Friday, January 27, 2017

School transport policy due for discussion

A revised version of the Home to School Transport Policy for pupils across Denbighshire looks set to be discussed next month.

The current policy came into force from September 2015, after agreement by council in 2014, with a review of the policy planned after 12 months of operation.

Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, said: “The council recognises that there were pockets of concern regarding certain elements of the current policy and we have addressed these concerns as and when they have arisen. 

"The council agreed when it implemented the policy that it would be reviewed after one year of operating.  That review has now taken place and has taken into consideration feedback from schools, parents, councillors and advice through legal discussions.

“The current policy states that home to school transport will be provided to the nearest suitable school.  Some concern has been raised in some communities about this issue, and it is now being proposed that school transport to secondary schools will be based on nearest suitable school or whether the pupil attended a designated primary feeder school. Transport on the basis of feeder will be provided under discretionary arrangements.

“Clarity is also proposed relating to pick up points and hazardous routes, with a previously separate guidance note being incorporated into the latest policy.

“As with the current policy, the council would continue to provide free transport to the nearest suitable Welsh language or Faith school, if this was the parental / carers preference."

Proposed amendments to the policy will be discussed by members of Denbighshire’s Communities Scrutiny Committee on February 2, with the intention of having the required consultation period after its finalisation. 

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