Many children across Kent are facing a tremendous barrier to accessing their fundamental right to education due to recent changes by the Kent County Council. As stated on Gov.uk website, Young people after the age of 16, students must continue in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday, with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children up to the age of 25, which can include full-time further education, apprenticeships, or part-time education combined with work or volunteering. Kent County Council's decision to withdraw transport without warning will be stopping SEND young people accessing education which is against their human rights and rights to an education. The decision to end council-arranged transport for SEND  students aged 16 and over has the potential to disrupt the lives of many vulnerable families and their children.

The impact of these changes is vast and profound, affecting students in 116 schools throughout Kent. Without the necessary transportation, these young people might find themselves unable to attend school, risking their opportunity to receive an education. Education is not just a right but a crucial pathway for SEND students to integrate into society, achieve independence, and contribute meaningfully in the future.

Every young person deserves equal access to education. By denying transport, we are denying these students a chance to thrive academically and socially. Additionally, these changes could strain other services, including mental health support for both the students and their families, subsequently increasing costs for our already stretched NHS. The ripple effect of these transport changes extends to the broader community, potentially leaving young individuals reliant on the benefit system, which is already under pressure.  Families will further more feel the financial strain as they will need to find ways to support their young person to access education.

Kent County council are offering qualifying families a personal transport budget. However, this is not suitable for SEND children whom Kent County Council have agreed  SEND young people do not have the mental capacity to safely travel alone without support.  Along with the fact these budgets are not realistic and will not cover the cost of sufficient and safe forms of transport.

It is imperative that Kent County Council reverses this change, reinstating council-arranged transport for SEND students aged 16 and over. Furthermore, the council should actively engage with parents and families, consulting them properly before making any permanent alterations to transport services. We must ensure that these vulnerable students are not prevented from attending education because of changes in transport arrangements.

Let's advocate for fairness and equal opportunity. Sign this petition to urge Kent County Council to restore transport services for SEND students and secure the educational futures of these young people in Kent. Together, we can make a difference.