School transport guidance: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)

Analysis of Evidence

The evidence gathered through stakeholder engagement indicates that the revised School Transport Guidance has the potential to positively support the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. The analysis below outlines how the guidance aligns with key articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC):

Article 2 – Non-discrimination: The guidance supports equitable access to school transport, including for children with additional support needs, medical conditions, or those living in shared family arrangement households. Clarifying local authority discretion in these areas helps reduce barriers and promote inclusion.

Article 3 – Best interests of the child: Revisions to the guidance aim to ensure that decisions made by local authorities regarding school transport take into account the best interests of the child, particularly in relation to safety, accessibility, and wellbeing.

Article 12 – Right to be heard: While stakeholder organisations representing parents were consulted, there was no direct engagement with children and young people. This represents a gap in fully realising Article 12. Future engagement will aim to address this by incorporating children’s views into policy development.

Article 19 – Protection from harm: Updates to the guidance on safeguarding (e.g. PVG scheme), behaviour expectations, and safe walking routes contribute to protecting children from harm during their school journey.

Article 23 – Rights of children with disabilities: The guidance acknowledges the need for appropriate transport arrangements for children with additional support needs, supporting their right to access education and participate fully in school life.

Article 28 – Right to education: By promoting safe and reliable access to school, the guidance supports children’s right to education, particularly for those who may face geographical or social barriers.

Overall, the evidence suggests that the revised guidance strengthens alignment with the UNCRC and supports local authorities in delivering school transport services that uphold children’s rights and wellbeing. What changes (if any) have been made to the proposal as a result of this assessment?

As a result of this Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA), several changes were made to the revised School Transport Guidance to better reflect and support the rights and wellbeing of children and young people:

Clarified local authority discretion in providing school transport for children from shared family arrangement households, supporting non-discrimination (Article 2) and the best interests of the child (Article 3).

Revised language around additional support needs and medical conditions to avoid implying that formal diagnosis is required, aligning with Article 23 (rights of children with disabilities).

Updated references to CRWIAs to clarify that they are best practice for strategic decisions, not a statutory requirement, ensuring accurate understanding of local authority duties.

Strengthened safeguarding content, including updated PVG scheme information and clearer expectations around pupil behaviour, supporting Article 19 (protection from harm).

Included additional resources to support safe walking routes and active travel, and referenced local initiatives such as the School Streets programme, promoting wellbeing and safety.

Added references to Parent Councils in the Eco Schools section, recognising the role of parental involvement in supporting children’s rights (Article 5 and Article 12).

These changes aim to ensure the guidance is more inclusive, rights-based, and reflective of the diverse needs and experiences of children and young people across Scotland.