School Headteacher Condemns Decision to End Free Bus Service

A headteacher from a Surrey school has pledged to exert all efforts to overturn the “unacceptable” choice to eliminate a complimentary bus service, which numerous students depended on daily. Eighty-one children were informed last week that the bus services would cease, following Surrey County Council’s identification of a safe pedestrian path connecting West Molesey and Esher High School. This approximate six-mile round journey traverses dimly lit alleyways, extends across open heathlands, runs alongside exposed river waters, and crosses viaduct sluice gates. Andy King, headteacher of Esher High School, stated that the change, which the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) estimates will yield annual savings of approximately £180,000, was declared “without any prior consultation or warning to the school”. He further commented, “We were informed at the same time as affected families, which is simply unacceptable for such a critical issue.” “The walking route suggested as an alternative is unsafe. It is dark, muddy, isolated, and entirely unsuitable for young people, particularly in winter months,” Mr. King asserted. Mr. King indicated the presence of “serious safeguarding concerns.” He mentioned that the school has sought a complete copy of the risk assessment and information from Surrey Police regarding reported incidents on this specific path. He also stated that the school is providing assistance to parents who are challenging the decision. Plamena Naydenova, one parent involved, characterized the decision as “outrageous.” The council has, to date, rejected the appeals from parents and noted that it allocates approximately £65 million annually for student transportation to school. Mr. King pointed out that this decision coincides with a period when educational institutions across the nation are contending with “declining attendance rates post-COVID.” He further remarked, “Adding another barrier for students to access education is counterproductive.” The LDRS has submitted a request to the council leader to traverse the designated safe route, accompanied by Councillor Clare Curran, the cabinet member for education. Ms. Curran stated that evaluations for individual safe walking routes were conducted following road safety guidelines, which take into account the interaction between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. She also mentioned that these assessments presuppose that children would be escorted by an adult if required, wear appropriate footwear, and utilize a torch when needed. Ms. Curran further commented: “We are not suggesting that families have to use this route to get to school; they are welcome to use other independent routes or transport methods.” She continued, “While we are only required to give four weeks’ notice of a change in transport services, in this instance we have given families until the beginning of the next school year in September 2025 to make alternative arrangements.” “Families can also appeal against the decision to withdraw travel assistance via the stage one safety of route appeal form, and a link to this was included in the initial correspondence with families,” Ms. Curran concluded. For further updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.