Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Knowles and Martin.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of meeting held on 31 March 2014 were approved as a true and accurate record.

i)             02/04/14

ii)            02/07/14

iii)           29/09/14

            The following minutes, from the Sub-Committee hearings held between April 2014 and September 2014, were approved as true and accurate records:

i)              02/04/14

ii)             02/07/14

iii)            29/09/14

          The Committee received a yearly update report detailing the outcomes of the home to school transport appeals held during 2014.

          The Head of Admissions introduced the report and explained that the main policy for those children aged 4-16 had been reviewed and consulted upon and finally approved in November 2012 for implementation in January 2013. The policy for post 16 was required to be reviewed annually and was currently in the reviewing stage.

          The Committee was advised that during 2014, a total of 33 appeals had been held, one of which had been dismissed, three of which had been allowed and 29 having been withdrawn. It was explained that the high number of withdrawn appeals was due to a second, more explanatory letter being sent to all applicants following their submissions. This letter outlined the reasons for refusal of home to school transport in greater detail.

          Members discussed the report and key points raised included:

·         When siblings were placed in different schools, provided that sufficient effort was made to arrange appropriate transport, schools would generally be understanding if students arrived late.

·         It was considered that secondary school children had greater provision for independent travel to school.

·         Problems were considered to arise when families moved from one area of the city to another on a regular basis, requiring children to frequently change school.

            RESOLVED:

            The Committee noted the transport appeals held during 2014.

            Reason for Decision:

The report was presented to the Committee to ensure it was informed and kept up to date with the outcomes of transport appeals made under the policies in place at the time.