Understand
Cheshire East Council considers removing free school transport for reception pupils
Overview
Cheshire East Council's cabinet has agreed to launch a public consultation on proposals to remove discretionary free school transport for four-year-olds in reception, alongside changes to how home-to-school distances are measured. The council is seeking to make savings, while critics have raised concerns that low-income families could be adversely affected.
Key points
- Cheshire East Council plans to consult on removing free travel for four-year-olds in reception classes.
- The council's cabinet also approved a consultation on changing how distances to schools are measured, proposing to measure from where the home meets the adopted highway.
- As of June 2026, the current discretionary support affects 46 mainstream education children and 43 SEND children.
- Conservative councillor Jos Saunders raised concerns that low-income families could be impacted and might keep children at home until statutory school age.
- Labour councillor Laura Crane stated the consultation will allow families and schools to share their views, aiming to ensure policies align with national government guidance.