It is possible to apply for assistance with transport, to school or college.
Children with SEND (usually, but not necessarily, with EHCPs) can be eligible if it can be established that they cannot reasonably be expected to walk to school because of their mobility problems, or because of associated health and safety issues related to their special educational needs or disability.
The criteria for children without SEND are based on the distance children and young people live from their school.
The distance criteria do not apply in the same way for children with SEND.
If a child with SEND can walk to school then it is acceptable to assume that s/he can be accompanied by a parent.
However, that assumption of accompaniment does not apply for journeys that are not taken on foot.
Transport assistance for school age children (5-16) is free of charge.
For those aged 16 to 18 there can be a charge – often with a reduced rate for those on benefits.
It is important to note that children can attend special schools much earlier than the age of 5, and so there is an expectation that there should be eligibility for transport assistance.
It should be noted that once a child reaches age 18, parents have no responsibility to facilitate their attendance at an educational establishment, so transport should not be refused because of an expectation that parents should provide transport.
Suitable transport arrangements must be made available for those who are eligible. This can range from the provision of a bus pass, or a Personal Transport Budget, or arranging transport via a minibus or a taxi.
There is a two-stage internal appeal process if applicants are dissatisfied with a decision relating to home to school transport.
If a parent/carer or young person remains dissatisfied, complaints can be made to the Local Government Ombudsman.