Special arrangements for children with SEND (aged 5 to 16)
Many children with SEND can travel to school without assistance. We assess children individually to see if they qualify for help.
Who qualifies?
A child with SEND aged 5-16 may qualify if:
- they attend their nearest suitable school
- they cannot reasonably be expected to walk there (even if accompanied) because of their SEND or mobility problem - this applies even if the school is within the usual walking distance criteria
An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is not required to be eligible under this category.
Children with an EHC Plan
If your child has an EHC plan that names a school, they must attend that school.
If you prefer a school further away than the nearest suitable one, we might name both schools in the EHC plan. In this case, you may need to pay the travel costs to your preferred school. This is on the basis that it is significantly more expensive to travel to. Travel needs are usually only mentioned in an EHC plan in exceptional cases.
Assessment
We assess each child's needs individually. This is based on:
- information from parents/carers
- the EHC plan (if they have one)
- the school
- health services (where needed)
The assessment checks if the child can reasonably walk or use public transport, even with an adult.
Travel needs are reviewed regularly (usually yearly) as part of the EHC plan annual review if applicable.
Parents/carers accompanying children
Parents/carers are expected to accompany their child or arrange for them to be accompanied if needed. This includes when traveling on public transport.
We:
- assess if it is reasonable to expect a parent/carer to accompany their child, and
- consider factors like a parent's own disability
Reasons that are not usually accepted for being unable to accompany a child include:
- having children in different schools
- work commitments
Travel offer for eligible children with SEND
We decide the most suitable type of travel assistance. Options may include:
Independent travel training
We offer voluntary training to help pupils learn to travel independently, where appropriate.
Personal travel budget
This is a payment made to parents/carers so they can make their own travel arrangements. This includes:
- an enhanced mileage rate, and
- an allowance for a passenger assistant if needed
Seat on a bus or minibus
This is provided or contracted by us, potentially using pick-up points near home.
Seat in a taxi
Shared or solo - provided only if necessary due to the child's needs or lack of other options.
Journeys covered
Travel assistance covers one return journey between the child's main home address and school at the start and end of the standard school day only. We do not usually provide transport to or from a second address.
Pick-up points
If we use pick-up points, parents/carers must get their child to and from the point at the agreed times.
Special cases (SEND 5 to 16)
Residential schools
If named in the EHC plan, we provide travel at the start and end of terms and half terms. Weekly boarders get travel at the start and end of each week.
Temporary medical conditions
We may provide temporary help if a child cannot get to school due to a short-term condition, with medical evidence. An example could be a broken leg.
Alternative provision/dual placements
Assistance may be provided if the child meets eligibility criteria.