A comprehensive report on the school transport policy in North Lanarkshire is set to be presented to councillors during a meeting scheduled for 2026. This decision follows a motion put forth by Councillor Janice Toner (SNP, Airdrie Central), which received unanimous support from council members. The motion, seconded by Councillor Ann Ballinger (SNP, Cumbernauld South), aims to address the implications of recent amendments to school transport eligibility approved in March.
The forthcoming report will provide a detailed overview of the current provisions and application processes for school transport. It will also include essential data illustrating the impact of changes made to the distance threshold for eligibility and identify areas where further clarification of the policy may be necessary.
Background of the Motion
During a council meeting held on March 27, 2025, an amendment regarding school transport eligibility was endorsed. The council has since received feedback from members of the community concerning the effects of the revised qualifying distance threshold for secondary school transport. In responding to these concerns, the council has reaffirmed its responsibilities under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, which mandates that suitable arrangements be made for the provision of school transport.
The council’s motion explicitly recognises the need to ensure that the school transport policy is inclusive of all pupils, particularly those with medical needs and additional support requirements. To this end, the Education, Children and Families Committee has been tasked with developing a policy update report.
Key Components of the Report
The report is expected to summarise the current eligibility arrangements within the transport policy, detailing how applications based on health-related grounds are assessed. It will include monitoring data that highlights application trends and outcomes since the implementation of the revised distance threshold. Additionally, the report aims to pinpoint any areas where the policy could be improved or clarified to maintain compliance with statutory duties.
In conclusion, the council remains committed to ensuring fair and equitable access to education for all pupils in North Lanarkshire. The upcoming report will serve as a critical tool in evaluating and potentially enhancing the existing school transport policy.
