Home to School Transport Consultation 2025

Home to School Transport Consultation 2025

Introduction

Knowsley Council is consulting on how it provides Home to School Transport. 

The Council’s statutory duty 

There are a range of statutory obligations which the Council must meet, outlined in the Department for Education’s Home to School Travel and Transport Guide (2024). Anything above these obligations is discretionary and included within the Home to School Transport Policy. 

What is the current situation? 

The Council currently transports nearly 1000 children and young people to and from school each day. This involves nearly 300 transport routes, supported by over 7 transport providers, ranging from bus companies to local taxi services. 

The links below provides background and further information to the key areas and proposals that the council is consulting on. 

Knowsley School Transport Information 

Additional Consultation Information

Have your say

Parents can have their say on the proposals by completing Home to School Transport Consultation Survey  up to the Consultation survey closing date 26th March 2025

If you have any questions, please email to  sendtransport@knowsley.gov.uk or contact 0151 443 2440.

What is being proposed? 

The council has reviewed how it provides Home to School Transport with a number of proposals being considered. The proposals will continue to ensure any child or young person eligible for the service under the council's statutory duty will receive support to travel to school. However, the consultation is proposing potential changes around how some children might access travel assistance and how they travel to school. 

It is important that the views of parents, carers, and children and young people who may be affected by the proposals are carefully considered to ensure that the service continues to meet the needs of its users. Feedback is also sought from Knowsley Council schools, colleges, and other educational establishments as well as residents and other interested stakeholders. 

Any proposed changes for school aged pupils would not come into effect until September 2026, and we are consulting now so that parents are aware of their entitlement to support when deciding on their child’s schooling during the school admissions process this autumn. 

Any proposed changes for post 16 students would not come into effect until September 2025.