§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is towards the funding of free school transport for pupils attending faith schools. [132810]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Education Act 1996 sets out the local education authorities (LEAs) responsibilities in providing free transport to school for pupils of compulsory school age. Section 509(1) requires LEAs to make arrangements for the provision of transport as they consider necessary, so that pupils can attend school. This transport must be free. Section 509(3) enables authorities to pay the whole of part of a pupil's travelling expenses.
LEAs must provide free transport to denominational schools, where pupils live beyond the statutory walking distances, where they are the nearest suitable school that pupils can attend. Where pupils live closer to a non-denominational school, LEAs will provide free transport to a denominational school of their choice if they consider that transport is necessary, and they may otherwise provide assistance with travel costs. This is an area where LEAs exercise local discretion, taking into account the religious beliefs of parents and local circumstances.
505WOur recent document, "Travelling to School: an Action Plan", set out our plans for boosting walking, cycling and bus use on the journey to school. We are planning to put legislation in place as soon as possible which will allow LEAs to trial new approaches to school transport.
We hope that one or more exemplar scheme will examine fresh approaches to denominational transport.