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The issue of school transport funding and accessibility presents significant challenges for families across the UK. Currently, many parents are forced to pay between £15 to £20 per week for their child’s bus fare if they have to travel to a school that’s more than a few miles from home. For some, this is a financial burden; for others, it creates logistical challenges that often result in parents needing to drive their children to school, leading to increased traffic during peak hours, longer commute times, and environmental concerns.
The UK government provides travel funding for children who live more than 6 miles away from their designated school. However, this policy has limitations, as children who attend a school farther away due to reasons such as not being accepted into a closer school or needing to transfer due to special circumstances (e.g., the school was not the right fit) often do not receive funding.
For families that rely on public transport to get their children to school, the cost can add up to £60 to £80 per month or more. This is a significant financial strain, especially for low-income families who do not qualify for travel support.
The government’s current policy only covers students who live more than 6 miles away from their nearest school, which excludes many families who may have legitimate reasons for attending a farther school. This leaves a gap in support for families who must send their children to schools outside their immediate catchment area due to circumstances beyond their control.
The lack of affordable school transport options forces more parents to drive their children to school, leading to increased traffic congestion during peak hours. This adds to the strain on roads, increases commute times for everyone, and contributes to higher carbon emissions.
The current policies do not take into account individual circumstances, such as the quality of education at the nearest school, availability of specialized programs, or the well-being of the child.
Supporting Schools, Children and Parents with a Holistic Approach to Education
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