Have your say on Home to School Transport Policy changes

Local residents are urged to have their say as BCP Council’s Home to School Transport Policy consultation is launched.

In order to maintain consistency across the conurbation on how school transport assistance is provided, BCP Council is looking to create one policy to replace different policies held by the previous councils. These changes will ensure that BCP Council’s statutory requirements continue to be met.

This assistance is currently available to eligible students who attend a school under certain requirements, including attending their nearest school that is beyond the statutory walking distance; having a disability, mobility difficulties or special educational needs which prevent them from walking to school; and/or living on a route within the statutory walking distance which is considered to be unsafe.

The consultation is now open and local residents can give feedback until 18 February 2022. Participants will need to read information on the draft policy and answer questions concerning their thoughts on changes which have been made. They will also have an opportunity to leave suggestions and further comments.

Councillor Nicola Greene, Portfolio Holder for Council Priorities and Delivery, said: "Under a united Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, it is crucial that key policies like Home to School Transport are consistent and that residents living in the BCP area have fair and equal access to transport assistance to support students to travel to school.

"We understand how important it is for students and parents that these decisions are made quickly and fairly. Our priority remains ensuring that every child in the BCP Council area has an equal opportunity for a high-quality education and we recognise how essential transportation can be for accessibility."

This policy will come into effect for the 2022/23 academic year and would apply to all applications for home to school travel assistance.

To take part in the consultation visit: https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/hometoschool.