Recommendation 20

Given its reliance on SEND reform to deliver significant change, we asked the Department if it had sufficient data on the current situation to enable it to evaluate the impact of the new reforms. The Department told us that it had spending data but had not had enough detailed data on modes and patterns of transport, nor on eligibility-type.49 We asked if transport was going to those that needed it most.50 Contact told us, with specific reference to families with disabled children, that up to the age of 16, transport was broadly going to those children who otherwise would not be able to get to their place of education. It told us that the policy was not working for children aged 16–19 because financial constraints on councils meant that the service for that group was being pulled.51 47 Qq 11, 38 48 Qq 30, 38 49 Q 30 50 Qq 4, 27 51 Q 4 14 2 Supporting a sustainable home to school transport service A new funding formula for home to school transport