The Department for Transport (DfT) has written to local transport authorities (LTAs) and directors of childrens services for local authorities in England ahead of the return of schools next month.
Flexibility in deciding where funding is spent means LTAs will be given discretion over where they procure additional vehicles for home-to-school and college transport.
However, they will be required to nominate a dedicated individual responsible for securing additional home-to-school transport. That person must be confirmed to DfT by 28 August and their name made available to coach and bus operators in the area, as well as schools and education authorities.
The letter supplements the previously issued guidance on managing capacity and demand when schools return in September to ensure the safeguarding of children when travelling to and from school.
DfT confirms that LTAs will be given this flexibility to decide where funding is spent on home-to-school transport provided that āit supports transport to school or college for pupils of compulsory school age and students in 16-19 educationā.
