Free School Transport to Montsaye Academy: Statement from North Northamptonshire Council

28 June 2024

North Northamptonshire Council would like to sincerely apologise for the distress caused to parents who received letters declining their children's applications for free school transport for the 2024-25 academic year to Montsaye Academy.

This was a mistake made by the council due to a recent road safety assessment of the path alongside the B576, which was prematurely designated as "safe" based on the "Walked Routes to School" guidelines.

The declined applications will be overturned for this academic year, and transportation will be provided as usual. We are fully investigating how this error occurred and are committed to preventing similar mistakes in the future.

We acknowledge that the decision was made before any formal communication or consultation with parents and the school.

We are dedicated to a transparent process and will conduct a thorough review of the route, along with comprehensive communication and consultation with all stakeholders.

We value the safety and well-being of our students and are committed to working collaboratively with parents and the school to ensure a safe and reliable home to school transport service.

We once again apologise for any inconvenience or confusion caused by this error. 

Parents involved will receive a written apology from North Northamptonshire Council.

The full and detailed home to school transport and travel assistance policy, academic year 24-25 is on the NNC website.