West Lothian school transport cost prompts question over free bus pass use
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Pupils in West Lothian could be asked to use public bus routes to get to school, after questions were raised over the cost of providing special transport.
The council pays £1, 245 per pupil to provide 'free' school transport - but with the Scottish Government also providing free bus passes to under 22s, one councillor questioned why pupils were not being asked to use normal buses.
And the council has confirmed they are looking at 'crossover' areas where normal public transport may be a suitable alternative.
The cost to the council for school transport in the last year was more than £3m - but the 'use the bus pass' option is not the simple answer it might appear.
Conservative councillor Alison Adamson, speaking at a recent Environment Policy Development Scrutiny Panel meeting, said: 'I hate using the expression free transport . It costs the council £1,245 to take each child to schools. That's not free in anyone's language.'
'I don't understand the Scottish Government saying that anyone up to a certain age gets free transport, but we have to find the money for school children to get to school so my question is. Can we find a way of tapping into free transport budget.?
'Why is that free but councils have to find funding to get children to get to school. I find that very difficult to understand. A lot of people would too? Given how much money it costs I find it very very difficult to swallow.'
Chairing the meeting Labour's Tom Conn said 'I think the answer will be that the council is obliged to take pupils to school. We have a responsibility under legislation to support that, but I take your point.'
He added that school contract buses 'take children from A to B', directly to schools, whereas commercial networks don't.
In East Lothian a proposal in this year's budget by the ruling Labour group to encourage schoolchildren who have nationally funded under-22 free bus passes to stop using school passes was challenged by opposition groups.
Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, the council has a statutory responsibility to provide school transport for those pupils living over the qualifying distance for home to school transport.
Section 42 (4) of the Act clarifies that the statutory walking distance is two miles for any pupil under the age of eight, and three miles for any other pupil where attending their catchment school.
The council can discharge this duty through contracted school transport, using council owned vehicles, utilising the commercial bus network or even through mileage payments to parents for self-travel.
The council will consider a number of factors when considering which transport option is most appropriate including available resources, the needs of pupils and the suitability and availability of the bus network.
The total 2024/25 cost for school buses was £3,194,373.
A West Lothian council spokesperson said: 'Although commercial bus routes may exist they may not provide sufficient connection to meet the council's statutory obligations for school transport.
'West Lothian Council has a generous home to school policy which provides transport for secondary pupils living 2 or more miles from their catchment school and 1.5 miles for primary pupils.
'However, work is ongoing to assess the crossover between the school network and the local bus network to identify if there are any opportunities to enhance and supplement the options for transport for school pupils in the future.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
26 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
What locals in Balloch think of Flamingo Land
A 10-year battle has raged over what this idyllic spot on one of the world's most storied waterways should come to look like in the future. An English leisure company called Flamingo Land specialising in leisure resorts has fought hard to build a hotel and log cabins and, ahem … a monorail here. The very notion of a leisure complex annexing one of the few remaining accessible spots on what the legendary Scottish naturalist, Tom Weir had called 'a lung for Glasgow' immediately seemed an anathema to the Scottish public and to those across the world who had experienced Loch Lomond's wild beauty. More than 155,000 signatures were collected expressing opposition to what they regarded as an environmental sacrilege. No other grassroots campaign had ever come anywhere near gathering so many responses. Read More Fake liberals wage war on Scotland's poorest and most vulnerable folk How new Pope and Catholic Church have mesmerised our Godless societies Pope Leo is the first American pontiff, but Trump should not celebrate It forced the developers and their partners, Scottish Enterprise and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park authority to retreat and re-consider an arrangement they'd all thought could be steered through with a minimum of public engagement and scrutiny. Along the way, a pattern of civic and private relationships has been exposed in which an exclusivity agreement with the developers was uncovered as well as a nexus of interlocking relationships in which undeclared interests and quiet land transfers have occurred. Featuring heavily throughout the saga has been the SNP's favoured weapon of mass obstruction: the redacted official document. The latest twists in a decade-long series of convulsions have occurred in the last few weeks. In May, the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division intimated that the Reporter assigned to the case was minded to allow the appeal for the Flamingo Land development after it had been unanimously rejected by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Planning Authority last September Seasoned campaigners though, who had observed the behaviour of Scottish Enterprise and the tactics of the developers up close were wary of breaking open the champagne just yet. Scotland's planning laws allow developers unlimited scope for appeal while denying the same to community groups. It was inevitable that Flamingo Land bosses would return. Yet, there would be one more turn of the cards. It came when Jackie Baillie, the formidable Labour MSP for the area, succeeded in having the issue debated last Wednesday. The Scottish Government, fearing a vote it would lose, moved suddenly to re-call the plans. One local campaigner told me: 'When Jackie gets going on an issue she becomes a force of nature. It's clear she'd stacked enough votes among all opposition parties to cause the Government problems.' Loch Lomond plans (Image: Loch Lomond planning portal) In the Balloch House Inn, local people were keen to dismantle some of the mythology of this struggle for what they regard as the soul of their community. 