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16 to 19 years Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) Travel Assistance Policy consultation

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This consultation has closed


We are reviewing the way we provide SEND Travel Assistance for young people aged between 16 – 19 years, as part of a council-wide travel and transport review. We welcome the views of residents, parents, students, providers, schools and other stakeholders on possible changes to the way we provide travel assistance for young people in this age group.


What we are proposing

The proposed changes for this age group are aimed at advocating for travel assistance options that promote independence where possible, for example, providing Independent Travel Training to those that are capable of travelling independently but lack the confidence


We are reviewing the way we provide SEND Travel Assistance for young people aged between 16 – 19 years, as part of a council-wide travel and transport review. We welcome the views of residents, parents, students, providers, schools and other stakeholders on possible changes to the way we provide travel assistance for young people in this age group.


What we are proposing

The proposed changes for this age group are aimed at advocating for travel assistance options that promote independence where possible, for example, providing Independent Travel Training to those that are capable of travelling independently but lack the confidence and experience to do so. An alternative example is providing funding towards a bike for a young person that is physically able to ride a bike to school, also encouraging greener incentives.

The proposals encourage self-reliance and environmentally sustainable options, reflecting a shift toward greater independence for students in sixth form, whilst also supporting us in managing resources responsibly to ensure the long-term sustainability of our services. The needs and circumstances of individuals will still be taken into account, ensuring that the proposed travel assistance option(s) is feasible for the individual.

The options we are considering are:

  • Independent Travel Training (ITT)
  • utilising free and discounted public transport options
  • cycling allowance
  • Personal Transport Allowance (PTA).
  • 16 -19 Bursary funding
  • Care to Learn financial support
  • Residential support scheme
  • increasing designated pick-up and drop-off points instead of door-to-door service
  • annual contribution of £650 for students qualifying under exceptional circumstances for shared transport (50% reduction for low-income families)

Please read the Summary Consultation Document for further information on these options.


Your views are important to us

We want to hear your views on our proposals, in particular w e want to hear from students, parent/carers of students, colleges, schools and all other interested parties. To find out more please read our draft 16-19 SEND Travel Assistance Policy


How to have your say:

Complete our online questionnaire.

We are keen to hear your views on our proposals and encourage you to have your say by completing our online questionnaire.

If you would like to request a paper questionnaire or another format, please:

  • email transport.brokering@barnet.gov.uk
  • telephone 020 8359 5116
  • write to us at: Barnet Education Service, Transport Brokering Team, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London, NW9 4EW.

If you would like someone to help you complete the questionnaire or need more information, please contact us using one of the above methods.


What happens after the consultation closes?

The council will use the consultation findings to inform our final decision. We will publish the results of the consultation, our decision and how we are acting on the results of the consultation on this web page in February 2025.

This consultation has closed

  • We asked, you said, we did

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    We asked

    We sought your views on our proposed 16-19 SEND Travel Assistance Policy. Our goal is to make our policies clear and easy to understand for those considering or applying for transport. The policy for this age group included the most proposed changes, with an emphasis on promoting independence where possible and preparing young people for transitioning into adulthood, in regard to the travel assistance options available.

    You said

    A total of 25 participants provided feedback on the policy. All feedback was taken into account when finalising the policy. Key feedback included:

    • concerns about the criteria for exceptional circumstances not being clear and understandable
    • unclear criteria for the information that will be considered for discretionary decisions.


    We did

    To prepare families for any transitions and key changes, the policy has been signed off ahead of the statutory deadline of 31 May 2025. The policy will be published for the public before the 31 May 2025 deadline.

    We recognise the need to consider transitions and ensure families have information about any key changes in advance.

    Feedback regarding exceptional circumstances and discretionary decisions has been taken into consideration. Additional guidance and an FAQ will be drafted and issued alongside the revised policy. We will collaborate with the Barnet Parent/Carer Forum and the SEN Transport User Group to produce the additional guidance.

    We will continue to ensure all policies allow for exceptions, taking individual circumstances and needs into account, whilst emphasising the importance of independence where possible.

    Safety remains a priority, and we will conduct individual assessments, taking into account each young adult’s needs and personal circumstances. Risk assessments will ensure that travel arrangements offered are safe for each individual.

    We will organize workshops where parents, carers, and young adults can provide feedback on the travel assistance services and participate in discussions about potential improvements.

    You can read the results and key changes here.

    The proposed policy can be found here.