Stockton Borough Council is currently consulting on a revised Home to School transport policy. The consultation is open until 5th July 2016. You can access the proposed policy and response form by following this link www.stockton.gov.uk/consultation.
The local authority is reviewing its policy so it reflects the statutory guidance set by the Department for Education. The key proposed changes to the existing policy, which are being considered, are:
- The introduction of a published appeals process in line with that suggested in the statutory guidance
- The introduction, in policy terms, of the commitment of the Council to maintain the stability of school placement for children taken into the care of the local authority, through the provision of transport
- The removal of access to free transport where parents have preferred a school purely on the grounds of faith, other than those for whom entitled rights are in place on the basis of income.
Parents and carers should note that this will not affect children currently in school nor those who have a place in Reception or Year 7 for September 2016. The proposed policy, if adopted, will affect children taking up reception places or placed in Year 7 at secondary school from September 2017 onward.
The Council welcomes your views on this policy.