Equality impact assessment – Record for School Transport Guidance

Recommendations and Conclusion

The Equality Impact Assessment identified positive impacts for pupils with additional support needs and disabilities, as well as for those attending denominational schools. The guidance promotes inclusive and accessible transport arrangements by clarifying statutory duties and encouraging consistent application of eligibility criteria. No negative impacts or unlawful discrimination were identified under the Equality Act 2010.

Amendments have been made to the guidance to strengthen advice on inclusion for children and young people with additional support needs and to provide clearer information on protections for denominational schools under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. These changes aim to ensure that local authorities reflect these considerations in practice and that the wider public understands the scope of support available.

Monitoring will be undertaken through engagement with stakeholders, policy leads, and representative bodies, as well as by tracking themes in media coverage and correspondence from the public. The Scottish Government will maintain a watching brief on the guidance to ensure it remains fit for purpose and relevant to the communities served, with regular review exemplified by this update replacing guidance published in 2021.