Decision details

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Education, Skills and Early Years that provided Members with details of a formal review and consultation of Oldham’s SEND Travel Assistance Policy, that was carried out from early December 2024 to the end of January 2025.  The Cabinet was requested to approve the revised policy and to formally adopt it (as set out at Appendix 1 to the report).

Local authorities were advised to keep their school travel policy under regular review to ensure it continued to meet local needs and that it complied with statutory requirements.  An up-to-date policy must be available each year, so that parents/carers may take it into account when deciding which schools to apply for during the normal admissions round.

Oldham’s current policy had been reviewed with partners and a targeted public consultation had taken place.  In consideration of those activities, the submitted report described the current position and also set out proposals for a revised policy.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1: was to approve and adopt the proposed policy, with a primary offer (for those eligible) of a personal travel budget, with effect from September 2025 for all current and new post 16 learners. 

Option 2: was to maintain the current policy, with no changes.  This would mean that statutory review of the policy has not been considered and acted upon.

The preferred Option was Option 1.  This would allow for changes to be made from September 2025, that would apply equally to all young people who are affected by the change to an emphasis on personal travel budgets, rather than council organised transport.  This would enable a focus on more independence for the majority of post 16 learners.  There would also be budget savings associated with this option, as set out in the finance section of the submitted report.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet approves the proposed Travel Assistance Policy, with effect from September 2025, including adoption of the proposed policy, of a primary offer (for those eligible) of a personal travel budget, with effect from September 2025, for all current and new post 16 learners.