assistance for post-16 learners with SEND to those living over 3 miles from their educational setting.
- The council plans to offer free bus passes for learners who can travel independently or with minimal support.
- A Personal Transport Allowance based on mileage is set to be implemented to provide financial assistance for transport needs.
- Organized transport will continue for students who meet exceptional circumstances criteria, ensuring support for the most vulnerable learners.
- The proposed changes aim to save over £800,000 by 2025 while considering feedback from over 300 stakeholders during the consultation process.