MP Criticizes Post-16 School Transport System for Failing Children

A Member of Parliament asserts that the existing home-to-school transport system is failing disabled children and their families. Jen Craft, the Labour MP representing Thurrock, Essex, stated that “education can be thrown into turmoil” for a child upon reaching 16 years of age, as many are unable to access their schooling. Local authorities are mandated to provide transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) from age 5 to 16. Education Minister Catherine McKinnell commented that she was “committed in creating opportunities for all children. No child should struggle to get to school because of lack of transport.” Ms. Craft informed Members of Parliament that numerous councils have historically continued to offer free transport for individuals aged 16 to 19, but increasing demand and expenses have led to reductions in this service. In England, 576,000 children possess an Education, Health Care Plan and are therefore eligible for Send support. Ben Coleman, the Labour MP for Chelsea and Fulham, informed MPs that “According to Contact, a charity, 79% of disabled young people are being denied or charged for school transport when they turn 16. One in 10 are paying more than £1,000 a year.” Mr. Coleman was among 33 MPs who participated in the Westminster Hall debate. Ms. Craft recounted an instance where a parent was compelled to leave their employment to undertake four daily 11-mile journeys to transport their child to school. She is urging the government to modify the transport provision “so local authorities have a legal obligation to ensure no child is denied an education that allows them to get on in life.” Alistair Strathern, Labour MP for Hitchin in Hertfordshire, described “heartbreaking realities for families and young people travelling far too far, at far too great a cost to access the school they need, with some being shut out of support due to their age.” Liberal Democrat spokesperson Victoria Collins stated: “There is currently a postcode lottery where Send provision means a lot of our children are being left behind. The previous Conservative government failed children with Send needs for not planning effectively for the increased demand on Send school places.” Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott remarked: “The Conservative government increased the high needs budget by over 60% in 2019-20 to £10.5bn and put in place a statutory override so Send-related deficits do not overwhelm council budgets.” Ms. McKinnell responded: “For far too long, far too many children are being let down by the special educational needs system that is not working. We are determined to fix it and restore parents trust.” The minister informed MPs that Send transport was an area she was “keen to look at.”