"We know that school travel arrangements play an important part of daily life for parents, carers and young people, and that the changes introduced to our Home to School Travel Policy in 2024 have affected some families more than others. As part of those changes, we committed to review how the policy was working in practice through a post implementation review. The review has carefully considered feedback from families, schools and stakeholders, alongside appeals, complaints, operational data and our experience of delivering the service.
The review found that the policy is operating broadly as intended and remains on track to achieve its objectives. It also identified some areas where changes could improve how the policy works in practice, including:
- removing a small number of routes where there are practical challenges
- improving mapping and route data
- strengthening the appeals process
- providing greater clarity around how routes and distances are assessed
- improving information and guidance
Following agreement by our executive on 18 September, a six-week consultation will give people the opportunity to share their views on the recommendations before being considered at a full council meeting in November.
- read our current Home to School Travel Policy (pdf / 1 MB)
- read our proposed new Home To School Travel Policy (pdf / 306 KB)
- read the Department for Education's Travel to school for children of compulsory school age statutory guidance for local authorities on the government's website
The consultation runs until 4 November 2026.
The review does not recommend a return to catchment-based transport eligibility. Eligibility would continue to be based on a child's nearest suitable school with available places.
Until any decisions are made, the current policy remains in place and families should continue to make school preference decisions based on the existing arrangements. If approved, any changes would not take effect before September 2027 with children then starting school in September 2028.
