Agenda item

To report on the consultation that is taking place on the Haringey Travel Assistance Policy.                                                                               (TO FOLLOW)

Ms Difolco reported that, following a challenging start to the previous school year, an informal learning review was set up to look at SEND transport.  This had identified some areas of learning, which resulted in the development of proposals to improve the service.  A new Travel Assistance policy had been drafted in response and was currently subject to consultation.  It contained separate policies for pre and post 16 children and young people. 

There were a number of changes contained in the new policy.  These included:

·         Consideration of sustainability;

·         Introduction of behavioural standards; 

·         A detailed explanation of the decision making process for transport;

·         Standardisation of disputes and appeals processes, in accordance with Statutory Guidance;

·         Cut off dates for applications to reduce disruption to the service and inform effective planning;

·         Personal travel budgets had been developed further and rates increased so they were in line with those offered by other boroughs; and

·         Clarity around breakfast and after school clubs and times when transport could be provided.

A comprehensive programme of opportunities for people to respond to the consultation had been provided and 69 formal responses had been received so far. The majority of these had come from parents and carers.  The top priority from those who had responded was to improve communication with parents. 

Procurement for was currently underway.  Preliminary routes would shared with schools by 1 July and trial runs conducted with new providers by mid-August.  Additional investment had been provided for the SEND Transport Team and this included a Parent Liaison Officer.  In addition, software was being developed to support communication and tracking through an app for parents and carers.

In answer to a question, Ms Difolco reported that Personal Travel Budgets were separate from Direct Payments.  There were eligibility criteria for travel assistance and consultation took place with parents and carers to determine the most appropriate mode of transport.  Children and young people with complex needs would not normally be given a Personal Travel Budget.   They were generally provided when a parent or carer had indicated they would be interested in having one.  A flat rate was paid which was comparable to amounts offered by other London boroughs but did not provide an incentive for parents and carers and had a low take up. This is in the process of being reviewed.  It was agreed that a link to the draft policy and the page relating to Personal Travel Budgets would be circulated to Panel Members.

In answer to another question, she stated that approximately 630 children and young people received travel assistance.  The consultation had specifically targeted parents and carers of children with SEND but details had also been sent to every household in the borough through Haringey People.  In addition, it had also been publicised via the SEND newsletter, which had over 2,000 subscribers. 

The Panel commented that the response rate had so far been comparatively low, although the consultation still had some time to run.   Ms Difolco stated that she was open to suggestions on how the level of responses could be increased.  She commented that the number of those who had responded formally did not include feedback that had been obtained through specific in-person and virtual consultation events, which had not yet been collated.  The number who had responded via these was approximately double the number who had responded formally.   The new policy would be reviewed annually. 

AGREED:

That a link to the draft Travel Assistance Policy and the page relating to Personal Travel Budgets be circulated to the Panel.