Archived decisions

CONSULTATIONS ON THE CONTINUATION OF FREE TRANSPORT TO DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS

1 At its meeting on 22 February 2006, the Council was informed that the Executive Member had given authority to consult about the continuation of free home to school transport to denominational schools. The County Council currently provides assistance with denominational transport to pupils who live:-

· More than 2 miles, but less than 6 miles, from their nearest appropriate denominational school if the pupil is 8 years or less;


· More than 3 miles, but less than 6 miles, from their nearest appropriate denominational school if the pupil is aged between 8 and 11;


· More than 3 miles, but less than 10 miles, from their nearest appropriate denominational school if the pupil is aged between 11 and 16;

2 The need to consult on this matter was based on a number of reasons, including current pressures on the home to school transport budget. Interested parties were contacted, including parents, school governors, diocese and neighbouring local authorities . The outcome of this, together with the representations made have been considered by the Children's Services Policy Review Committee and their views and all the relevant information made known to the Executive Member. After careful consideration, he has approved and as a result the Council will introduce, a new denominational transport policy for new applicants from the start of the academic year 2007/08.

3 Whilst the new policy will be based upon the introduction of charges, it will take into account the number of eligible children in a family travelling to a denominational school and the level of family income. It is intended to provide assistance with transport to more than those in receipt of free school meals. As the major impact of the change in policy will be felt primarily by families sending their children to Roman Catholic Schools, discussions are to continue with the Bishop of Portsmouth and staff from the Diocesan Education Office to develop the intended new scheme. In an earlier report, it was estimated that over a six year period from 2007/08 the support for denominational transport would be reduced from £565,000 to £315,000 at constant prices if charges of £1 per day were introduced for all pupils other than those receiving free school meals. This includes £5,000 extra as an estimated administrative cost of this approach. The actual impact on the budget will depend upon the level of charge and the extent of enhanced remission from charges and will be calculated once the detail of any further modifications are known. A copy of the Director of Children's Services report on this item is available in the Members' Rooms.

4 The above decision supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy by focusing resources on priorities for the Children's Services Department.

FELICITY HINDSON, MBE DAVID KIRK

Executive Lead Member for Executive Member with Special

Children's Services Responsibility for Education

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