Prior to tonight’s meeting of CYC’s ruling Executive Committee, councillors have reached an agreement with Manor CofE Academy to co-fund the three dedicated home to school bus services facing termination at the end of this school year for an additional school year.
Cllr. Jenny Brooks, Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People said:
“In 2012 the council’s then-Cabinet made the decision that from the following year, transport for pupils attending denominational schools would be gradually withdrawn. This has always been the direction of travel, however, we have listened to parents and believe the council has not flagged this decision and its implications to the extent that it should have done over the past four years, which has caused a regrettable lack of clarity and very understandable concern on the part of parents affected by this policy.
“We have therefore come to an agreement with Manor Academy to co-fund the three dedicated home to school bus services proposed to be withdrawn and to extend them for the 2016-2017 academic year. This will give the school, the council and parents time to plan for the future and to consider alternative arrangements.
“We would like to thank Manor Academy Head Brian Crosby and staff for their constructive engagement in this process and look forward to further dialogue with parents regarding viable options for the future.”