Ann Carruthers, the Immediate Past President of ADEPT (Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport), has issued a statement in response to the National Audit Office’s Home to School Transport report.

“Home to school transport is an invaluable service without which many children simply could not access education,” she says.

“ADEPT welcomes the NAO’s report, which highlights the critical pressures facing home to school transport services – we were pleased to contribute our expertise to this important review.

“In 2023 ADEPT, together with 11 local authorities, developed a SEND Transport Toolkit to share knowledge and best practice. This shows how local authorities have been implementing innovative solutions including route optimisation, independent travel training and strengthened supplier relationships to manage rising demand and costs.

“However, while local authorities are doing everything they can within current resources and legislation, lasting solutions require system-wide reform.

“We strongly support the NAO’s recommendation that transport must be integrated into the upcoming SEND reforms, to ensure the system works sustainably for children, families and local authorities.”

(Pic: ADEPT)