Sefton Council’s Cabinet has approved the next stage of improvements to the Borough’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Travel Support service. 

Developed with the Sefton Parent Carer Forum (SPCF), the programme aims to give families more choice, flexibility and independence. Earlier phases introduced Independent Travel Training, an improved Personal Travel Budget offer and a new transport commissioning framework. 

What’s changing? 

The newly approved phase will introduce: 

• A simpler, ICT‑supported application process 

• A specialist system to plan shorter, more efficient journeys 

• Improved communication tools for families, schools, providers and the Council 

None of the changes affect eligibility for support. Instead, they will make the service clearer, more reliable and better tailored to children’s needs. 

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said: 

“Children, young people and their families told us what needed to improve, and we’ve listened. This second phase of improvement is an important step in making journeys smoother, improve communication for everyone, and ensure families feel confident in the support available to them. 

“We are proud to have co‑produced these changes with parents and carers, and we will continue working closely with families as the next stages are introduced.” 

Families currently receiving SEND Travel Support will be contacted directly with details about what the improvements mean for them. 

More information about Travel Support services in Sefton is available at www.sefton.gov.uk.