{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/69a1ca6267ae12eb0a969d0c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"ISBA BURSARCAST // School Transport Reset: Catchments, Costs & Compliance (Ft. Vectare) (27th February 2026)","description":"<p>This week’s ISBA Bursarcast looks at the changing shape of <strong>school transport</strong> in the independent sector — with Dominic Kalantary from <strong>Vectare</strong> — ahead of the <strong>ISBA Conference (11–13 May at ICC Wales)</strong>, where Vectare is one of the headline sponsors.</p><p><br></p><p>We explore key market trends, including <strong>widening catchments</strong>, <strong>express and park-and-ride style routes</strong> designed to compete with car travel, and a notable shift from externally operated services to <strong>in-house fleets</strong> for cost, control and branding benefits — including an example of a school moving quickly to internal vehicles.</p><p><br></p><p>Alongside the feature, we also deliver a short newsbeat covering the week’s key operational headlines, including <strong>SEND reform consultation</strong>, <strong>VAT guidance consolidation</strong>, <strong>regional meetings</strong>, <strong>mobile phone policy expectations</strong>, <strong>inspection readiness for RAAC/cladding</strong>, and the <strong>KCSIE consultation</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps — especially those responsible for <strong>budgeting, compliance, estates operations and stakeholder communications</strong>.</p><p><br></p><h2>What You’ll Learn</h2><ul><li>Why transport spend is back under the microscope — and what the “tale of two halves” means for planning and procurement</li><li>The trend towards <strong>wider catchments</strong> and <strong>express / park-and-ride</strong> routes — and how this changes cost and service design</li><li>The pros and trade-offs of moving from outsourced provision to an <strong>in-house fleet</strong> — including control, consistency and brand visibility</li><li>Why <strong>mid-day trips</strong> can quietly inflate costs — and how routinely quoting each trip can drive savings</li><li>What “active compliance management” looks like for fleets — and why updates such as <strong>DVSA roadworthiness guidance</strong> matter</li><li>How transport tech is evolving: <strong>responsible AI</strong> for insight, operational integrations (including <strong>OpenApply</strong>) and <strong>WhatsApp notifications</strong></li><li>A quick scan of this week’s headlines: SEND reform (England), VAT guidance, regional meetings, mobile phones, parent contracts, RAAC/cladding inspection readiness, and KCSIE consultation</li><li><br></li></ul><h2>Resources Mentioned</h2><ul><li><strong>ISBA Weekly Bulletin 7 (26 Feb 2026)</strong> — key operational headlines</li><li><strong>ISBA Reference Library</strong> — consolidated VAT guidance (Bursar’s Guide to VAT + appendices), Parent Contract FAQs, asbestos/estates resources, previous bulletins and webinar recordings (member-only)</li><li><strong>DfE consultation:</strong> SEND reform proposals (England) (as referenced in the bulletin)</li><li><strong>DfE guidance:</strong> Mobile phones in schools (non-statutory)</li><li><strong>KCSIE consultation:</strong> Keeping Children Safe in Education — 2026 proposed revisions (England) (as referenced in the bulletin)</li><li><strong>DVSA roadworthiness guidance updates</strong> (as referenced in discussion)</li><li><strong>ISBA Conference:</strong> 11–13 May 2026, ICC Wales</li><li><a href=\"https://vectare.co.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Vectare Website </em></a></li></ul><p><br></p><h2>Subscribe &amp; Follow</h2><p><strong>ISBA Bursarcast</strong></p><p>New episodes every Friday at 4pm.</p><p>Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Acast to stay informed on the latest in independent school operations</p>","author_name":"ISBA"}