Jen Craft

Jen Craft

Labour — Thurrock

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 December 2024

Debate

Home-to-School Transport: Children with SEND

Contribution

I will make some headway. The requirement for free transport returns for 19 to 25-year-olds with complex needs and an education, health and care plan, to support those who need longer in education or training to achieve their outcomes. The guidance itself says: “It is critical that, from year 9 at the latest, local authorities help young people start planning for a successful transition to adulthood.” Given the importance of this transition, why does the statutory obligation for free transport fall between the ages of 16 to 19? We cannot ignore the rising costs that councils face in carrying out their duty to provide free home-to-school transport. However, those costs are not the fault of disabled children. It is not a choice by families to send their disabled child or young person to a school far from home; it is a necessity, and the only way to receive the specialist provision that meets their needs.

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