Special educational needs school transport
We have a duty to make sure that suitable travel arrangements are made, free of charge, for pupils/students who are unable to walk to school by reason of their special educational needs, disability, or temporary medical condition where it is considered necessary to facilitate their attendance at relevant educational establishments.
Wherever possible, pupils/students with special educational needs, disability or mobility problems will be treated in the same way as those without such needs.
Wherever possible, a child, young person or young adult with special educational needs, disability or mobility problems will also be encouraged to travel on public transport, especially when this is considered to be a factor in developing their independence, life and social skills. Plans to encourage independent travel should be put in place by the school and parents/carers working in partnership to mutually agreed targets and progress be evidenced at each subsequent Annual Review.
The provision of Home to School/College transport assistance for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan will be provided in line with the Home to School / College Transport Policy. This applies to pupils attending both mainstream schools and day special schools up to 19 years of age.
Pupils living outside of the minimum distances but who are following an independence programme including making their own way to school are eligible for a free bus pass for use on public transport to facilitate free travel to and from school (The Post 16 contribution may apply to those in Years 12, 13 and 14).
Travel assistance will be provided for pupils attending special schools and units attached to mainstream schools who are unable to make their own way to school due to their special education needs and/or live further than the statutory walking distances of two and three miles. A mileage allowance is available to parents who prefer to transport their children to school, for further information on this please contact the Access Team on 0191 643 8726.
Pupils living within the minimum distances set out in the Home to School / College Transport Policy would be expected to make their own way to and from school unless prevented from doing so as a result of their special educational need. It is recognised that for certain pupils/students, independent travel is not possible. Such pupils/students must be considered individually and according to their individual needs.
Pupils/students attending a residential provision as a result of their Education, Health and Care Plan would be provided with transport assistance at the beginning and end of each term.