Ombudsman responds to National Audit Office report on School Transport

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has responded to the National Audit Office (NAO)'s report about school transport, published today.

Mrs Amerdeep Clarke, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said:

“From the complaints we receive, we know transport to and from their education settings can be a significant issue for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and for the councils that arrange and fund it. We commonly see the significant impact it can have on families when blanket decisions are made, and individual circumstances are not properly considered.

 “We welcome the National Audit Office’s report and the focus it has placed on the specific challenges around transport within the SEND system and await further clarity on the government’s intended approach when it releases its SEND reform white paper.”