London’s boroughs are transforming how they support families with SEND transport needs.
Following extensive consultations throughout 2024, significant policy updates are now taking effect for the 2025-26 academic year. These changes reflect both rising demand and a strategic shift toward promoting independence while maintaining essential support for those who need it most.
Hackney’s Revolutionary Approach
Hackney Council has unveiled its most comprehensive transport policy overhaul in years, following a major consultation that concluded in September 2024. The new policy represents a fundamental shift from traditional organised transport toward flexible, independence-focused solutions.
Key Changes Include:
Enhanced Independent Travel Training: Now offered to all secondary school-age pupils with SEND who receive transport assistance
Expanded Personal Travel Budgets: Greater flexibility for families to arrange their own transport solutions
Strategic Pick-up Points: Moving away from exclusively door-to-door services to promote community integration
Streamlined Appeals Process: Improved two-stage review system with clearer timelines
Hackney’s approach directly supports their SEND Strategy 2022-2025, emphasising that “no child should be prevented from accessing education because they cannot get to school.”
The borough has committed to maintaining support for young people with significant needs while encouraging greater independence where appropriate.
Islington’s Inclusive Framework
Islington Council’s updated SEND Strategy demonstrates a commitment to individualised assessment and family-centred support. The borough has strengthened its approach to ensuring transport arrangements meet each child’s unique needs.
Notable Developments:
Priority Early Learning SEND: Enhanced support for younger children with complex needs
Flexible Assessment Criteria: Moving beyond standard distance measurements to consider individual circumstances
Improved Communication: Better information sharing between transport teams and educational settings
Year-round Applications: Removing rigid deadline constraints to support families facing changing circumstances
Hammersmith & Fulham’s Procurement Innovation
H&F Council has implemented significant changes to their Travel Care and Taxi Procurement Strategy for 2025, focusing on quality service delivery and value for money.
Strategic Improvements:
Enhanced Service Standards: New quality benchmarks for transport providers
Improved Passenger Safety: Upgraded vehicle specifications and driver training requirements
Family Forum Integration: Direct input from parent and carer groups in policy development
Sustainability Focus: Environmental considerations in transport provision choices
Waltham Forest’s Comprehensive Review
Waltham Forest maintains its comprehensive Home to School Travel Assistance Policy covering ages 5-25, with recent updates emphasising accessibility and individual needs assessment.
Policy Enhancements:
Extended Age Coverage: Clear support pathways up to age 25 for young people with EHCPs
Diverse Transport Options: From bus passes to independent travel training programmes
Robust Monitoring: Annual satisfaction surveys and continuous service improvement
Community Partnership: Strong links between transport services and local SEND community groups
Camden’s Holistic Support Model
Camden Council continues to prioritise individual assessment while expanding options for families across all age groups. Their approach emphasises the connection between transport and broader educational outcomes.
Recent Innovations:
Integrated Service Delivery: Close coordination between SEN teams and transport planning
Post-16 Flexibility: Enhanced options for young people transitioning to further education
Sports and Leisure Integration: Consideration of transport needs for wider community participation
Appeals Transparency: Clearer guidance on review processes and decision-making criteria
Common Themes Across All Boroughs
Several significant trends emerge across all six councils:
Independence Promotion: All boroughs now prioritise independent travel training where appropriate, recognising this as a crucial life skill that enhances long-term outcomes for young people with SEND.
Personal Budget Expansion: Personal Travel Budgets are becoming more widely available, offering families greater control and flexibility over transport arrangements.
Individual Assessment: Moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches toward comprehensive individual needs assessments that consider the whole child and family circumstances.
Partnership Working: Enhanced collaboration with families, schools, and community organisations in policy development and service delivery.
Financial Context and Sustainability
The average annual cost per SEND pupil using transport has increased from £6,280 in 2018-19 to £8,299 in 2023-24, making efficiency and sustainability key priorities for all councils.
Implementation Timeline
Most policy changes take effect from September 2025, though some elements are being phased in throughout the academic year:
- September 2025: New application processes and eligibility criteria
- October 2025: Enhanced independent travel training programmes launch
- January 2026: Full personal budget options become available
- Ongoing: Continuous review and adjustment based on family feedback
What This Means for Families
Families can expect more personalised service, greater choice in transport arrangements, and enhanced support for developing independence. However, the changes also require more active engagement with application processes and annual reviews.
Immediate Actions for Families:
- Review updated eligibility criteria for your borough
- Consider whether independent travel training might benefit your child
- Explore personal budget options if seeking more flexible arrangements
- Engage with consultation processes to shape future policy development
These policy updates represent the most significant transformation in SEND transport provision in recent years. While changes may feel overwhelming initially, they’re designed to create more responsive, sustainable, and empowering support systems for London’s SEND community.
Success will depend on continued collaboration between councils, families, schools, and transport providers to ensure that every child can access the education they deserve, regardless of their transport needs.
Jimac Cars proudly manages SEND transport across all these boroughs, ensuring children receive safe, reliable, and compassionate service in Hackney, Islington, H&F, Waltham Forest, Camden, and Haringey.
