North Yorkshire Council amends transport policy for Wensleydale primary schools
Federation pupils benefit from new 'nearest gate' rule
In response to concerns following school reorganisation, North Yorkshire Council has made an exception to its standard home-to-school transport policy for families affected by changes to two Wensleydale primary schools.
The authority has introduced a ‘nearest gate in the federation’ rule for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne CE Primary Schools.
This will enable eligible pupils to qualify for free school transport based on the proximity of either federated school to their home, instead of considering each school separately.
School Reorganisation
Following legal compliance requirements, Spennithorne will now serve as an infant school for children aged four to seven, while Middleham will cater to pupils aged seven to 11 as a junior school.
The two schools will share a catchment area.
The federation requested the policy change to prevent families from losing eligibility for free transport if the designated infant or junior school wasn't technically the nearest school to a child's residence.
Policy Details
Children already enrolled at either school by 1st September will continue to receive free transport throughout their time within the federation, given that their circumstances remain unchanged.
New applicants will qualify for free transport under the condition that the nearest entrance to one of the federated schools is their nearest suitable school and they live beyond the statutory walking distance.
The federation must continue to provide transport between the two schools if needed.
Feedback and Response
The council’s consultation on the proposal drew five responses, four in support and one objection.
Supporters cited the policy’s potential to secure the future of the village schools and prevent disadvantage to students due to reorganisation.
The objector raised concerns about creating inconsistencies with other transport arrangements across North Yorkshire.
Council officers found the revised policy unlikely to incur significant additional costs and recommended the change.
Background and Implications
The council’s home-to-school transport policy, revised in 2024, has been contentious, tightening eligibility to free transport mainly to the closest suitable school with available places.
Changes were introduced in line with statutory guidance to create fairer systems while addressing increasing transport costs.