The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 11 May 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on the Post 16 Transport Policy, following a consultation period, and an update on standards and quality in Hertfordshire schools.

Post 16 Transport Policy Consultation Responses

A key item for discussion is the Post 16 Transport Policy, with a report detailing the responses received from a recent consultation. The council is required to publish an annual transport statement by 31 May each year, outlining arrangements for supporting the attendance of sixth-form-age learners, including apprentices, to access education or training. While local authorities are not legally required to provide free or subsidised transport for those aged 16-18, guidance from the Department for Education (DfE)¹ suggests that councils should provide necessary support.

The consultation, which ran from 18 February to 19 April 2026, involved 1660 respondents, with almost two-thirds representing statutory age SEND pupils. Proposals include amending the existing policy to introduce Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs) as the standard offer for 16-18 year olds requesting travel support, with savings intended to support the further development of SEND services. The report notes that over 1000 PTBs are already provided for young people with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) in Hertfordshire.

Concerns raised during the consultation included a lack of understanding about PTBs, confidence in public transport, and the potential detrimental impact on families. The report outlines how these concerns are being addressed, including additional publicity for PTBs, the availability of a travel training programme, and a two-stage appeal process for exceptional cases.

Standards and Quality in Hertfordshire Schools

The panel is also scheduled to receive a report providing an overview of the performance and standards of all schools in Hertfordshire, including academies. This report will include data on inspection outcomes and academic results for the academic year September 2024 to August 2025. Members' attention will be drawn to typographical errors within the report concerning Key Stage 4 data. The report highlights the Best Start in Life programme, which is nearing completion, and a pilot test-and-learn approach in Watford and Stevenage focusing on home learning, family partnerships, and parental support.