Changes proposed to Post-16 Travel Policy in Suffolk

Author: Sharon PlummerPublished 13th Jan 2021
Last updated 13th Jan 2021

Suffolk county council is seeking views on its proposed Post-16 Travel Policy for the 2021/2022 school year.

The consultation will be open until the 15 February 2021 for people to have their say on the proposed changes. The amendments are designed to ensure that the policy is clearer for parents/carers and students to understand what travel options there are for travelling to sixth form, college or Post-16 education.

They are proposing to:

Make the annual increase to the charge of Post-16 travel and the cost of a spare seat as previously agreed by Suffolk County Council's (SCC) Cabinet on 19 June 2018.

Consider how we might align the Post-16 policy to the School Travel (5-16) policy to support students to attend their nearest Suffolk school sixth form even when they live nearer to a school sixth form outside of the county.

Enable a student to continue to attend their Transport Priority Area School when transport had been protected under the School Travel Policy for 5-16 year olds in September 2019 assuming that they meet the necessary criteria.

Clarify Suffolk County Council’s Independent Travel Training scheme.

Councillor Mary Evans, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills said:

"I would like to encourage parents, carers and students themselves to take part in the consultation and have their say on the proposed Post-16 Travel Policy. The consultation will be open until the 15 February and we want to hear from as many people as possible during this time."