Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 50
50
Accepted
Mandate local authorities to provide travel training programmes for post-16 young people.
Recommendation
The Department must mandate that all local authorities provide travel training programmes for young people in this age group, for whom such training is appropriate, to promote independence and safe travel. The Department for Education must work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport as they prepare to introduce a bespoke formula to recognise home to school transport costs. We support the recommendation of the Transport Select Committee with regard to the provision of bus passes for under 22-year- olds. (Recommendation, Paragraph 187)
Government Response Summary
The Department states they already fund travel assistance to eligible students and provide guidance to local authorities. They are working with other departments on a bespoke formula to recognise home to school transport costs, with a consultation expected in 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE The Department for Education funds local authorities to provide travel assistance to eligible students of compulsory school age, and some students over 16. Local authorities have a statutory duty to make travel arrangements for eligible children of compulsory school age to attend school. This duty is set out in Chapter 3 of Part 6 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Local authorities also have discretionary powers to provide travel assistance to students aged over 16. This assistance should be provided in a way that promotes independent travel wherever possible. The Department for Education also provides guidance to local authorities on how to develop travel training programmes for young people with SEND. This guidance is set out in the SEND Code of Practice. The SEND Code of Practice makes it clear that travel training programmes should be tailored to the individual needs of the young person, and that they should be delivered in a way that promotes independence and safe travel. The Department for Education recognises the importance of travel training programmes in promoting independence and safe travel for young people with SEND. The Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that travel training programmes are available to all young people who need them. The Department for Education is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport to introduce a bespoke formula to recognise home to school transport costs. This formula will take into account the additional costs of providing transport to students with SEND. The Department expects to consult on the new formula in 2026.