Issue - meetings

Subject to considering the content of the Report and the Appendices, as well as the results of the consultations and engagement, to decide on adopting a new Education Transport Policy that will be operational on 1 September 2027.

To delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Head of Education Department, to keep the Policy under review within the national statutory framework and make operational and editorial changes according to the need, subject to any matters that are subject to requiring consultation to be referred to the Cabinet.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dewi Jones.

DECISION

Subject to considering the content of the Report and the Appendices, as well as the results of the consultations and engagement, to decide on adopting a new Education Transport Policy that will be operational on 1 September 2027.

To delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Head of Education Department, to keep the Policy under review within the national statutory framework and make operational and editorial changes according to the need, subject to any matters that are subject to requiring consultation to be referred to the Cabinet.

DISCUSSION

It was recognised that it was timely to review and update the Education Transport Policy. Reference was made to the extensive consultation carried out in relation to the Policy, noting that adjustments had been made as a result of this consultation.

Details were provided of the Empty Seats Scheme, explaining that empty seats had been offered to learners who were not entitled to free transport if there was availability on transport, charging for that seat. Following further clarity from the Welsh Government, it was confirmed that there was now a more robust basis for continuing to offer the Empty Seats Scheme, although some risks remained.

It was explained that the Policy contained more context on the Dual Residence and Faith Schools elements. It was added that the Post-16 Transport element had also been synchronised for greater clarity. It was noted that the Policy in questioned proposed to provide post-16 transportation to the nearest catchment/suitable school, as well as to the nearest suitable college site providing that course.

It was highlighted that it provided more detail on some sections and there were no major changes to the Policy.

The Vice Chair of the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee was welcomed to the meeting. The Cabinet Member was thanked for his work and went on to explain the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee. Pride was expressed that particular attention had been given to the Empty Seats Scheme following the Committee's recommendations, and that consideration had been given to the Committee's other recommendations.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       In response to a question about the main benefits of the Transport Policy, it was explained that the Empty Seats Scheme has been re-included in the Policy, facilitating the ability of families who were not eligible for transport in accordance with the statutory requirements to be able to take advantage of these empty seats. It was mentioned that guidance suggested the need to promote the provision for Faith Schools, explaining that this was an addition to the Policy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It was also hoped that the further clarity in the Policy in relation to Dual Residency would facilitate the arrangements of families to take their children to school. It was reiterated that further clarity was also seen in reference to Post-16 Transport. It was confirmed that this Policy would come into force in September 2027, should it be adopted.

·       Reference was made to the need  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11