Question reference: S5W-31690
- Asked by: Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 9 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 18 September 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed school transport provision for (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils who have additional support needs.
Answer
Education authorities have a duty under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to make such arrangements as they consider necessary for the transport between home and school of pupils residing, and attending schools, in their area.
In considering these arrangements, authorities are required to have regard to the safety of the pupil. This includes consideration of the individual circumstances of children and young people, including their additional support needs.
The Scottish Government’s non-statutory guidance on home to school transport is currently under review. The aim of the review is to ensure that local authorities are given clear and up-to-date advice on how to maintain and develop an effective home to school transport strategy. This includes meeting the needs of pupils who have additional support needs. We expect to publish revised guidance later this year.