Plans to scrap SEND transport set for sign-off

THE controversial scrapping of free school transport in Newcastle for post-16 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) looks set to be signed off this month.

- DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

Parents were left outraged last year when it emerged that Newcastle City Council was planning to axe its offer to fund home to school travel for SEND children after they reach 16, which local authority chiefs say they can no longer afford.

Amid fears that the “discriminatory” move would leave some of the city’s most vulnerable youngsters unable to continue in education, the proposal was put on hold last November for further scrutiny.

But councillors are now poised to approve major changes to the service at a cabinet meeting on October 20.

A report ahead of that meeting confirms that the council is still proposing to end its universal home to school travel provision, saying that it is “not financially viable” to continue with post-16 SEND travel which cost £1.5m in 2024/25. Local authorities are legally required to provide free home to school transport to eligible children and young people who are aged five to 16, but there is no such legal duty after the end of the academic year in which a young person reaches age 16.