'It now looks like the plans won't be going forward any time soon,' said Peter Broughan, long-time resident of this neighbourhood. 'And let's be honest: it would be insanity to do this before the 2026 election. It's not a vote winner. The problem of course is parity of planning. The developers can come back any time they want. Objectors can't.' Last week, Scotland's MSPs all received a clumsy letter from a lobbying firm acting on behalf of the developers. It attempted to dispel what it described as myths in the objectors' narrative. Within hours the decision to recall the plans was made: surely one of the fastest times on record a lobbyist's claims were dumped. The firm described as 'myth' that more than 155,000 people had objected to the Lomond Banks development. Here's what they claimed was the truth: 'While an online petition claimed to gather more than 155,000 signatures, these figures are not independently verifiable. In contrast, the official planning process received just 760 formal objections, a small number given the scale and reach of the project.' Local campaigner, Alannah Maurer is familiar with this type of claim and dismantles it. 'This is desperate stuff,' she said. 'It's a verifiable fact that 155,000 objected, whether by email or through an online portal platformed by the Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer. It shows the strength of feeling – and to an unprecedented extent – that the Scottish are opposed to the planning application. If the developer claims these figures are not independently verifiable, is he suggesting that our MSPs are misrepresenting figures in statements they have made in Parliament? 'Are they suggesting that 155,000 objections, including campaign groups representing 6,000 members are not to be considered? How arrogant and insidious.' Willie Hutchison, an engineer who has worked all over the world, said: 'Loch Lomond is an area of outstanding natural beauty and it is recognised both at home and internationally as such. Commercial real estate developments like the Flamingo Land proposal are utterly at odds with the objects of retaining an area of natural beauty. Their proposal comprising two hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, a brewery, over a hundred chalets, and a monorail tells you that. 'Las Vegas on the Loch may be a quip but in truth it reflects how such commercial developments are the antithesis of the natural environment. In my opinion, this is a Trojan Horse with more development to come. 'And why has this deal proceeded with such secrecy? What justifies a near ten-year 'exclusivity agreement'? Why can't people know what public land is being sold for? And how much is the running bill, including working hours spent by highly-paid public officials? Are we expected to believe that 10 years and huge public and private expense is all merely for this development?' Local resident, Elaine Telfer said: 'You wonder why Flamingo Land is so determined to keep fighting, and at what cost? Could it be a Land Grab, of a world famous prime location: the gateway to Loch Lomond? Looking at their financial position, from Companies House, they are asset-rich only, so who are their backers? From the first sod being cut to the opening of the resort will take something like seven years. The disruption caused is beyond comprehension.' Enter Peter Haining, the world-renowned Scottish rower who won three world Sculling titles. He is founding Director of the Scottish Institute of Sport and remains a globally-respected rowing coach. He was born in nearby Dumbarton and first honed his skills on this stretch of water as a member of the Loch Lomond Rowing Club. Mr Haining has been in quiet discussions with some local campaigners and politicians about a much more ambitious and sustainable project which would unlock the full cultural and economic potential of this historic region. 'The scope of what can be achieved here, without disturbing the natural beauty and the natural order of this place is vast,' he said. 'I'd propose a Loch Lomond watersports centre. And from that you could develop ideas around on what this area really needs. I'd like to expand it to the University of Loch Lomond which would provide a natural link in an educational chain which has Stirling at one end and Glasgow at the other. 'This place is a natural environment for providing degrees in a broad spectrum of environment specialisms, including energy conservation and the study of algae and solar energy. Loch Lomond and the surrounding lands are intrinsic to a true appreciation of both ancient and modern Scotland, stretching back to the Neolithic age. The heartbeat of Scotland can be felt here. 'Spain has benefitted greatly from the tens of thousands who visit to walk the ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela. We have our own sacred highways around here which tell the story of how the first Christian monks came here and where St Columba walked and which helped give birth to western Christianity. The geographical and historical timelines around this part of Scotland are vast end endless. 'You could have a Gaelic-speaking centre and foster trades and skills in kilt-making, acrylics, fabric-dying. In commercial terms, you could attract investment from global partners owing to the opportunities in world-class fishing, fine dining and whisky. It would be a four-phase plan, fully costed and researched, starting with a watersports centre, the university and training camps for international rowers. 'America's Ivy League universities have vast alumni wealth under management and these places absolutely adore the Scottish Highlands and the west coast.' Peter Haining's vision is significantly more valid and purposeful than anything that the government agencies and their favoured business partners have produced in a decade of wasted endeavour.
