Ministry of Education Commits to Safety Overhaul for Specialised School Transport Assistance

The Ministry of Education has announced it will immediately begin implementing recommendations from an independent review aimed at strengthening the safety of specialized school transport for disabled tamariki and rangatahi. The review, conducted between June and August 2026, focused on the Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA) system, which serves eligible students aged five to 21 who cannot travel to school independently due to mobility or safety needs. While the review concluded that SESTA is highly valued and works well for most families, it identified significant areas for improvement. The independent steering group—which included experts in disability, education, and health—produced eight major recommendations and 28 priority actions. These include enhancing driver capability, improving information exchange between whānau and schools, and toughening vehicle safety standards, particularly for students who travel in wheelchairs. The Ministry has accepted the findings, signaling a commitment to clearer safety monitoring and better communication regarding students' specific medical or behavioral needs. A key focus of the reforms will be ensuring that drivers are better supported to manage complex requirements, such as epilepsy or limited mobility, while clarifying the roles of caregivers and school staff in assisting students with seatbelts and positioning devices. For many whānau, the reforms represent a vital step toward ensuring that every child’s journey to school is secure and dignified. The Ministry noted that while proposals requiring additional funding will undergo cost-benefit analysis, the priority is to ensure the commitment of drivers and providers translates into a consistently safe experience for all vulnerable students across Aotearoa.