DfE SEND division would like to draw attention to new guidance published on 12 August to support the government’s intention for all children and young people, in all year groups and places of education, to return to education full time from the beginning of the autumn term.
The guidance is for local authorities, which will also be of interest to transport operators and education settings. It is in two parts:
- Part A provides guidance for local authorities on managing the capacity of, and demand for, public transport, and increasing capacity of both public and dedicated home to school services, so that children can travel safely to and from school.
- Part B provides guidance about taking measures to reduce risk on dedicated home to school transport in the autumn term.
Solutions in relation to transport planning for the wider return of school children must be locally led. The precise pressures on the local transport network for both home to school transport, and public transport, will vary greatly by area, and solutions will need to reflect local circumstances that apply.
This guidance has been developed in conjunction with the Department for Transport and with advice from Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).