To determine the Home to School Transport Policy for Oxfordshire.

Cabinet agreed:

1.    The decision on transport for Special Educational Needs as originally set out at Minute 68/18, resolution 1(a) and (b) be deferred until late Autumn school term to allow discussion;

2.    To agree the following proposals for all students:

(a)          To agree the ending of the current arrangements giving subsidised travel to Post 16 students to Henley College and to implement this change from September 2018.

(b)          To agree that from September 2018 free travel should be provided for those students who have been placed at an alternative education provider if the places have been paid for by Oxfordshire County Council and the distance from home to the placement is over the statutory walking distance or the route is unsafe to walk even if accompanied, as necessary, by a responsible adult.

(c)          To confirm the increased charges for the Spare Seat Scheme for 2018/19 and 2019/20 and agree an increase in the charges for the Spare Seat Scheme of 2% in 2020/21, 2% in 2021/2022 and a further 2% in 2022/23. 

(d)          To agree to the continuation of free travel for children of secondary school age who live at RAF Benson to Icknield Community College and to agree to annually review this arrangement.

(e)          To introduce the new Home to School Travel and Transport Policy for those aged 5 to 16.

3.    A Cabinet Advisory Group be set up to consider the issues raised.