Travel to school

Outcome of consultation on withdrawal of transport to faith schools

Full consultations were carried out between 26 February and 17 June 2011. We evaluated the responses to the consultations and passed them onto Cabinet members along with recommendations from our officers. Cabinet Members met on the 19 July 2011 and discussed the consultation and recommendations.

They have taken the decision to withdraw transport support to those pupils living in Essex attending faith primary and secondary schools from September 2012. It was further decided that this would be implemented on a phased basis, and that support would not be withdrawn to those who currently receive it.

This means that children who commence education at a faith school from September 2012 will not qualify for transport. This covers all those due to start their primary education (Reception/Year 0) or their secondary education (year 7), and those transferring to a faith school mid-year. 

Children who currently receive free transport assistance to primary schools will, from September 2012, continue to receive free transport until the end of their primary education, unless they change school – but transport will be removed from those children who live between two and three miles at the end of their school Year 3. In addition, those pupils who are currently attending a faith infant school that will transfer to a faith junior school at the end of school Year 2 will continue to receive transport support until the end of school Year 6.

For secondary-aged students in school Years 8–11 in September 2012, we will continue to provide transport assistance on payment of the contribution for transport, currently £110 per term.
 
Children currently in receipt of transport to faith schools who move address would have their entitlement reassessed under the existing policy. If they are found entitled under the existing policy then transport would continue – if not, then transport would be removed.

We will continue to provide transport under our statutory duties which include those policies in relation to low income families.    

Removal of mainstream escort provision

Following a decision taken by the Cabinet on 7 December 2010, there have been some changes to our Education Transport Policy. A letter was sent to parents and carers in January 2011 which outlined the changes regarding the removal of mainstream escort provision.

 

For parents and carers considering becoming a volunteer passenger assistant, we have produced Guidance for Volunteer Passenger Assistants. There is also a question and answer sheet about recent changes to the policy. 

The transport provided will depend on the type of school your child attends.  If your child is offered a place at a mainstream (foundation, community or voluntary-controlled) or denominational (voluntary-aided faith) primary or secondary school, they could be entitled to free or assisted home to school transport.  For further details please visit the relevant page below.

 

We can also help you make informed decisions if you think you have exceptional grounds for needing school transport support, if your child has special educational needs, is 16-19 or requires independent travel training.

 

Other choices include driving your child to school and the spare seat scheme.

  

If you are a young person and would like to know about different ways to travel, we have lots of information to help you choose a way that suits you.

 

Please note: The County Council only provides transport for full time students. Where a child is starting school and attending part time, parents are required to make their own arrangements.

 

When travelling to and from school it is important that both parents and children are aware of appropriate pupil behaviour.