Consultation on proposed changes to SEND Transport in the London Borough of Sutton

The Council has recently consulted on a draft strategy for pupils with SEN,  and wants to work with schools, parents and other interested stakeholders to help address the challenges that we collectively face in this area. One of the key challenges we (and most other Local Authorities in the country) face is a growing number of pupils with SEND at a time when council budgets have been reducing significantly. The number of pupils with SEND in the Borough has increased by about 40% since 2014. As a result of the increase in the number of pupils with SEND, there has been an associated impact on the numbers of pupils for whom we are providing SEN transport services. We are currently spending more money on SEN transport than we have available and therefore we must now consider how we address those issues in partnership with our stakeholders.  

The London Borough of Sutton is acutely aware of how critical it is to meet the needs of children and young people who have additional needs as set out in statutory guidance. It is also aware of how important it is to support vulnerable pupils and families to ensure that they can lead happy and fulfilling lives, however, we must also be mindful to ensure that we provide services in the most effective way and to prioritise those services where they are needed most. 

With this in mind, the London Borough of Sutton is considering making some changes to the way it provides SEND transport services in the Borough in the following areas:

1. Operational changes in the way the Council provides SEND Transport as well as how parents can access SEND Transport.

2. Ceasing some non-statutory SEND transport provision for Post 19 pupils where it is appropriate to do so.

3. Investing in alternative ways of supporting some pupils with SEND needs in order for them to be able to travel to their place of learning safely and independently.      

The consultation document attached at the bottom of the page describes the proposed changes which may have either a direct or indirect effect on some stakeholders including pupils, parents and partner organisations. We've also attached the existing SEND transport policy within the borough (the existing policy it is dated as of the last review which was April 2013). We've also attached the existing post-16 SEND transport policy. These can also be found on our main website.