As schools prepare to reopen, families in Greater Manchester are facing daunting daily commutes that can significantly impact their children’s education and well-being. For some, like Tosin Balogun and her two children, the journey from Stretford to Harpurhey is not just a short trip but a lengthy and stressful ordeal.
Three years ago, the Balogun family was forced out of their home in Gorton when their landlord issued an eviction notice. After being temporarily housed by the Manchester council, Tosin’s family had to navigate a challenging commute to Manchester Communication Academy. The route involved two buses and often took over an hour, forcing them to leave home at 06:30 to arrive by 08:15. “Sometimes the bus would be full and we would have to wait for another one,” Tosin recalled, emphasizing the stress this journey added to their lives.
Despite these challenges, the family did not qualify for free transport under government guidelines, which only apply to children living more than two miles from school when there is no suitable school closer. This rule poses a significant hurdle in Greater Manchester, where many families in temporary accommodation must decide between paying for transport or moving their children to a nearby school.
According to the Manchester Evening News, approximately 8,000 children live in temporary accommodation across the city-region. Many parents, like Tosin, feel they have no choice but to cover transport costs, which can amount to more than £40 a month.
The situation prompted the Manchester Communication Academy to take action after learning about the Balogun family’s struggles. The school has begun paying the bus fares of some homeless students using a £10,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families while ensuring children can attend school without the added stress of transportation costs.
On December 3, 2023, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed sympathy for families in similar situations. While he acknowledged the hardships faced by families like the Baloguns, he stopped short of committing to the introduction of free bus passes for children in temporary accommodation. Burnham mentioned ongoing discussions about budget allocations and potential interventions, stating, “I cannot say more than that because we are in discussions over the budget which come to a head in January.”
The daily commute for families like the Baloguns highlights broader systemic issues impacting access to education in Greater Manchester. The early start and chaotic bus schedules create conditions that can negatively affect students’ readiness for school. Arriving at Manchester Communication Academy requires pupils to be on time for breakfast, which only adds to the pressure parents face.
The challenges extend beyond mere logistics. The environment at bus stops and transit hubs, such as Piccadilly Gardens, can be unsettling. Early mornings in December often bring cold temperatures and a bustling atmosphere that may not be conducive to a calm school day.
Despite the recent changes to the transport system, including simplified fares, many homeless families still find it difficult to afford the cost of commuting to school. As Tosin pointed out, the financial burden of transportation can amount to a significant sum, especially when families are already struggling to make ends meet.
Community advocates and local MPs are rallying for change, urging Mayor Burnham to implement a free bus pass program for children living in temporary accommodation more than a 30-minute walk from school. This campaign has garnered support from several high-profile charities and hundreds of residents who believe that no parent should have to choose between paying for transport and their child’s education.
The plight of the Balogun family is emblematic of a larger issue facing many in Greater Manchester. As discussions about budget and policy continue, the hope remains that necessary changes will be made to support families in need during these challenging times.
