Decision details

To request permission to consult on the Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) high needs funding bandings and the SEND Transport.

The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Children and Adults Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to consulting on the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Travel Assistance Policy (also previously circulated), for pupils with SEND.

The submitted report stated that the Council had a statutory responsibility to assist eligible children and young people of statutory school age to travel to school; outlined the current arrangements; national context; key principles of the new policy; financial and legal implications; projected savings; and proposed consultees.

Discussion ensued on the number of children with special educational needs in Darlington and on the SEND budget.

RESOLVED - That consultation be undertaken on the Special Educational Needs (SEND) Travel Assistance Policy, as appended to the submitted report.

REASONS – (a)  This policy represents a conscious change strategically from a policy based upon provision of transport services to one that provides assistance with transport services. This is centred upon providing assistance where appropriate to help people help themselves; it is about promoting independence.

(b)  To enable the proposed Travel Assistance Policy to be further considered prior to decisions being made on the changes being proposed.