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Proposed changes to our home to school travel assistance policies

We are refreshing our home to school travel assistance policies and want to hear from you by 21 July.

Our current policies explain the eligibility criteria for travel assistance for children, with and without special educational needs.

We have two policies:

Home to School Travel Assistance Policy for children resident in Wokingham aged 5 to 16, including children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
Travel Assistance Policy for young people resident in Wokingham post-16, including young people with SEND

The policies describe how we fulfil our duties and use our discretionary powers as set out in the Education Act 1996 and subsequent legislation and guidance.

Why are we reviewing the policies?

We are proposing a number of changes to the existing policies, as in their current form, they are not sustainable.

The council is under incredible financial pressure as we are the lowest funded unitary authority in the country – we receive £30 million per year less than the average unitary authority.

The aim of the proposals is to ensure we protect travel assistance for those who need it most.

Demand for travel assistance has increased from £3 million in 2018/19 to £5.8 million in 2022/23 – an increase of around 93 per cent and still rising.

The home to school travel assistance budget is about 17 per cent of the total children’s services budget, and an overspend in this area has the potential to seriously impact other services for children and young people in the borough.

Who will the proposed changes affect?

The proposals could affect a range of services and groups, including pupils of statutory school age (5 to 16), those under 5, those aged 16 and over, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

There are also possible changes for those with medical conditions, low-income fare payers and those living in temporary accommodation.

When would the changes take place?

Anyone already using these services will remain under their existing arrangements until their circumstances change and their eligibility is reassessed.

We are proposing that the new policy be in place for September 2024. From this date, any children or young people who are aged between 4 and 19, who live in Wokingham Borough and attend an educational setting may be affected.