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A public consultation will now run from 8 June to 5 July 2026, giving pupils, parents and carers, staff, governors and others the opportunity to share their views before any final policy is agreed. 

The policy explains how decisions are made on whether a pupil is eligible for travel support. This covers the role of the nearest suitable school, which is used when working out whether travel assistance can be provided. The policy explains how this is identified and how it links to school admissions. It also sets out when discretionary support may be available, for example for Welsh medium education, faith schools, post-16 provision, or where there are specific individual needs.

The proposed update reflects changes in Welsh Government policy since it was last reviewed in 2017 and how the council will meet its statutory duties. It also aims to ensure that arrangements supporting travel to and from school are fair and consistent for everyone going forward. 

As part of the update, the policy has been renamed from “Home to School Transport” to “Learner Travel Assistance,” reflecting a broader approach that includes a range of travel options. These include traditional transport as well as alternatives such as personal travel budgets, independent travel training and active travel where safe and appropriate. 

The policy also aims to provide clearer processes for reviewing decisions and appeals so that families better understand how support is provided. Existing arrangements will not change at this time as a result of the policy itself, but cases may be reviewed in line with individual circumstances changing and eligibility criteria. Overall, the changes are intended to support a fairer and more consistent approach to how assistance is assessed for eligibility and applied.

Cllr Nia Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years, said: “Cabinet’s decision to move forward with this consultation is an important step in ensuring our learner travel arrangements are clear, consistent and fit for the future.

“Supporting children and young people to access education safely remains a key priority, and these proposals are designed to reflect current needs while remaining fair and transparent.

“We would encourage everyone with an interest in learner travel to take part in the consultation and share their views to help shape the final policy.”

Further information on how to take part in the consultation will be available on the Council’s website at www.npt.gov.uk/consultations. Printed copies of the consultation document and questionnaire will be available through schools and in Neath Port Talbot Council libraries. The libraries are: 

• Baglan Library (Laurel Avenue, SA12 8PA) 
• Cwmafan Library (Depot Road, SA12 9DF) 
• Glynneath Library (Park Avenue, SA11 5DW) 
• Neath Library (Water Street, SA11 3EP) 
• Pontardawe Library (Holly Street, SA8 4ET)
• Port Talbot Library (Aberavon Shopping Centre, SA13 1PB)
• Sandfields Library (Morrison Road, SA12 6TG) 
• Skewen Library (Carnegie Hall, SA10 6LH) 

We will also be holding three drop-in events where you can come along: 

• Pontardawe Library, 11th June 2026 (9.30am-11.30am)
• Port Talbot Library, 18th June 2026 (10am – 12pm)
• Neath Town Hall, 30th June 2026 (9:30am – 11:30am)

Responses can also be submitted in writing to the Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate (For the attention of: Education Transport Team), Civic Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PJ.

The decision is subject to a three day call in period.