The Herald Scotland
29 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
'Exclusion labelled as support' for looked-after pupils
The latest report - 'Exclusion labelled as support': Care experienced children in Scotland's education system - was commissioned by Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People's Commissioner for Scotland, who argued that the evidence shows that 'too many children are being let down by the current education system.' Louise Hunter, CEO of Who Cares? Scotland, said that children's 'full right to education must be realised' and called the report a 'reality check' for those who claim that Scotland is on-track to keep The Promise by 2030. Researchers analysed a range of existing evidence related to the experiences of looked after pupils, including data on more than 1,200 advocacy requests submitted between April 2022 and March 2024. The commissioner also met with a focus group of advocacy workers, and young people themselves were also able to contribute either one-to-one or by participating in small group sessions. A key feature of The Promise was a commitment that 'all formal and informal exclusions of care experienced pupils would end', but the reality for children has been different. Although exclusion rates for looked after children have fallen significantly over the past decade, official data shows that they actually increased in the period between 2021 and 2023. The most recent figures revealed that 98 out of every 1000 care experienced pupils was formally excluded at least once in a year, almost six times higher than the levels seen in the broader pupil population. Informal exclusions and the use of part-time timetables are also widely reported and contribute to children's rights being 'breached'. Many care experienced young people continue to report feeling stigmatised at school, which the report states is partly due to 'stereotypes' portrayed in the media. Children referred to 'feeling othered for their clothing, transport, having to leave class and a general level of suspicion and rejection.' Those aged over sixteen were more likely to feel 'singled out' in school, although younger children tended to be more positive about their treatment. A major issue for looked after young people is the 'common experience' of changing schools, which can 'significantly disrupt their rights to education.' Sometimes these changes are requested by the pupils themselves, who may wish to be able to attend school with friends or family, but repeated placements moves for looked after children are also a key factor. The report notes that in the academic year 2022-23, almost one in seven children in care were moved more than once. Looked after pupils are also affected by a lack of appropriate support for learning in school, despite the fact that all care experienced children are regarded as having additional support needs, and the challenges involved in transitions from one stage of education to another. The new report highlights the positive impact of the Virtual School Teams (VST), explicitly praising the approach in Edinburgh where the team includes 'a Care Experienced Quality Improvement Officer, virtual headteacher, pupil support officers, educational psychologists and the lead for outdoor education.' READ MORE Virtual schools have been established to support care experienced pupils in more than half of local authorities, and are 'highly valued' by advocacy workers who feel that they are 'really useful in establishing measures to avoid exclusions or get young people back into school as soon as possible.' However, concerns are raised about a lack of access to digital learning or online schools for looked after pupil, with approaches varying from one council to the next and difficulty accessing services due to high levels of demand. The report ultimately makes three key recommendations, which it describes as 'interdependent'. The first is for the 'commitment to end formal and informal exclusions' for looked after children to be 'enforced immediately, better understood and properly resourced across local authorities.' The second recommendation is for 'all education authorities', up to and including the Scottish Government, to adopt 'a whole-school approach to supporting Care Experienced children and young people.' Finally, the report demands that the Scottish Government pass a new law that gives care experienced people the legal right to 'independent, relationship-based, lifelong advocacy.' Government statistics show that looked after pupils remain less likely to achieve the expected levels in literacy and numeracy, with some attainment gaps in this area increasing over recent years. They are also far less likely to achieve qualifications such as National 5s and Highers, less likely to move on to Higher Education, and more likely to be unemployed after leaving school. Commissioner Nicola Killean said: 'The report by Who Cares? Scotland reinforces findings from my recent report that too many children are being let down by the current education system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential. But we know this isn't happening for lots of children who have care experience. It is important that we actively seek to include the views of children whose rights are most at risk as their voices can often be lost. 'This report shows that despite some examples of good practice, Care Experienced children and young people's right to education is often not being met. They are more often excluded from school than other children and are often given part-time timetables that they do not want. In some cases, a child can be on a timetable for as little as 30 minutes or one hour a week, even if they want to be in school for longer.' Louise Hunter, Chief Executive Officer at Who Cares? Scotland, said: 'Every child and young person in Scotland deserves to have an education that allows them to learn, flourish and dream big. But our report highlights that the most basic right to education for too many Care Experienced pupils is not being met. 'Scotland must uphold this right and within our report there are three recommendations on how to make this happen. First, there must be action on advocacy. The Government must legislate for a statutory right to independent, relationship-based, lifelong advocacy for all Care Experienced people who need it. 'Next, the commitment within The Promise to end the formal and informal exclusion of Care Experienced pupils must be enforced. Lastly, a whole-school approach to supporting Care Experienced children and young people must be adopted. Only then will we be able to ensure all pupils in Scotland are taught in communities that care.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government is resolute in our commitment to Keep the Promise and to ensure all care-experienced children and young people receive the vital support they need, to improve their life experiences and their educational outcomes. 'Over £60 million has been provided to local authorities through the Care Experienced Children and Young People fund as part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge and we are working with Education Scotland and local government to improve the educational outcomes of care experienced children and young people. 'Exclusion should only be used as a last resort - ultimately its use is a matter for local authorities as the statutory responsibility for the delivery of education rests with them.'
