New school travel policy approved

CHILDREN who do not attend their nearest school will lose discretionary help with travel after funding was axed by councillors in a Yorkshire city.

Bradford Council claims the revised school travel policy will “give parents and young people more options with regards to travel to and from school or college”.

People applying for schools, sixth form and colleges during 2013 and 2014 and who start on or after September next year, will be assessed using the new policy approved by councillors.

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Young people already in receipt of travel assistance will continue to receive it until they finish at their primary or secondary school, unless their family circumstances change or, for example, they move house, move on to sixth form or college, or move school.

Coun Ralph Berry, Bradford Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The new policy...gives a wider choice of travel options for those who benefit from travel assistance, including independent travel training.

“This will allow young people to learn a new life skill and lead more independent lives.”

The changes, which will affect the discretionary section of the policy, include an increased mileage allowance for travel between home and school and a personal budget up to a maximum of £500 per term, £1,500 per year for post-16 students who would require dedicated transport to allow them to arrange their own travel provision.

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A new travel training assessment for all post-16 students who are eligible for travel assistance and would require dedicated transport is to be introduced.

Those who are able to benefit from travel training would be trained to use public transport and receive a bus or train pass.

There will also be a new charge for transport equivalent to the cost of a School Plus Metrocard for post-16 students between the ages of 16 and 18 who would require dedicated transport.