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Purpose of the review#
The systems review of SESTA service delivery assessed the safety and effectiveness of current service delivery. It focused on making sure:
- roles and responsibilities are clear
- new contracts are introduced safely
- services are delivered safely and consistently
- stakeholders are kept informed and engaged.
Steering group#
The review was guided by an independent steering group. It included members with expertise in disability, education, transport operations, health and safety and lived experience.
Steering group members:
- Brian Coffey (Chair)
- Adam Lawrence
- Delaney Myers
- Grant Cleland
- Jessica Schreiber
- Maureen Poulter
- Sarah Roil.
Recommendations of the review#
The review has made 8 recommendations.
- Strengthen the quality, currency and management of information.
- Strengthen the exchange and communication of information.
- Strengthen understanding of roles and responsibilities.
- Establish an effective provider transition programme.
- Strengthen safety planning, monitoring and assurance.
- Strengthen driver capability and support.
- Review criteria for additional adults in vehicles.
- Strengthen vehicle requirements to ensure comfort and safety.
More information about the recommendations can be found in the report which is available below.
Ministry response to recommendations#
"The Ministry of Education thanks the independent Review Panel (the Panel) for its work in undertaking the Systems Review of Specialist Education School Transport Assistance (SESTA) Service Delivery (the Review) and for the comprehensive report provided.
The Ministry also acknowledges and thanks the students, whānau, caregivers, schools, transport providers, drivers, oversight organisations and Ministry staff who contributed their experiences, perspectives and expertise to the Review. The breadth of engagement undertaken by the Panel has provided important insights into the operation of the SESTA system and the experiences of those who rely on it.
The Ministry welcomes the report and accepts its findings. The Review provides valuable insights into how the safety, quality, consistency and effectiveness of the SESTA service can be further strengthened. As steward of the SESTA system, the Ministry is committed to carefully considering the report's recommendations and using the findings to inform future decisions about service improvement.
The recommendations vary in scale, complexity and potential impact. Some align with improvements already underway, some may be addressed through changes to operational practice, and others will require further analysis to understand their operational, contractual, financial and system implications. As the Panel notes, the Review was undertaken within a relatively short timeframe, focused on operational matters, and was not intended to develop detailed implementation plans.
The Ministry will now immediately move to implement all eight recommendations and 28 priority actions, noting that cost/benefit analysis will be needed for any actions requiring additional funding. The Ministry’s implementation planning will take place alongside existing operational practices, current improvement activity, contractual arrangements, legislative obligations and broader system priorities. This work will help inform ongoing decisions about the most effective ways to strengthen the safety, quality, consistency and educational participation outcomes of the children and young people who rely on the service.
A significant message emerging from the Review is the high value that students, whānau, caregivers and schools place on the SESTA service. The feedback received through the Review reinforces the important role SESTA plays in enabling disabled children and young people to access and participate in education.
The Ministry is encouraged by the Panel's finding that SESTA is an important and highly valued service that works well for most students and families most of the time. The report also recognises the strong commitment demonstrated every day by families, schools, providers, drivers and Ministry staff to supporting children and young people to access education safely and reliably.
The Review identifies opportunities to further improve the service and highlights a number of themes that align with issues the Ministry has also heard through its ongoing engagement with schools, whānau, providers and staff. Together, these perspectives provide a valuable evidence base to inform ongoing service development and system improvement.
The Ministry appreciates the constructive and pragmatic approach taken by the Panel. The report contributes to a greater understanding of both the strengths of the current service and the challenges experienced by some participants. It provides a strong foundation for further consideration of how SESTA can continue to support safe, reliable and effective access to education for disabled children and young people.
Finally, the Ministry again thanks the Panel and everyone who contributed to the Review. Their willingness to share their experiences and perspectives has helped build a richer understanding of the service and the opportunities available to strengthen outcomes for the children and young people at the centre of the SESTA system.
The Ministry is committed to ongoing engagement with students, whānau, caregivers, schools, providers and other stakeholders as it considers the Review's recommendations and broader opportunities for improvement. Through this work, the Ministry will continue to support positive educational outcomes for disabled children and young people and strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the SESTA service over time."
