TRAFFORD Council education officials are proposing to withdraw transport to schools for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.

The idea of abolishing arranged transport and escorts for children in Year Seven and above has been suggested as a way of reducing the home to school budget by up to £200,000.

The arranged transport would be replaced with public transport passes. Trafford Council already provides about 50 per cent of such pupils in Year Eight and above with bus passes.

But neighbouring authorities, including Bolton, Bury, Salford, Manchester and Tameside, provide transport for all children with mild learning difficulties.

The arranged transport is not expected to be withdrawn in all cases.

Education chief Chris Pratt said: "There are a number of children with moderate learning difficulties who may develop more independence by travelling on public transport.

"We spend well above the national average on school transport, but in other areas we spend less. The savings will go into school budgets.

"We will make sure it is appropriate and safe in each case."

But Tory cllr John Reilly said: "This has come out of the blue. These children are going to be very vulnerable. If they've needed escorts in the past, why do they not need them now?"

Council officials have also proposed to withdraw travel expenses for students travelling to sixth forms or further education centres in Trafford.

And it has been put forward that funding be withdrawn for children travelling out of Trafford to schools in other authorities.

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