Ealing Council is inviting people to take part in a consultation on its plans to improve travel support for young people aged 16-25 with special educational needs (SEND).
Following a review of the post-16 discretionary transport policy, the council has identified opportunities to make its services more effective and efficient, helping young people prepare for adulthood and ensuring the best use of public resources.
The aim is to continue providing effective travel assistance, enabling young people to access further education and training.
Who is being consulted?
The council is seeking feedback from:
- parents, carers, and young people with SEND
- professionals in schools, further education, and governing bodies
- professionals from social care and health services
- parent and carer groups, including Ealing Parent Carer Forum, Contact, SENDIASS, and Mencap
- councillors
- residents
How can you participate?
An online survey has been created for residents to share their views on the proposals and offer any ideas or feedback regarding post-16 travel needs for education.
The consultation opened on Wednesday 8 January, and closes at 5pm on Wednesday 19 February. The survey is available on the council’s website and the Ealing Local Offer website. For a paper copy or easy-read version, designed for people with learning disabilities, email senta@ealing.gov.uk
Public meetings will be held to discuss the proposals in more detail. Dates and locations can be found on the council’s website and the Ealing Local Offer site.
The council will be working directly with young people with SEND to understand their experiences of travelling to their places of education, their aspirations for independence, and what helps them arrive safely, on time, and ready to learn.
‘We want to hear from you’
Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “I would encourage anyone directly or indirectly affected by the policy to have their say.
“If you feel the current policy isn’t good enough or that you’ve fallen through the net, we want to hear from you.
“We’re committed to empowering and enabling young people with SEND so that they can lead more happy and independent lives, but we need your help.
“The consultation will be running for 6 weeks, so please take the time to get involved and help shape our future transport policy.”
By taking part, you can help shape the future of travel support for young people with SEND in the borough.
There will be a consultation event at West London College on Wednesday 12 February from 4pm to 6pm. The address is West London College, The Green, London, W5 5EW.
