Home to School Transport policy changes consultation

We are holding a public consultation on its proposed 4-16 Transport Assistance Policies between 21 May 2025 and 20 June 2025 (30 days).

Feedback is being invited from parents, carers, schools, colleges and other key stakeholders.

We are looking to make the following changes:

• Cycle allowance – Updated within the policy to £100 per term - previously £30. We have offered £100 per term since Covid to encourage take up due to the cost effectiveness of this option, and its promotion of health and environmental benefits.
• Personal transport budgets – Where cost effective within the proposed policy parents/carers will be offered £0.45p per mile rather than £0.40p for Mainstream students, and an enhanced rate of £0.70p per mile for SEND pupils to encourage parents/carers to make their own arrangements to transport their children to school with a provision that meets the child’s individual needs.
• Further changes to the Mainstream policy for students who are directed to non-preference schools because there isn’t a place at their nearest or designated school. Students will now be expected to remain on a waiting list for their nearest/designated school to receive transport assistance to the directed school. This includes re-applying at the start of each academic year through the admissions team. Emergency circumstances transport will now be limited to 3 academic terms/ one academic year.

We must have policies that ensure it meets all legal duties for the provision of travel to school and post 16 transport services. The Post 16 Transport Assistance Policy is also in the process of being reviewed.

These legal requirements are set by the Department for Education (DfE) and include travel for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Peterborough currently has one combined 4-16 Home to School Transport Policy covering both mainstream and SEND which has been in place since 2019.

We are required to consult on proposed changes for a minimum of 30 days.

If the policy changes are agreed, the new policies would be effective for applications for the 2025/2026 academic year, from September 2025.

Why your views matter

This is your opportunity for your voice to be heard and help us in ensuring these policies support those needing transport assistance.

This also enables you to share your thoughts on how we could do something different that we may not have already thought about.

If you would like to complete the form to respond to this proposal, please use the button below. Please note: the Home to School Transport policy changes consultation will close on 20 June 2025.

You can also email written submissions to educationtrasport@peterborough.gov.uk.