Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lambeth Council is consulting on its 16-19 SEND travel policy, seeking public input to improve transport support for young people with special educational needs.
A change from the current service to a direct payment method is suggested by the consultation.
The consultation, which will take place from February 25 to April 5, will ask families of 16–19-year-old children with SEND what they think about altering the way their children attend school.
The current approach provides children and youth with a number of transportation support alternatives, such as a seat on a vehicle, an Oyster card, or pre-booked taxi services, all of which are coordinated by the council.
Families will receive funds deposited into an account for the exclusive purpose of transportation to and from school under the council’s proposed direct payment scheme.
They can individually plan the travel of their young people using this cash.
This shift is intended to give families greater autonomy and choice while simultaneously giving young people important independence-related experience and education.
Cllr Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Families and Education said: “We know that for many young people aged 16-19 with SEND, developing independence is an important part of their journey into adulthood.
This approach is about giving them the opportunity to build confidence in their travel skills while ensuring families have greater flexibility and choice in how their children get to school or college.
Families of 16–19-year-old children with SEND are welcome to participate in the consultation, which aims to gather their opinions on the potential effects of these changes.
The final policy will be shaped with input from this consultation to make sure it successfully satisfies community needs.
He said that at the same time, we recognise that all families have different needs, which is why we are committed to maintaining essential transport services for those who rely on them. Special schools in Lambeth – Elmcourt, Vanguard, Heron Academy, Lansdowne, and Turney School – will continue to provide their bus services and multiple-occupancy taxis.
They are also investing in special travel training in primary schools to help better prepare young people for their future journeys.
He added that they want to hear from families, young people, and schools about how we can make this approach work for everyone.
“If you think you will be affected by this change, please take part in the consultation and share your thoughts with us.
To complete the consultation and have your say please visit, lambeth.gov.uk/consultations.”
What are the main benefits of the direct payment method proposed by Lambeth council?
Families who get direct payments have greater freedom and choice in how they can satisfy their travel demands because they are able to oversee their own travel plans.
This method can improve modification by better fitting conditions and preferences.
Direct payments encourage independence and autonomy in decision-making by granting families authority over the money they have been allotted.
Because families can customize their travel plans to meet their unique needs, this can result in a more efficient use of resources.
Since direct payments remove the administrative expenses related to central service management, they may be more affordable than traditional service models.
Families may be able to get better rates by negotiating directly with service providers.
A greater variety of services and providers, including those that might not be accessible through conventional council-arranged services, are made available to families through direct payments.