School transport

Learn about who is eligible for school transport and the range of options available to all children and young people.

For large numbers of children, getting to school will be a reasonable and safe walking experience. There will, however, be a small number of children with profound and complex educational needs for whom the council will need to make arrangements to provide travel assistance.

For children of statutory school age who are required to travel beyond the relevant walking distance to reach their specialist provision school because the Council is unable to make arrangements at a suitable school nearer to home, travel assistance may be available.

The Council’s SEN transport policies set out in detail who is eligible for transport:

• Education travel assistance policy for children up to and including Year 11
• Post 16 education travel assistance policy for young people aged 16 to 18
• Post 16 education travel assistance policy statement for the 2025 to 2026 academic year
• 18+ adult learners education/training policy for learners aged 19 and over

Travel assistance is available to pupils who are assessed as eligible under the relevant policy (based on age) and these policies have been developed to take account of the Department for Education guidance.

Please note that having an EHC Plan does not give an automatic entitlement to receive travel assistance. This is only provided to children or young people who have applied for and been assessed as eligible under the relevant policy.

There is a right of appeal if the Council refuses transport for your child. The Council must provide you with details of how to appeal.

More information can be provided by the SEN transport team.