Service limitations for post-16 travel
Wherever possible the council expects parents or carers of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to make arrangements for the young person to attend school or college in much the same way as for parents or carers of pupils without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This includes using public transport.
All decisions made concerning what assistance will be provided in helping a young person get to school or college will be based on the needs of the young person. The decision to provide help with getting a student to school or college cannot be made to fit in with parents’ social or other family or work commitment
The council does not provide travel assistance to work experience placements, medical appointments or other off-site visits. Responsibility for this remains with the parents or carers, or school or college as appropriate.
Any transport provision made will be limited to one outward journey and one return journey, timed for the start and finish of the school or college day. Transport will only be provided to the main college site.
If a young person has to attend a specialist residential school which cannot be accessed by daily travel, help may be available subject to the criteria set out in this policy.
Transport assistance is only ever provided to one address. If there is a 50/50 split of residence under a court order, the household receiving any child benefit, or student’s own benefit, would be considered the main address.
Young people doing apprenticeships should apply to their employer or learning provider to have reasonable travel expenses met.
Young people wishing to undertake a new course at the same or similar level to a level of qualification already achieved may not necessarily be successful in their application for travel support.
The council do not normally offer assistance to young people taking part-time courses. However, young people who feel they may have an exceptional case may put this in writing and return an application form for special consideration.
Assistance is not given for attendance at private schools, colleges or alternative provisions unless named in the EHCP.
Assistance will not be provided for young people who are electively home educated.
Young people looked after by the local authority must use the same eligibility criteria as other children and young people.
If a student chooses to change career direction or course this may affect their eligibility for travel assistance.