Travel assistance for young people aged 16 and over
We also provide discretionary support for some students aged 16 and over.
Eligibility - all students aged 16 to 18
To be considered, the student must live in the city, and attend the nearest qualifying:
- school
- college
- training provider full-time
This is usually in Southend, but potentially outside:
- if the course is not available locally
- under exceptional reasons
Students aged 16 to 18 without an EHC Plan
Must also meet these criteria:
- the school/college is more than 3 miles from home
- the student qualifies for free school meals, or, their household receives the maximum Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit (with annual net income below £15,400)
Travel offer (16 to 18 without EHC Plan)
We may pay travel expenses up to £390 per year for public transport use.
Students aged 16 to 18 with an EHC Plan
To receive assistance, the student must:
- live in the city
- be aged 16 to 18
- have an EHC plan
- attend the nearest suitable school or college named in the EHC plan that offers their approved course
- be attending a full-time course
- apply for post 16 support, even if staying at the same school
An individual assessment of travel needs will be done.
Travel offer (16 to 18 with EHC Plan)
Assistance is provided free of charge if the student qualifies. Our aim is for students to travel independently where possible. Options include:
- independent travel training
- personal travel budgets (including payments towards public transport)
- supported public transport (e.g., travel buddy)
- a seat on a bus, minibus, or taxi (only if necessary)
Adult learners aged 19 to 25 with an EHC Plan
This applies to students:
- starting a course after their 19th birthday, and
- who have an EHC plan
The aim is to help those with the most severe disabilities access education and training when they have no other way to travel.
We assess if assistance is necessary and consider the students:
- age
- disability
- route
Students/representatives need to show why public transport or family transport cannot be used.
Travel offer (adult learners 19 to 25 with EHC Plan)
If we agree assistance is necessary, support will be provided in the format of:
- organised transport (taxi/minibus)
- a personal travel budget
Both will be free of charge.
Even if not deemed necessary, we have the discretion to pay some or all reasonable travel costs. Adult learners may also be referred to Adult Services for support.