Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (24 023 246)

Report Upheld School transport 10-Feb-2026

Summary: The Council failed to decide if it was “necessary” to provide appropriate free transport to enable Ms X’s adult daughter, Miss Y, to attend the college named in her Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. It confused matters for adult learners, like Miss Y, who began their course after the age of 19, with the education transport rules for sixth form students. The Council’s amended Transport Policy 2024/2025 was not in line with the Education Act 1996 or case law for 19–25 year old learners with an EHC Plan. The faults caused Ms X avoidable frustration, avoidable time and trouble and uncertainty to her and Miss Y.

Cornwall Council (25 013 268)

Statement Upheld School transport 10-Feb-2026

Summary: The Council has agreed to provide a bus pass for Ms M’s son. This resolves Ms M’s complaint. There is no worthwhile outcome achievable by further investigation.

Warwickshire County Council (25 014 227)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries School transport 09-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms M complaint about school transport because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigation by us.

Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (25 015 569)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries School transport 09-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms M’s complaint about school transport because there is insufficient evidence of fault to justify an investigation, and further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

Essex County Council (25 018 115)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries School transport 09-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council refusing to provide her child with free transport to school. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Hampshire County Council (24 019 604)

Statement Upheld School transport 07-Feb-2026

Summary: Mrs X complained about the way the Council considered her request for school transport assistance, delay in making an agreed back payment, and communication issues. We find the Council at fault for delay, causing uncertainty and frustration for Mrs X. However, we find the Council has already taken suitable action to address the injustice.

North Northamptonshire Council (25 012 435)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries School transport 06-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council refusing to provide her child with free transport to school. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Kingston Upon Hull City Council (24 023 192)

Statement Upheld School transport 04-Feb-2026

Summary: Mrs X complained about the unsuitable transport the Council provided for her child which led to harmful incidents and inappropriate restraint. We found the Council at fault for not offering Mrs X formal escalation or an appeal with its decision, not properly recording evidence to support its decisions, and failing to carry out a risk assessment. This caused significant frustration, uncertainty and distress to the family. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a symbolic payment, and review its policy to ensure parents can formally challenge decisions about transport arrangements.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (25 013 772)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries School transport 04-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms M’s complaint about her request for free bus passes for her children because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to justify investigating.

Essex County Council (25 013 795)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries School transport 04-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint about post-16 transport because there is not enough evidence of fault, and nothing we could add to the Council’s response.