Post-16 SEND travel assistance decision reviews

Where to start

We will assess your young person’s post-16 travel assistance when we receive an application form, but unfortunately not every young person is eligible. You may disagree with our decision and want your application reviewed.

The Policy is considered compliant, so any complaint about the policy itself must be submitted to the Local Government Ombudsman. We will not consider a Review that questions the validity of the Policy.

You can only request a review with evidence that the policy has not been correctly applied under the following criteria.

• Reason 1 – You believe the student’s education setting is the nearest qualifying setting that can meet their needs. You must provide evidence that the SEND Assessment and Review Team would accept if they have named a nearer provider. The review process only considers the entitlement to travel assistance, not the suitability of the named school or placement.
• Reason 2 – You believe the cost to Somerset Council of travel to your preferred education setting is the same as or less than the cost of travel to the nearest appropriate setting. If this is proven, a Personal Travel Payment will be offered.
• Reason 3 – You believe the student is attending the nearest education setting that offers a specialised course, even though other parts of the course may be available closer to home.
• Reason 4 – You have been offered travel assistance, but you are not satisfied with the arrangements. You must explain: what travel assistance has been offered, and why it is not suitable.

The review process

As our Post-16 Travel duty is discretionary, we do not have a duty to provide a specific type of assistance.

Each Review is considered on its individual merits and does not set a precedent for similar cases.

Please do not submit your appeal until you have all the supporting evidence you wish to provide. It is your responsibility to source and submit this evidence.

The review process is split into 2 stages.

Stage 1

Once your review request is received, it will be considered at Stage One by the School Transport Strategy Officer.
You will be told the outcome in writing, with reasons for the decision.

Stage 2

If you remain dissatisfied after Stage One, you can request a Stage Two Review.

Stage Two reviews are considered by a Head of Service.

The Stage Two decision is final.