Cost-saving Kirklees SEND student transport changes approved

Kirklees Council had been providing taxis and minibuses for students with SEND who are aged over 16

Changes to how sixth form-age students with additional needs get to and from school have been approved by Kirklees Council.

The authority had previously provided taxis and minibuses for all students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the district.

But a new policy will instead see SEND students over 16 get payment at a flat rate to organise their own transport.

The policy is expected to save about £1.65m, according to the council.

"We need to support young people in accessing education whilst also making these services more sustainable for the future," said Rachel Spencer-Henshall, the local authority's strategic director for corporate strategy, commissioning and public health.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that in 2022-23, Kirklees Council spent £2.6m on school transport for SEND students over the age of 16 - an average cost of over £8,600 per pupil.

The new transport plan is expected to cut school transport costs to £950,000.

The new policy would see students over 16 receive a flat-rate payment to support their travel costs

Under the new arrangement, students over 16 who live up to three miles from their place of education will receive a travel support payment of £300.

Meanwhile, those living between three and 10 miles away will receive £1,000; those living between 10 and 20 miles away will receive £2,000; and those over 20 miles away will receive £3,000.

However, the council acknowledged this approach might not fit all pupils, especially those with the most complex needs.

It had therefore factored in provision for council-organised transport where the personal travel payment would not be appropriate, it said.

Ms Spencer-Henshall said the changes were "designed so that people with the greatest needs are receiving the most assistance but other students of sixth-form age are also supported".

"Where a family is receiving a Personal Travel Payment, they could spend their budget in whichever way is best for them, giving them flexibility to tailor their travel arrangements based on individual needs," she said.

The changes were passed by Kirklees Council's cabinet on Tuesday and are expected to come into force from September.