COMMENTARY ON SECTIONS

Section 9 – Learner travel arrangements not to favour certain types of education or training

39.Section 9 prohibits the travel arrangements made under sections 3, 4 and 6 from discriminating between various categories of learners. The categories are shown in the table. Children of compulsory school age at establishments which are not maintained schools must not be treated less favourably than children of the same age at maintained schools. Other learners receiving full-time education or training at establishments which are not maintained schools must not be treated less favourably than learners of the same age at maintained schools. Likewise there should be no discrimination between those of the same age with learning difficulties, with a disability or who are ‘looked after’ by a local authority attending establishments other than maintained schools and those attending maintained schools. It provides a safeguard to ensure that learners who benefit from travel arrangements are treated equitably.