Portsmouth families asked about boosting special needs students' independence for school travel

As part of an overhaul of its home to school transport system Portsmouth City Council will seek views from those affected, as well as look to reduce costs.

Julia Katherine, the council’s head of inclusion, explained how more emphasis on adapting methods of transport to suit individuals was needed.

Speaking at an education meeting she said: ‘We survey the young people every year and one thing they always tell us is that travelling independently is really important to them in terms of life skills to take them on to adult life.

‘This is what the review is for. We feel there’s more we can do to facilitate independence for young people.

‘Some people will be able to travel with a bus pass. Some would not but they can work towards that.’

The home to school transport system provides alternative methods for some special educational or disability needs (Send) children and young people to get to school or college. This includes paying for taxis, minibuses and bus passes.

As previously reported, the council is expected to spend £372,000 more than budgeted by the end of March on home to school transport.

Alongside the consultation the council is now working with working with an external company, Adam, to support the commissioning of the transport.

It is thought this will create increased competition on some routes, resulting in reduced costs as well as giving clearer assurance that those providing transport are suitably qualified, insured and DBS checked.

Cabinet member for education, Councillor Suzy Horton, approved the consultation and said: ‘Overall we know it’s a big budget pressure but what’s really nice is the move to look at it for those young people.’

Around 209,000 students a year in Portsmouth use the service in certain cases, including if it is deemed ‘unsafe’ for them to walk to school, and for learners with special educational needs or disability.

The consultation with students and families will run from March until the end of April.

An officer will then approve new policy based on the feedback.