Earlier this year, Conwy’s Education Service asked pupils, parents and the public for their opinions on discretionary home to school transport.

The results of that consultation will be presented to the Education & Skills Scrutiny Committee today (16 July) and then to Cabinet on 23 July.

Councillors will be asked to consider recommended changes to the Home to School Transport Policy.

Cllr Julie Fallon, Cabinet Member for Education said, “We had an excellent response to the consultation.  I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved - the well-considered and detailed comments have helped inform the way we’ll update our Policy.”

The recommendations in the report are:

Transport to Welsh medium schools over the statutory distance when not the nearest school – Retain.

Transport for learners who change address during the exam years of their education so that they can remain at the same school – Remove and potentially save £25,000.

Transport to denominational schools over the statutory distance – Amend so that evidence of faith can be requested and potentially save £48,000.

Transport for Gypsy Roma Traveller children within the statutory distance – Retain.

Provision of transport to two residences where parents live separately – Amend - restricted to transport within Conwy County Borough.

Post 16 transport over the statutory distance – Amend to provide post 16 transport to the nearest educational establishment (the nearest or catchment secondary school / Welsh medium school or to the nearest F.E. college) over the statutory distance.

Transport for pupils with medical conditions or additional learning needs (ALN) – Review transport provision in line with existing policy.

School transport for other/specific reasons – Review transport provision in line with existing policy.