Issue - meetings

Verbal update to be provided by Jeanette Richards, Executive Director Children and young people.

Jeanette Richards, Executive Director, Children and Young People gave an update to Committee to provide assurances on progress with the commitment to provide a refresh on home to school transport policy.

During the beginning of the year (2024), the Council has been working with Bury Parent Carer Forum and the policy is out for consultation. The policy is on track to be presented to Cabinet seeking recommendations for implementation following the consultation.

Members were advised that the co-production is being undertaken with Bury’s Parent Carer Forum and the consultation has been pushed out to all our stakeholders across the local area including schools and care providers.

The update is due to a response from the Department for Education changes around requirements for home to school transport and the LGO findings.

Councillor Boles raised a matter highlighted in the SEND Task and Finish Group regarding the cost-benefit analysis of lowering the age threshold from five to allow children to start school in the September with their peers. Councillor Smith confirmed that there is consideration to when this age threshold will be varied but this can be advised on following the consultation.

It was agreed:

1.    Members should note the verbal update.

Verbal update to be provided by Jeanette Richards, Executive Director Children and young people.