Alex Brewer highlighted the importance of home-to-school transport in supporting social, happy and healthy societies. He cited a local example from Ancells Farm where families moved with the expectation of a free bus service to school, but this promise was broken. The reduction in bus size has led to financial strain on families, reduced working hours, and safety concerns for children walking long distances. Brewer argued that the current situation violates Government guidance on free school transport and called upon the Minister to ensure local authorities are adequately funded and meeting their statutory duties.

Jack Rankin highlighted the significant financial burden on councils due to rising costs of home-to-school transport, noting a £2.3 billion cost in 2023-24—a 70% increase from 2015-16. He emphasised that effective SEND reform is essential for sustainability and criticised decisions such as the withdrawal of the Chiltern Way Academy Trust project. Challenged the government on how quickly improvements can be made, highlighting the importance of investment in new places and inclusive education practices. Called for quicker delivery of SEND reforms.

Stressed the importance of national criteria and statutory guidance, rejecting calls for means testing or reducing disabled children's rights to transport.

Jennifer Craft highlighted the issues with home-to-school transport for special educational needs children, noting that local authorities often choose the cheapest options which can be unsuitable and untrustworthy. She mentioned that parents frequently face late or missed pickups and that these delays negatively impact their child's routine and day at school.

Supports the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward the debate and adds his support to the quest of having a better system for children with special educational needs, disabilities, and road safety issues in rural constituencies.

I raised the case of Lewis, a child with special educational needs who was physically restrained during home-to-school transport. There is no statutory requirement to report such incidents and the issue was not addressed in SEND reforms despite promises made by the Prime Minister. Shared a distressing story about a constituent's experience with home-to-school transport and called for changes in future policy.

He highlighted the negative impact of Labour's policies on rural areas, including the family farm tax, rate increases for pubs and hospitality businesses, and the Employment Rights Act 2025. He cited North Yorkshire's £42.5 million recurring deficit as evidence of policy challenges. Smith also discussed issues with the nearest local school policy, which has led to anomalies in free transport eligibility and disruption to feeder schools' numbers and historical links.

Mr McKenna highlighted issues with home-to-school transport in rural and coastal areas, specifically mentioning the difficulties faced by students on the Isle of Sheppey. He also focused on challenges for children with special educational needs aged 16 and above, noting changes to criteria that have made it nearly impossible for these children to secure necessary transport. McKenna cited several cases, including Anthony, a non-verbal student who requires constant support, and Mason, a young lad with cerebral palsy whose family faces significant financial strain due to the lack of accessible transportation options. Discussed support for young people post-16, emphasizing local authorities' duty to ensure no student is prevented from attending education due to lack of transport.

Raised issues related to safeguarding, referencing the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 as a response to past tragedies.

Agrees with Tom Gordon's contribution about the need for better home-to-school transport, particularly for SEND children and in rural areas.

Expressed concern over the financial burden of home-to-school transport on rural communities, highlighting a decline in bus services by 25% between 2015 and 2023. Raised issues with data collection and transparency regarding SEND provision. Cited an increase in Stagecoach South West termrider costs from £238 to £444 per term due to national insurance contribution rises, impacting sixth-form students' access to education.

The report from the Public Accounts Committee highlights a complete drop-off at age 16 for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities, many of whom cannot get to school. In rural areas like Rachel Gilmour's constituency, this can mean a two-hour round journey.

Points out that the hon. Member makes an excellent point regarding the importance of the rural services delivery grant to councils dealing with extra costs in delivering services in rural areas like North Yorkshire. Families in Swaledale are acutely impacted by the home-to-school transport policy due to difficult winter road conditions, leading to concerns over children's safety and education disruption. The councillor is well-representing these families.

The MP raised concerns about Surrey County Council's home-to-school transport services, which he described as inadequate despite high spending of £65 million annually. He highlighted cases where children were denied necessary transport and had to travel unsafe routes. The MP called for better investment in special educational needs (SEND) school places and improvements in data sharing related to safeguarding.