North Yorkshire Council Communication: Home to School Travel Policy Post Implementation Review Consultation

We wanted to make you aware that the Post Implementation Review (PIR) of our Home to School Travel Policy has now been published. It was considered by our Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 16 September and then by Executive on 18 September.

The PIR was a commitment made when changes to the policy were introduced in 2024 and considered feedback from families, schools and stakeholders, alongside appeals, complaints, transport data and our experience of delivering the service.

The review found that the policy is operating in line with national guidance and remains on track to achieve its intended outcomes, including savings. It also identified several areas where improvements could be made, including:

  • Removing a small number of routes where there are practical challenges. 
  • Improving mapping and route data. 
  • Strengthening the appeals process. 
  • Providing greater clarity around how routes and distances are assessed. 
  • Improving information and guidance.

You’ll find more detailed information here: www.northyorks.gov.uk/PIR

The review does not recommend a return to catchment-based transport eligibility. Eligibility would continue to be based on a child's nearest suitable school with available places.

Following approval by our Executive on 18 September, we have launched a six-week public consultation on the recommendations that require approval by Full Council. The consultation provides an opportunity for people to share their views before any decisions are made and we would encourage you to take part as a key stakeholder by going to www.northyorks.gov.uk/PIRsurvey. The consultation is open now and runs until 4 November 2026.

As this information may also be of interest to your members, service users or networks, we would be grateful for your help in raising awareness of the consultation through your communication channels where appropriate. Suggested information to use is at the end of this letter. Schools have also been contacted directly.

It is important to note that no changes have been agreed at this stage and the current Home to School Travel Policy remains in place while the decision-making process is completed. If any recommendations are approved, they would not take effect before September 2027 and will apply to children starting in Reception and Year 7 in September 2028.

Thank you in advance for your support and helping ensure North Yorkshire families are kept informed throughout this process.

Yours sincerely

Rachel Joyce

Assistant Chief Executive – Local Engagement

Information to share

Have your say on proposed changes to North Yorkshire Council's Home to School Travel Policy.

Following a Post Implementation Review of the updated Home to School Tavel policy introduced in 2024, North Yorkshire Council is inviting views on a number of recommended changes. The consultation is open now and runs until 4 November 2026.

The review found that the policy is largely working as intended, helping to create a fairer and more consistent approach to transport eligibility while remaining in line with national guidance and on track to deliver planned savings. It also identified areas where improvements could be made.

Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “We know that school travel arrangements are incredibly important to families and that the changes introduced in 2024 have affected some households more than others.

“When the policy changed, we promised to review how it was working in practice and to listen to the experiences of families.

“We have carefully considered feedback from parents and carers, schools and other stakeholders, alongside appeals, complaints and operational data.

“We would encourage people to take part as this is your opportunity to have your say and help us to shape the future of our home to school travel policy in North Yorkshire.”

If any recommendations are approved, they would not take effect before September 2027 and will apply to children starting in Reception and Year 7 in September 2028. Families should continue to make school preference decisions based on the existing arrangements while this process is completed.

Eligibility for free travel would continue to be based on a child's nearest suitable school with available places. The review does not propose a return to catchment-based transport eligibility.

Find out more about the review and take part in the consultation at www.northyorks.gov.uk/PIRsurvey

Published: 02/10/2026 Published by: Eppleby Parish Council

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