YOUNG people with special educational needs or disabilities could be forced out of schools and colleges because of cuts to transport from home, parents fear.
South Gloucestershire Council will stop laying on services for post-16 SEND students and instead give families a mileage allowance to make their own travel arrangements.
The move, approved by the council cabinet in February, will save £356,000 a year.
Parents say they are worried about the impact on their finances and mental health – and the effect on their children’s life chances.
Three-quarters of respondents to a public consultation last year backed retaining the current system, with only 15% in favour of switching to an expenses-based system.
A report to the meeting said many young people need to travel long distances to attend a setting which meets their needs, with limited public transport options.
The report said: “Despite assurances about support for families with extenuating circumstances, some respondents believe that switching to an expenses-based model would lead to young people being forced out of education or pressured to prioritise a local setting over one which best meets their needs, limiting their life chances.”
The council is required by law to provide school transport for youngsters aged five to 16, but it is discretionary for older students.
The report said demand had increased significantly and £1.4 million of the service’s total annual spending of £10.9m was for post-16 journeys, including families who chose schools and colleges a long way from home because of tailored support to meet their needs.
The cabinet heard 30% of parents already received a 45p-per-mile allowance to arrange their own trips, and this would become the default position.
Liz Brennan (Con, Frenchay & Downend) said: “It will be really worrying for a lot of parents.”
Council co-leader and cabinet member for education Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said: “We’ve gone through a lot of soul-searching on this with officers and cabinet colleagues to find a way we can balance the books but also provide the service that some children will undoubtedly need, which is why I’m pleased we’re able to review and update the policy regarding appeals.
“I hope this provides support for those that really do need it while dealing with the cost constraints we’re having to manage.”
The changes come into force from September.