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The provision of transport for school children in England is increasingly becoming a concern for local authorities, with nearly half a million under-16s relying on funded transport to get to school. The data from the Department for Education reveals that 6% of all pupils in England receive funded transport, with 40% of those under 16 years old having special educational needs and disabilities (Send).
Local authorities spent a substantial £1.5bn on transport for under-16s with Send in the 2023-24 financial year, a significant increase from previous years. This financial strain has prompted warnings from councils about the growing costs associated with providing transport for pupils with Send. The pressure on councils has intensified over the past three years, with the Local Government Association highlighting the financial unsustainability of continuing to fulfill statutory responsibilities for home-to-school transport.
Despite the crucial role played by funded transport in helping children attend school regularly, there is a growing trend of councils reducing transport provisions due to budgetary constraints. This poses a threat of deepening existing attainment gaps and placing additional pressure on parents. Calls have been made to maintain education, health, and care plans for children and young people with Send, with concerns raised about the state of the Send system in England being financially unsustainable and failing to deliver better outcomes.
Ministers have announced a delay in reforms to the Send system and other policy proposals for schools in England, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasizing the importance of co-creation and genuine reform. School Standards Minister Georgia Gould has assured families of ongoing efforts to improve the system and meet the needs of children at every stage. The government is determined to deliver a better system that supports children, with plans to engage with parents to ensure their experiences are central to the reforms
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