At a Glance…
Contracted by Achieving for Children (AfC), Peopletoo undertook a full review of the end-to-end Home to School Transport service in Richmond, identifying current performance levels and making recommendations for their improvement.
The Challenge
AfC has witnessed a substantial rise in the demand for transport services among SEND young individuals in recent years. This surge, coupled with a broader industry trend of escalating transport costs, exerted notable strain on the services budget. In response to this budgetary pressure, AfC initiated an internal review of the service to dissect the primary factors contributing to the persistent cost escalation.
Acknowledging the value of an external viewpoint, AfC enlisted the expertise of Peopletoo to conduct an external review of the service. The aim was to validate the findings of the internal review and explore fresh opportunities that could help navigate the challenges posed by the rising demand and industry-wide cost increases.
Our Approach & Delivery
Peopletoo conducted a thorough examination of AfC’s SEND Transport service, delving into various dimensions of its operations and critical facets of service delivery. This encompassed an assessment of the coherence of current SEND transport policies, aligning them with Department of Education’s (DfE) guidance and industry best practices. The review also involved scrutinising the application process and eligibility criteria, ensuring adherence to established standards and Council objectives.
Price structures underwent a detailed analysis, with a specific focus on benchmarking costs against those of other Local Authorities. Additionally, commissioning models and contract management activities were reviewed for effectiveness. Staffing structures were evaluated to gauge the adequacy and optimisation of available resource within the service.
The review extended to technology systems and data monitoring practices, ensuring alignment with modern standards. Moreover, mechanisms supporting the uptake of alternative travel provisions, such as personal travel budgets and independent travel training, were examined.
This comprehensive evaluation aimed to provide AfC with a nuanced understanding of the operational intricacies within the SEND transport service, offering a panoramic perspective to inform strategic decision-making and potential enhancements in service delivery.
Outcomes Achieved
The findings of Peopletoo’s review uncovered a number of actionable service improvements forming the building-blocks of the following recommendations:
