Ombudsman dismisses complaint over Swindon council's home-to-school transport decision
Mother claims refusal led to missed learning and anxiety for child
The Ombudsman has dismissed a complaint from a Swindon mother over the council’s refusal to provide home-to-school transport for her child, known as Z, for the 2025-26 school year.
The complaint, filed by Mrs X, followed the council’s decision to deny transport under the grounds that Z lived within walking distance of their special secondary school and lacked evidence proving Z couldn't walk to school if accompanied by an adult.
Z, who has special educational needs outlined in an Education, Health and Care plan, did not meet eligibility for free transport assistance per the council’s individual assessment criteria.
Despite a previous stage two appeal in 2024 granting transport based on exceptional circumstances, Swindon Borough Council offered a £513 personal travel budget for 2025-26 instead, intended to offset travel costs until Z’s sibling, Y, found an educational placement.
Mrs X argued the personal travel budget was insufficient, and she couldn’t utilize public transport due to caring for both Z and Y, leading to Z’s decreased school attendance and increased anxiety.
The Ombudsman’s review indicated no procedural faults in the council’s decision-making, noting the council's right to annually review transport eligibility based on updated circumstances.
Mrs X may reapply for home-to-school transport for the 2026-27 school year.
The case illustrates the Ombudsman’s role in assessing fair adherence to established policies, rather than re-evaluating decision merit.