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News • September 16th, 2026
|Wakefield Council is taking important steps to address the rising demand for Home to School Transport services. Recently, the council announced a consultation inviting residents, families, schools, and partners to share their thoughts on proposed changes to its transport policies. This initiative aims to create a fair and sustainable transport system that can effectively meet the needs of local children and young people.
Consultation Details
The consultation officially opened on Monday, 14 September 2026, and will continue until Wednesday, 21 October 2026. During this time, community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The council's goal is to ensure that the Home to School Transport remains fair, sustainable, and in line with updated national guidelines.
Rising Costs
One of the driving factors behind this review is the significant increase in Home to School Transport costs over the years. The expenses have skyrocketed from approximately £2.2 million in 2018/19 to an estimated £10.5 million by 2024/25. This dramatic rise highlights the urgent need for a reassessment of the current transport policies to ensure they can support the growing demand effectively.
Focus on SEND Services
Matthew Caton, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, emphasised the importance of this initiative:
"Every child and young person in our district deserves the opportunity to thrive and access the support they need."
He acknowledged the vital role that transport plays for many families and urged residents to participate in the consultation to share their views.
In addition to the transport review, Wakefield Council has been actively investing in Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. Over the past three years, the council has committed more than £11 million to develop local SEND provisions, creating over 250 new specialist school places and enhancing inclusion within mainstream schools.
Proposed Changes
The consultation will cover several key areas, including:
Post-16 transport arrangements
Transport for children not yet of compulsory school age
Alternative Provision transport services
Among the proposed changes, Personal Transport Budgets are suggested to become the standard offer for eligible post-16 learners. This means that instead of the council arranging transport, eligible students would receive a budget to manage their own travel needs, with council-provided transport only available in exceptional situations.
Furthermore, discretionary transport support for children below the compulsory school age may be discontinued. For those in Alternative Provision, transport would typically only be available at the beginning and end of the standard school day.
Continued Investment in Inclusion
Wakefield Council is not just focusing on transport; it is also committed to improving educational environments for children with SEND. The council has been investing in mainstream inclusion through its High Needs Capital Grant Scheme. Since 2021, more than 47 schools and settings have received funding to enhance their facilities, including the development of sensory rooms, nurture spaces, and specialist learning areas. These improvements aim to help children with SEND succeed in their local schools, ensuring they have access to the support they need.
Next Steps
Once the consultation period concludes, the feedback gathered will be thoroughly analysed. Recommendations based on this feedback will be presented to the Cabinet in February 2027 and to the Full Council in March 2027. This process ensures that community voices are heard and considered in shaping the future of Home to School Transport in Wakefield.
Residents interested in participating in the consultation can find more information and access the feedback form on the Wakefield Council website at Wakefield Council Consultations.
