New Transport Policy for 16 to 19 year olds approved

Central Bedfordshire Council has approved a new policy on the provision of free or subsidised transport for students in further education. The new Post 16 Transport Policy is being introduced following a public consultation with students, parents, carers and other interested parties that was completed in December 2010.

While Central Bedfordshire is not legally obliged to provide free or subsidised transport for students aged 16 to 19, it must consider how it will help learners access further education. A key element of this in what is a very rural area is the provision of transport.

The new policy replaces existing guidelines which were carried over from Bedfordshire County Council. It brings transport for 16 to 19 year olds in line with that for school aged children and meets the standards within the Department for Education guidance issued in June 2010.

The new policy provides a clear set of criteria to assess the eligibility of students enabling a fairer and more consistent assessment process. Under the new policy eligible students will be able to access the most suitable education, training or work based learning provision available.

Central to the new policy is a change to the maximum distance for which a student can receive free or subsidised travel. Subsidised travel will now only be available to students who live more than three miles but less than 20 miles from the school or college they wish to attend. It will mean that students who wish to take advantage of subsidised travel will be required to study at the nearest school or college to their home address that offers the qualification they are studying for. It will also include new criteria for those on low income, with medical and special educational needs and looked after young people.

The new policy supports Central Bedfordshire's key priority of educating, protecting and providing opportunities for children and young people and will be implemented from September 2011. The council is required to keep its policy under regular review.