Agenda item

Report Attached

Councillor Smith was invited to provide an overview of the school transport policy, outlining when and for whom transport is provided, and explaining that the purpose of the review was to understand how the policy is operating in practice and how implementation has progressed to date.

Following the presentation, questions were invited from members. Councillor Berry referred to page 14, section 2.5 of the report, and asked whether the arrangement allowing pupil escorts three days of unpaid leave during term time was due to change. Councillor Smith responded that there was no evidence this arrangement was causing any recruitment difficulties and noted that pressures within school transport reflected wider national challenges. Councillor Berry sought further clarification, and Ben Dunne explained that although recruitment remained a pressure, it was being managed through flexibility on afternoon routes. He acknowledged, however, that this was not an ideal long?term solution.

Councillor Lancaster asked whether bringing school transport provision in-house had been explored. Councillor Smith explained that doing so would require significant investment in a fleet of vehicles, although there were ongoing discussions about potential partnerships for example, with Persona, which already operates a specialist fleet. This approach could relieve pressure on families and carers by making better use of existing capacity. Councillor Lancaster questioned whether leasing vehicles would make in?house provision more affordable. Councillor Smith confirmed that a working group was already examining options and that a business case could be developed as part of this work.

Joanne Burns, speaking as a union representative, asked when the vacant Transport Supervisor post would be filled and raised concerns regarding children with EHCPs who have transport included in their plan but are currently unable to access transport to their named school. She noted the impact this can have on families. In response, Ben Dunne advised that recruitment was underway, though a confirmed start date was not yet available. He agreed to provide further information regarding children who have provision named but no transport in place.

Councillor Haroon asked when post?16 transport support had ceased. Ben Dunne confirmed that this ended on 17 April 2024, noting that many local authorities do not provide statutory post?16 transport. He added that in Bury, officers continue to work with families to support independent travel training. Councillor Boles asked what impact the change had had locally. Ben Dunne reported that NEET figures had improved and that the Council had not experienced an increase in NEET young people, unlike some other Greater Manchester authorities. Jeanette Richards added that the development of enhanced post?16 provision had also strengthened outcomes and mitigated potential negative impacts.

Councillor Farooq referred to page 15, section 4.5, and queried whether the service monitors situations where multiple SEN pupils attending the same school are travelling separately. Ben Dunne confirmed that route sharing and optimisation are continuously explored; however, any shared arrangements must consider young people’s safety and individual needs, particularly for those with complex requirements.

Councillor Boles then asked for assurance that the school transport policy would continue to evolve. Councillor Smith confirmed that the Council is working collaboratively across services, continually reviewing ways to improve efficiency while maintaining inclusive and safe transport arrangements. He noted that ideas and proposals are revisited regularly as part of ongoing improvement work.

Councillor Boles further asked about the mileage payment rate of 44p per mile and how it compared with other boroughs. Ben Dunne explained that rates vary, with some authorities offering higher amounts and others lower. He agreed that higher mileage rates could act as an incentive for families. Councillor Smith added that although the commissioning of school transport sits within Children’s Services, the role is closely aligned with the Transport Department.

In closing, Ben Dunne reported that Greater Manchester route optimisation had been explored previously, but the ability to combine routes is limited because many children have complex needs and cannot travel together. He noted that ongoing staffing vacancies, limited in?house capacity, and necessary safety considerations continue to present challenges to achieving further efficiencies.

It was agreed:

·       The update be noted