SEND Reforms Must Address Transport Pressures
The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that Labour's SEND reforms must address home-to-school transport pressures, with costs predicted to reach £3 billion by 2030.
The NAO's report found that councils are struggling to balance their legal duty to provide transport for eligible pupils with their duty to set a balanced budget.
- Councils are cutting back discretionary transport, including for reception-aged pupils.
- Parents in one area are expected to pay over £1,000 to get their child to school.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "For children who relied on council transport to get to school, it is an invaluable service... without it, many may struggle to continue with their education.
This report follows a damning NAO report last year calling for "whole-system" SEND reforms.
Author's summary: NAO warns SEND reforms must address transport pressures.