Agenda item - Home to School Transport Service Progress Report

Report of the Executive Director Families Children & Learning

RESOLVED:  That Committee noted this progress report on the Home to School Transport (HTST) Service.

10.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Families Children & Learning which provided an update and progress report on the Home to School Transport (HTST) Service.

10.2    Cllr O’Quinn raised concerns regarding the increasing costs of the service and requested details of a contingency plan to prevent further overspending. The Head of Service outlined steps which are being taken including monitoring of eligibility criteria, setting realistic expectations of how children’s needs are met, mindfulness of the city’s sustainability goals, consideration of appropriate minibus use, working with colleges to review timetabling and closely working with SEND colleagues on route management and planning.

10.3    Cllr Meadows asked how we could improve consultation figures given the low response rate. The Head of Service advised a rolling survey is available to parents all year round, which they are alerted to via HTST communications, the Parent and Carer’s Council and their social media channels. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to increase engagement without inundating parents, though there is a potential to link in with SEND activity to identity further opportunities for feedback.

10.4   Ms Boyd enquired if there were plans to look at post-19 services, to which the Head of Service confirmed they are meeting with the Head of SEND and Head of SEDS on 21^st September to discuss arrangements further.

10.5    RESOLVED:  That Committee noted this progress report on the Home to School Transport (HTST) Service.