Decision details

(i)  To approve the School Travel Service and Post-16 Travel Service Policy 2024-25.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director – Wellbeing (Children and Learning), following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Learning to make minor changes to the policy during its period of effect.

1.  Local authorities must make free-of-charge travel arrangements to facilitate the attendance at school of eligible children of compulsory school age and resident in their area. Local authorities must publish their school travel policy for children of compulsory school age by 19th September each year.

2.  Local authorities have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement specifying the arrangements for the provision of travel support to facilitate the attendance of those of sixth form age in education or training. Local authorities must publish this policy statement by 31st May each year. 

3.  Local authorities have a duty to make arrangements for the provision of travel support as they consider necessary in respect of adults (aged 19 or over) for the purpose of facilitating their attendance in education and relevant young adults with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan for the purpose of facilitating their attendance at institutions where they are receiving education or training outside the further and higher education sectors.

1.  Option one: to do nothing.

This option was rejected upon the basis of a need to review the policy and to make the document clearer. Additionally, Southampton City Council is required to have an up-to-date school travel and post-16 travel policy by law.

2.  Option two: to only provide the statutory level of support and not any discretionary elements.

This option was rejected due to the Council’s approach in utilising its discretionary powers in providing travel support.  In accordance with statutory guidance, local authorities have discretionary powers to provide travel support for children resident in their area who are not eligible children. Southampton City Council is committed to identifying sustainable modes of transport for travel support where appropriate and suitable for the needs of the individual child or young person. Therefore, in some areas Southampton City Council opts to use its discretionary powers.