School transport procurement - parents
Home to school transport procurement 2026 – information for parents and carers
The Isle of Wight Council is preparing to launch a new framework for home to school taxi transport services which will begin from June 2026, ahead of the new academic year starting September 2026.
This will replace our current Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), which expires on 31 July 2026.
What this means for you
While the new framework may result in changes to which operators deliver services, our priority is to ensure a safe and smooth transition for all children and families. We understand that continuity and familiarity are important, especially for children with special educational needs and we will take this into account as part of the planning process.
You do not need to take any action at this stage. However, we will be seeking your views shortly via a short questionnaire to help us understand what matters most to you and your child during this transition.
Other transport services
This update relates specifically to taxi transport services. The Council is also undertaking a tender exercise for bus and coach transport as part of wider planning for the 2026 academic year. If any changes arise that affect families, we will communicate these in advance through the usual channels.
Key dates
- Parent questionnaire release: November 2025 (via school newsletters and Parents Voice)
- Current DPS ends: 31 July 2026
- New service begins: September 2026
What you can expect
- no immediate changes to your child’s transport arrangements
- clear communication from the Council before any changes take place
- opportunities to share feedback through the upcoming questionnaire
We ask families to be mindful that drivers and passenger assistants may not yet know whether they will continue on the same routes after July 2026. Please avoid asking them about future arrangements as this may cause unnecessary concern or confusion.
Stay informed
This page will be updated with general information about upcoming transport arrangements, including both taxi andminibus transport as well as bus and coach services.