Possible options for denominational transport

There were 4 possible options for the denominational school transport policy:

(a) Do nothing – retain current policy and apply the eligibility criteria rigorously

The advantage of retaining current policy is that this avoids disruption in this area of provision. There is however a need to ensure that the current eligibility criteria are rigorously applied. In some cases admission to a denominational school is based on parental preference, rather than denominational grounds. It is important to ensure that only those pupils who are admitted on denominational grounds benefit from the current policy. This could be achieved by requiring proof of baptism and checking regular church attendance. The main implications of such a change in policy are: -

• ensuring that only eligible pupils receive assistance
• a possible reduction in pupils receiving assistance
• a possible reduction in expenditure.

(b) Introducing a maximum travelling distance.

Many councils currently impose a maximum distance for young people travelling to denominational schools. The main reason for this is to deter unreasonably long journeys so that children get the maximum benefit from their education, for example they arrive at school bright and alert. The main implications of this change are:-

• reduced expenditure
• a reasonable limit would be 10 miles for Primary and 15 miles for Secondary aged pupils (i.e. a daily return journey of up to 30 miles for secondary pupils)
• the disadvantages of changing to this policy would be that it could significantly affect Roman Catholic Secondary Schools and increase administrative costs.

(c) Charging for denominational transport.

Several councils have introduced charges for denominational transport. The introduction of charges has usually been met with resistance. The income has however eased budget pressures and ensured the continued provision of bus services that otherwise would have been withdrawn. The average cost of providing denominational transport in Nottinghamshire is £627 per year for each child. The external consultants indicate that a reasonable charge may be between £200 and £300 per year per child with safeguards for families on low incomes.

The main advantages of this approach are:

• it would achieve financial savings
• the bus network would be maintained.

The main risk for such a policy change are:

• there may be resistance to charging which may encourage more car use
• increased traffic congestion on the school journey.

(d) Withdrawing transport on denominational grounds.

The final option is to completely withdraw all the transport on denominational grounds whilst retaining our duty to consider special circumstances. The main benefit of adopting such a policy is that it would create maximum cost reductions which could be reinvested in other services.

However, this option has several disadvantages:

• it would be very difficult for some pupils to be able to travel to school without the availability of the current buses. This could result in additional pressure on places at other schools closer to where the pupils live
• potential significant increase in car usage for school journeys, resulting in increased congestion and pollution
• detrimental impact on the bus network.