STOCKTON-ON-TEES Borough Council has agreed changes to its home to school transport policy.
The revised policy was approved by the Council’s Cabinet yesterday (14 July) following consultation with schools, diocesan representatives, parents and carers.
It reflects the statutory guidance set by the Department for Education (DfE) and will be applied to all new school admissions from September 2017 onward.
There will be no changes to the existing transport arrangements in place for children currently in school, or who have accepted a school place for September 2016.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Ann McCoy, said: “The revised policy reflects DfE guidance and brings us into line with the vast majority of other local authorities.
“Under the policy, the Council will no longer provide free transport to children whose parents have chosen to send them to a school which is not their nearest suitable school, including cases where parents have chosen a faith school or academy.
“But in line with our commitment to protect those most in need, there will be extended rights for pupils entitled to free school meals or whose parents are in receipt of the maximum Working Tax Credit.”