Navigating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transport policies can feel overwhelming for many families. Fortunately, recent updates across Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Islington Councils aim to make the journey smoother, clearer, and more empowering for young people and their guardian.
What’s Changing?
All three councils have reviewed their SEND transport policies in the past year, responding to growing demand and feedback from local families. The main drive? To increase independence, transparency, and consultation in how children and young adults access home-to-school transport.
Highlights from Local Policies
- Hackney Council: Consultation led to a new focus on independent travel training, flexible transport solutions, clearer eligibility cheques, and annual policy reviews. Families now have options like personal travel budgets and more transparent appeals processes.
- Islington Council: Policy now prioritises safe, accessible transport for all, with an annual application process, expanded personal budgets, and better communication about available support.
- Hammersmith and Fulham (H&F): Updated travel care policies stress individual assessments, a strong appeals procedure, and regular reviews of eligibility and support levels.
What Does This Mean for Families?
Parents and carers will notice:
- Annual Reviews: You may need to reapply or confirm eligibility for travel each year—but this ensures your child’s needs are always central.
- Clearer Communication: Councils now provide easier-to-understand guides, regular newsletters, and designated helplines for questions.
- Multiple Options: From council-provided minibuses to independent travel training and personal travel budgets, families can select what best fits their child’s needs.
How Can Parents Access Support?
- Start with the SEND Local Offer: Each council maintains a SEND portal with guides, application details, FAQs, and contact numbers.
- Consult Family Information Services: Get direct help, advice, or referrals to local workshops and training.
- Participate in Consultations: Councils actively seek parental input for future policies—your feedback makes a difference!
Practical Steps Forward
- Read your borough’s latest SEND transport policy each September.
- Keep your contact info and documentation up to date for annual reviews.
- Attend local events or forums to hear about changes early.
With these initiatives, Hackney, Islington, and H&F councils demonstrate a real commitment to accessible, family-friendly SEND transport—for today and tomorrow.
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.
