Special educational needs travel

If a child or young person is eligible, we'll consider how travel assistance could be provided in the most appropriate and least restrictive way possible.

All applications will be considered by a SEN Travel Assistance Panel to find the most appropriate arrangement based on the needs of the child or young person.

When making a decision about the type of travel assistance to be granted (including whether or not an individual passenger assistant is required) we will consider:

• the specific special educational needs of the pupil
• if the family or carer might want to be financially supported to make their own travel arrangements
• where applicable, the type of vehicle the pupil will be travelling in
• the length of the journey
• if the pupil is physically able to walk the distance between home and school.

If a decision is made that travel assistance should be granted this will usually be in a shared vehicle with other pupils.

Parents or carers are expected to take their child to and from the vehicle.

Solo transport

Solo transport for pupils such as private taxis will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and only if there is clear evidence to support the need. Solo pupil transport granted will be for a limited time and pupils are expected to return to shared transport after the period.

All travel arrangements will be subject to an annual application process. This is to ensure that the arrangements take into account the child or young person’s personal development with opportunities that promote independence and any changing circumstances such as medical needs.

The expectation is that as the pupil grows older they are supported to use public transport when possible.

Fuel allowances

We offer fuel allowances to parents or carers who wish to drive their children to and from school.

A fuel allowance of 45p per mile is payable for 2 return journeys to the school where the child is transported. This is usually paid termly in advance (3 times per academic year).

SEND transport rates and charges for academic year 2023 to 2024

Personal travel assistance budget rates 2023 to 2024

For cases of complex or exceptional needs.