Overview
We may be able to help with travel to school if your child or young person has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
This support is called school travel assistance. It is not automatic, so you need to apply.
When we usually provide help
We look at each child or young person on their own. We consider:
- your child’s age
- their SEND or medical needs
- the school named within the EHC plan
- how far they live from school (beyond the statutory walking distance of 2 miles for pupils under 8 and 3 miles for those aged 8 and over.)
We may also provide help if:
- your child cannot walk to school safely (with a responsible adult accompanying) because of their SEND or medical needs – supporting evidence from a medical professional will be requested if necessary.
- you cannot accompany your child due to a disability and there is no other responsible adult that could accompany your child.
We follow national guidance and our local policy when making decisions. Having an EHC plan does not guarantee travel assistance.
Post‑16 travel assistance works differently. You can find that information on our post‑16 travel assistance page.
What type of help you might get
If we agree to help, support could include:
- a place on a shared taxi or minibus
- a travel pass
- a personal travel payment
- support to help your child learn to travel on their own, where appropriate
We choose the most suitable and cost‑effective option. Travel assistance is only provided at the beginning and end of the official school day from a defined pick-up and set-down point, not necessarily the home address.
When we cannot usually provide help
We cannot usually help if:
- you choose a school that is further away when there is a suitable nearer school
- the school is within the statutory walking distance
- your child’s needs do not affect their ability to travel
- travel arrangements are needed only because of family circumstances
- travel is required for transitional or induction periods or off-site educational placements
Each case is still looked at carefully. We will always explain our decision.
How to apply
You need to complete an online application form for school travel assistance.
When you apply, you will need:
- your child’s details
- school or setting name
- information about your child’s needs
You should apply:
- when your child is starting school
- when they move to a new school
- if your child’s needs have changed
- if you have moved house
Apply as early as you can and before the 31 July. This helps avoid delays.
Apply for school age travel assistanceWhat happens after you apply
We review the information you send us. This can take up to 10 working days.
We will write to tell you:
- our decision
- what support, if any, we can offer
- when support will start
If we cannot provide help, we will explain why.
Before we arrange any travel, a Transport Officer will contact you.
They will speak to you by phone to understand your child’s needs. This helps us make sure the travel is safe and right for your child.
We will ask about:
- medical needs
- physical needs
- behaviour that may affect the journey
We will write this information into a Travel Care Plan.
The driver, and passenger assistant if there is one, will use this plan so your child gets the right support during the journey. Where needed, your child may also have the chance to meet their driver or passenger assistant before their first journey to help them feel more comfortable.
Once your child has been assessed as entitled to school travel assistance it can take up to a further 10 working days for this to be arranged. If travel assistance is required for a September start you will be notified of the travel arrangements over the summer.
If you disagree with the decision
You have the right to ask for a review if you disagree.
The decision letter will explain:
- how to request a review
- what information to include
- how long it will take us to review
Find out more at school travel assistance decision reviews.
Help while you wait
We know waiting can be hard.
While we assess your application:
- you are responsible for getting your child to school
- schools may offer short‑term flexibility
You can also speak to:
- your school’s SENCO
- the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS)
