A District Wide Consultation on Proposed Changes to Discretionary Entitlement within Bradford Council's School Transport Policy
Bradford Council is considering proposed changes to discretionary entitlement within its School Transport Policy and is seeking public opinion from interested parties before a decision is made.
A number of changes are being considered to extend discretionary provision to some pupils and to remove or alter discretionary entitlement to pupils attending faith schools on religious or denominational grounds.
What is discretionary school transport entitlement?
The Council has a legal duty to provide school transport for pupils in some circumstances to enable them to attend school, this is statutory entitlement. The Council also has optional or discretionary powers to choose whether to provide transport support for other pupils but is not legally bound to do so.
What discretionary transport entitlement is available to Bradford pupils?
Bradford pupils can claim free travel if they attend their nearest school on religious grounds regardless of income. This applies to 5-8 year olds who live more than 2 miles from their nearest church/faith school, and those over 8 who live more than 3 miles from their nearest church/faith school. Parents must provide proof of religious adherence. This is a discretionary entitlement that Bradford has offered for many years but has no legal obligation to provide this support.
What statutory entitlement is available to Bradford pupils?
The current statutory entitlement to free travel is for students up to the age of 8 who live more than 2 miles from their nearest available school, and for students over the age of 8 who live more than 3 miles from their nearest available school.
From September 2008 there will be further new statutory entitlements for students aged 11+ from low income families. These students will be entitled to free transport to one of the three nearest schools within 2 to 6 miles of their home, or a school up to 15 miles away if the school is selected on the basis of religion/belief or non-belief.
Why is the Council considering changes to entitlement?
The Education & Inspections Act 2006 combined with the Every Child Matters Agenda means that the Council should consider how they exercise their discretionary powers in relation to transport. Local Authorities must consider the educational needs of children and young people to improve attendance, encourage engagement and, enable them to realise their interests and achieve their academic potential. The Council should therefore consider providing help for vulnerable groups of pupils.
Why is the proposal to remove or alter entitlement?
Where a pupil attends school on grounds of parental religion or belief, the Local Authority must take the parent’s wishes into account but is not obliged to provide free home to school transport. Local Authorities can use discretion whether to pay the whole or part of the ‘reasonable travel expenses’ of a pupil. The Council is therefore considering whether to take away entitlement or will consider the option of paying an allowance towards a pupils travel costs.
Where a policy is altered or changed to withdraw transport for pupils already receiving support, the parents of those pupils should be consulted before any change is introduced.
Who would be affected?
Pupils starting Primary and Secondary education from September 2009 who would be travelling more than two miles if under 8 years of age or three miles aged 8+ to their nearest available faith school who would not qualify on low income grounds.
My child will be starting secondary school in September 2008, would s/he be affected by any change?
No, any change would be published in 2008 and take effect from 2009.
My child currently has a bus pass, would it be taken away?
No, pupils already receiving free travel would continue to receive support to the end of primary or secondary education.
Does the Council receive specific funding for Discretionary transport?
No, the Council allocates funds from its own budget. It does not receive funds from Central Government.
When will a decision be made?
The consultation period ends on 14 March 2008. Following this all comments will be compiled and a report will be submitted for consideration before a final decision is made before the end of May 2008.
I am on a low-income; will my child qualify for free travel?
If you qualify for free school meals or maximum working tax credit your child would be eligible to apply on low income grounds from September 2008.
How can I find out if my child qualifies for free travel?
Bradford Council’s ‘Policy and Guidelines Covering Travel between Home, School and College’ sets out the statutory and discretionary entitlement for children and young people. Please go to www.bradford.gov.uk/schooltravelpolicy or contact the School Travel Team at Education Bradford on 01274 385965.
Who do I contact about the proposals?
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals should write to Angela Ackroyd at the address below or email angela.ackroyd@bradford.gov.uk before 14 March 2008.
Angela Ackroyd
Education Client Team
Future House
Bolling Road
Bradford
BD4 7EB
