Derbyshire residents urged to have their say in two consultations

Consultations have been launched into future options for two services delivered by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority is seeking a range of views around how adult education is delivered in the future and its plans to update school travel policies.

Both consultations launched on Monday 15th December and run until midnight on Sunday 22nd February 2026.

People are encouraged to have their say on:

• Options for the future delivery of Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service

The options being considered aim to ensure the service is fit for the future and has the greatest impact on the lives of people who need the most support.

Changes to the way the service is funded provides an opportunity to look at how it could be more flexible and responsive, supporting even more people to gain qualifications to help them achieve.

To find out more information about the proposals and have their say people should visit: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/DACES_Dec2025

For help to fill in the online questionnaire or to request a paper copy please email future.daces@derbyshire.gov.uk or ring 01629 531241. 

• Proposals to change home to school transport policies

People are asked for their views on proposals to change travel policies for eligible school children aged five to 16, Post 16 learners and students with special educational needs and disabilities.

It follows updated legal guidance from the government providing greater clarity on the role councils’ play in helping to transport children to school, giving an opportunity to consider updating current policies to make them more inclusive and promote independence.

To find out more information about the proposals and have their say people should visit this link.

For help to fill in the online questionnaire or to request a paper copy please email admissions.transport @ derbyshire.gov.uk or ring 01629 537479.

Cabinet Member for SEND and Education Councillor Simon Mabbott said: “It’s really important that we get a range of views to help us shape our services so they are fit for the future.

“We’re committed to delivering high-quality adult education and recent funding changes – together with the changing needs of Derbyshire communities – gives us an opportunity to make sure learning is flexible, supports people who need it most and in locations where they’ll get the best from it, and of course we remain committed to providing efficient and safe transport in line with our legal obligations to support parents in getting their children to school.

“However, this also gives us the chance to consider how we shape a service where travel to school supports independence, good attendance and ensures all children and young people have access to high-quality education across Derbyshire.”

Councillor Mabbott added: “I’d like to reassure everyone that no decisions will be made about the future of either of these services until we’d had chance to hear people’s views and take these fully in to account.”