SEND Home to School Travel Support

Use this page to learn about SEND Home to School Travel Support, who is eligible, and how you can apply for it.

You can also use this page to tell us about a change of circumstances, like a change of school, address, or individual need.

Eligibility

Please expand the following headings to learn about the eligibility criteria for 5 to 16 years old, or post 16:

Eligibility criteria for 5 to 16 year olds

If a child’s special educational needs, disability or mobility problems mean that they could not be reasonably expected to walk to school, then we will assess each child on an individual basis to identify the most appropriate travel option.  

We will consider relevant evidence from a consultant or other relevant medical professional such as a Community Paediatrician, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist (this list is not exhaustive) to demonstrate the difficulties they have in walking or travelling on public transport in order to go to and from school, accompanied as necessary by a responsible adult or parent.

A child may be eligible for Travel Support if:

• the child is attending the nearest suitable school* as determined by the Local Authority (please refer to the SEND Travel Support Policy for more information)
• the child cannot reasonably be expected to walk to school, even when accompanied by an adult
• there is professional evidence that their medical condition, mobility issues or special educational needs affects their ability to travel to and from school

Please read the full SEND Travel Support Policy for more information on eligibility.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Please be aware that not all children with an EHCP are eligible for Travel Support, and having an EHCP does not automatically entitle a child to Travel Support.

Eligibility criteria for young people who are 16 or over

This information is for young people aged 16 or over, in academic year 12 and above.

We will consider travel arrangements for students who are attending the nearest appropriate further education provision and:

• have an EHCP, or medical or physical difficulties, which means they are unable to walk the distance of 3 miles (accompanied as necessary) and
• are studying a full time course

Please note that the nature and mode of travel support will be determined by the Integrated Travel Team.

Please refer to the Post 16 Travel Statement for further information on eligibility for children who are 16 or over.

Apply for SEND Travel Support

You can apply for SEND Travel Support by completing our online form. You can also use this online form to contact us for more information, or tell us about a change in circumstances, like a change of school, address, or individual need.