Reuters
34 minutes ago
- Reuters
US school year ends under shadow of Trump DEI orders
June 16 - As the school year comes to an end across the United States, many teachers are wondering what they will return to in the fall. While most of the attention on education in the nation has centered on President Donald Trump's battles with universities, the administration has also vowed to close the Department of Education and issued broad orders targeting diversity and instruction of structural racism and gender in schools, raising concerns about what teachers can and cannot say and teach. 'I've noticed this past year, teachers have been a lot more nervous whenever they're teaching," said Ryan Matrigali, 17, a Florida high-schooler. He recently spoke up at a school board meeting in support of former AP English teacher Melissa Calhoun, who was let go after using a student's preferred pronouns, according to documents obtained by Reuters through a Freedom of Information Act request. 'With all of the rules and the school board cracking down, they're not allowed to be as open with topics," Matrigali told Reuters. Calhoun could not be reached for comment. She had been employed at Satellite High School in Florida's Brevard Public Schools for seven years. On April 1, she received a notice that her contract would not be renewed, along with a letter of reprimand from the superintendent, who cited a state law that requires parental consent, opens new tab for certain communications with students. The law does not outline specific disciplinary action for teachers. Satellite High School and school board officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Parent activist Amy Roub is part of a coalition of students and parents advocating for Calhoun's reinstatement and challenging a "climate of fear" she says has become more pronounced among teachers under the Trump administration. "I'm trying to get them to come to school board meetings, but they're terrified," said Roub, referring to teachers who express support anonymously but fear retaliation. "It's time to be brave because once we start rolling over, we've already lost." Tina Descovich, co-founder of the group Moms for Liberty, has championed conservative parental rights for years, with members taking over many school boards across the nation, and becoming a force in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. 'The claim that (Trump's) order infringes on teachers' free speech is misguided,' she said. Well before Trump's re-election, Florida led the way in advancing the Republican Party's education agenda. It was among the first to ban books in K-12 schools and introduce legislation preventing diversity programs and initiatives statewide. Now, across the country, teachers, parents, students, and advocates who support free speech and inclusive education in classrooms are worried Trump's executive orders will reshape public education nationwide. The moves have been driven by the administration's view that teachers have prioritized teachings of "white privilege" and unconscious bias. A January executive order banned schools from teachings Trump called "indoctrination" of students based on race and gender. The directive was followed by a "Dear Colleague" letter from the Education Department instructing schools how to enforce the executive order and a warning that any school continuing such practices would lose federal funding. Trump also aims to abolish the Education Department, which funds districts that serve low-income communities and students with disabilities and enforces civil rights laws. Federal courts have either halted enforcement or issued temporary injunctions pausing implementation of the directives. A federal judge also blocked Trump's attempt to shut down the Education Department. But teachers are already feeling their impact. On the final day of school at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Meridian, Idaho in late May, Sarah Inama took down a poster in her classroom that read, 'Everyone is welcome here.' She said school administrators told her the sign violated the district's policy requiring classroom displays to remain 'content neutral.' The sixth grade teacher resigned, blaming Trump's directives and school administrators for her decision. "I was told that my poster represented an opinion," Inama told Reuters. "But I said what's the other opinion, that they're not welcome?" When asked about Inama's claims, school officials said that its decisions are not based on any political administration's stance. "The district's responsibility is to ensure that schools remain inclusive spaces for all students, while also staying within the bounds of what is legally permissible in public education settings," Niki Scheppers, Chief of Staff and Communications at West Ada School District, said in an emailed statement. In New Hampshire, Valerie Wolfson, 49, is one of seven teachers who filed suit in conjunction with the National Educators Association (NEA) and the ACLU against the Trump administration's anti-DEI instructions, saying it violates its interpretation of Title VI of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, opens new tab. Title VI prohibits the discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools. 'You can't talk about Jim Crow without talking about race," Wolfson said. Some teachers unions are working to safeguard educational autonomy by embedding protections into collective bargaining agreements. In Chicago, the teachers union secured a landmark contract in April that included explicit language on academic freedom and protections for marginalized and immigrant students. Atlanta history teacher Lena Hamilton said she is determined to continue teaching race and immigrant history. "The philosophy that raised me as a teacher was one that I think is deeply American," Hamilton said.
