SEND Post 16 Home to school transport

Introduction

Lambeth Local Authority is considering a proposal to transition Post 16 transport assistance to a direct payments system for families. This would mean that instead of the Local Authority arranging transport services, eligible families would receive direct payments to make their own transport arrangements for their young person.

Why is this being proposed?

This proposal is based on several key considerations:

• Increased Flexibility and Choice – Direct payments allow families to choose the most appropriate transport option for their young person, such as using taxis, covering petrol costs, or supporting independent travel, rather than relying on standard Local Authority transport services.
• Promoting Independence and Life Skills – Families can help their young person develop travel skills and gradually transition to independent travel, supporting their journey into adulthood.
• Efficient Use of Resources – Direct payments can offer a cost-effective alternative by reducing administrative costs and allowing families to find more suitable and affordable transport solutions.
• Personalised Approach to Transport Needs – Every young person has different needs, and direct payments enable families to tailor transport arrangements accordingly, considering factors such as health conditions, mobility issues, or specific school schedules.
• Responsiveness to Changing Circumstances – Families would have the flexibility to adjust transport arrangements quickly if circumstances change, such as a new school or college location or an increase in the young person’s independence.
• Alternative Arrangements for Exceptional Circumstances – While direct payments would be the primary approach, the Local Authority recognises that some families may face exceptional circumstances where managing their own transport is not feasible. In these cases, alternative arrangements will be provided to ensure continued access to education.
• Buses and Multiple Occupancy Taxis to our Local Special Schools – Alongside direct payments, we will continue to offer buses and multiple occupancy taxis to our local special schools which are Elmcourt, Vanguard, Heron Academy, Lansdowne and Turney School.
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Local Authority Obligations for Post 16 Transport

Local Authorities have a duty under the Education Act 1996 to ensure that young people aged 16-19 can access education or training. However, unlike transport for compulsory school-aged children (5-16 years), there is no absolute obligation to provide free transport for Post 16 students.

Instead, Local Authorities must:

• Publish a Transport Policy Statement each year outlining the support available for Post 16 learners. Post 16 SEND Transport policy
• Ensure that reasonable arrangements are in place to facilitate access to education or training, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or those facing financial hardship.
• Consider individual circumstances and provide assistance where necessary, though this may include discounted travel, bursaries, or, in some cases, direct transport services.

The proposed transition to direct payments aligns with these obligations by ensuring that families still receive transport support while offering greater flexibility and personalisation.

This consultation aims to gather feedback from parents, carers, students, and stakeholders on the potential benefits, challenges, and implementation considerations of this proposed change.