School Transport

Local authorities in Wales are currently required to provide free transport to and from school for pupils aged 5-7 if they live more than 2 miles away from school, and for pupils aged 8-16 if they live more than 3 miles away from school. This makes school transport one of the major functions of local authorities.

The WLGA commissioned research by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) into school transport in order to aid the development of effective policy and practice in Wales. The report was published last year and shows that safety for pupils, passengers and drivers is of paramount importance when travelling to school including getting on and off the bus. The report has also highlighted the importance identifying cost effective ways of addressing safety and behaviour issues.

The National Assembly for Wales, Education and Lifelong Learning Committee has also undertaken research into the school transport; their report was published April 2005. The report contains a number of recommendations for local authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Welsh Assembly Government is currently consulting on proposals for changes to the law regarding school transport, which can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government website in the transport section. www.wales.gov.uk

Further information is available from the NFER website. www.nfer.ac.uk

For more information contact: Daisy Seabourne