South Tyneside Council seeks views on new SEND transport approach for post-16s
South Tyneside Council is asking for residents to give their views on a new SEND transport approach for those older than 16.
South Tyneside residents will be asked for their views on cost-cutting proposals which aim to help more young people with additional needs travel independently and prepare for adulthood.
Reform UK's ruling cabinet has approved a consultation on a potential new approach for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) around post-16 assisted transport.
The consultation will seek views on a new approach that aims to tackle "spiralling" service costs while promoting greater independence for young people, where it is right for them.
This includes offering more personalised support for post-16 travel to education settings and making sure resources are focused where they are needed most.
The approach aims to give families more choice and flexibility through 'independent travel training' and 'personal travel budgets' options, while continuing to provide support based on each young person’s circumstances.
Under the current model, young people aged 16 or over who receive assisted transport can be supported via taxi/minibus provision, personal travel budgets and independent travel training, however, the vast majority of service users receive transport assistance in the form of a taxi/minibus.
Under the proposed new policy all young people applying for transport assistance would be required to undertake an independent travel training assessment, which would inform future support offered.
"Spiralling costs of assisted transport"
A cabinet report said the proposals were developed in response to the "spiralling costs of assisted transport" and aim to "identify and implement cost efficiencies".
An external consultancy company looking at the service found the current post-16 model "remains heavily reliant on commissioned taxi and minibus provision, which does not always support young people to develop independent travel skills where this is appropriate".
It was noted that "further savings could therefore be achieved by making better use of independent travel training, personal travel budgets and other forms of support that promote independence and preparation for adulthood".
A report to cabinet on Wednesday, September 23, said the proposed changes were "critical to ensure that spending on post 16 transport becomes more financially sustainable", with an "opportunity for significant savings".
This includes a forecasted £300,000 of cost reduction in 2027/28and £500,000 in 2028/29 if changes are implemented, as well as a reduced number of taxis going out to tender.
The cabinet report adds the "proposed model would help young people develop the confidence, resilience and practical travel skills needed to access education, employment, training and community life with reduced reliance on specialist transport, where appropriate".
It added the option would also "reduce reliance on taxi journeys and promotes active travel and public transport" and had "benefits for environmental sustainability and health and wellbeing."
The changes follow an external review of the service and a wider assessment of how post-16 travel assistance is provided in other local authorities.
The current model
The council says the current model is placing increasing pressure on budgets, with demand for SEND transport continuing to rise both locally and nationally.
The cabinet report noted that while statutory requirements for compulsory school-age children (5-16 years) are clear, when a young person moves to post-16 education, local authorities have "more flexibility in terms of the type of support they provide and when a young person would be eligible to receive that support."
Following a cabinet decision this week, consultation is due to take place later this year with feedback helping to shape any final proposals brought back to cabinet.
The cabinet report is available to view via South Tyneside Council's website.