Council Defends Controversial School Transport Cuts

BRACKNELL Forest Council has hit back at claims parents were not properly consulted after it decided to scrap free school transport for some Ascot pupils. The authority says it will stop funding transport to Charters School in Sunningdale where another secondary school is closer to a child's home.

The change will only apply to children starting a new school from September 2027. Existing pupils can continue to use the service until they finish Year 11.

Grainne Siggins, executive director, people, said:

"The council is changing its education transport policy to reflect national guidelines and ensure transport decisions are made consistently and fairly. It will only apply to children starting a new school from September 2027.

"All schools in Bracknell Forest and Charters School were made aware of the proposed changes and were asked to share information with their parents/ carers in June. Families currently receiving free bus passes for education transport to Charters School were also contacted directly, with information on how they could have their say on the proposed changes in the consultation on the council website.

"Where eligibility depends on the safety of a walking route, assessments will continue to be carried out in line with national guidance. The assessment will also consider concerns about the suitability of walking routes for the child's age.

"Families whose children do not qualify for free transport but do not wish their child to walk can purchase a bus pass for school transport."

The council's public consultation found 68 per cent of respondents opposed the proposal, while 32 per cent supported it.

North Ascot mum Emily Booth, 37, said she did not feel parents had been properly consulted and questioned whether walking routes would be suitable for children. She said many families had moved to the area knowing free transport to Charters was available, and that North Ascot had limited transport links, poor lighting and walking routes. She challenged councillors and council officers to walk the route with her at 6.30am in winter; the council did not respond to her invitation.

The council previously said the change would bring its transport policy in line with its statutory duties and save around £167,000 a year.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter