Policy Guidance 08/09

pdf image LA Transport Support Guidance 2008/09

Policy Commitment

The Government is committed to removing the barriers and ensuring wider access and participation in further education.
Students should have reasonable opportunities to choose between different establishments at which education or training is provided.
Local Authorities (LAs) should take account of the student's choice and the availability of courses in the local area and beyond.
LA's should take account of the cost of transport to establishments and should consider any alternative means of allowing students to study their chosen courses.

Ministers gave a commitment during the passage of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 to use a research study to identify how transport support arrangements were operating for students in FE and to consider how they might be improved.

The Department for Education and skills (DfES) commissioned the research "Transport in Further Education 2002" that included regional workshops and a conference. In the meantime, LA's colleges and sixth forms were given guidance to help improve support.

Changes to existing legislation (Section 509 of the 1996 Education Act) which governs transport support were included in the Education Act 2002. The amended legislation places a duty on LA's to make transport provision for students aged 16 - 19 and ensure that no student is prevented from accessing or taking part in Further Education due to lack of transport support or services.