Contact: Terry Rath, Education Officer, 01962 846457, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

The County Council will adopt a new denominational transport policy for new applicants from the start of the academic year 2007-8 based upon the introduction of charges but taking into account the number of eligible children in a family travelling to a denominational school and the level of family income.

2 Reason

This decision supports aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy improving services by focusing resources on the priorities for the Children's Services Department and in doing so contributes to all the Children's Act outcomes.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

i) making no change to the existing policy;

ii) making no provision to support denominational transport for new applicants from September 2007;

iii) providing denominational transport for only those children in receipt of free school meals from September 2007.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

None.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Member - Education