Home to School Travel Assistance

Not automatically. If your child falls into one of the categories of eligible children of compulsory school age as set out in Derby City Council’s pre 16 travel assistance policy, then they will be entitled to Home to School Travel Assistance, but you will still need to make a request for it. Please see Derby City Council’s post 16 travel statement for older children and young people.

If your child has an EHCP and lives within statutory walking distance but can reasonably be expected to walk to school on their own and does not fit within one of the other categories, they will not be entitled to free Home to School Travel Assistance.

You can find details of how to apply for Local Authority’s Home to School Travel Assistance, here:

Pre 16 – Home to School Travel Assistance – Derby City Council
Post 16 – Home to School Travel Assistance – Derby City Council

Home to School Travel Assistance is granted for one academic year at a time. This means that you will need to make a request for each year that it is needed. You will need to provide evidence of why you feel it is needed and the Local Authority will consider your application based upon that year’s request alone. However if you move home or your child moves to a different school then you will need to submit a new application.

The issue of Home to School Travel Assistance for children with SEN was raised in the case of R v Hereford and Worcester CC, ex parte P [1992] 2 FCR 732.

The court held that it was implicit that the Home to School Travel Assistance provided by the LA should be “non-stressful” if the child was to benefit from education.

This means the child needs to be able to arrive at school ready to learn, rather than being unduly stressed or tired because of the journey.

The government statutory guidance, ‘Home-to-school travel and transport‘, advises on particular issues affecting pupils with severe learning difficulties and it recommends that local authorities:

• ensure drivers and escorts are known to parents
• provide operator contact numbers for parents
• ensure stability of staffing arrangements for pupils who dislike change
• encourage schools and transport services to use a home-school liaison diary
• ensure that journey times are reasonable to avoid undue stress.

Other legal requirements and good practice points covered by the guidance include:

• enhanced DBS checks for all drivers and escorts
• minimum standards of training for drivers and escorts, including training in conflict resolution, safe handling and working with children with particular medical conditions or disabilities where appropriate
• assessment and management of risk
• specific measures for pupils with health needs
• specific training for staff and vehicle adaptations for pupils with mobility needs.

The guidance recommends that travel needs of pupils with SEN be reviewed at least annually and that pupils should always travel by using mainstream arrangements and local travel schemes where they can. Reviews can decrease as well as increase transport support.

For children with EHCPs, issues around transport can become relevant in an appeal about the school named in Section I of an EHC plan and transport costs are relevant to the costs of a particular school placement. However, the SEND Tribunal does not have jurisdiction to deal with disputes about transport alone.

If you disagree with a decision made about transport, or your child doesn’t have an EHCP, you will need to start by making an appeal through the Local Authority (LA)’s own internal appeals procedures. Details of how to appeal can be found here.

If you feel that there has been a failure to comply with the procedural rules of an appeal or if there are any other irregularities in the way the appeal was handled, you may have a right to complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (“LGSCO”).

In an extreme case, it may be possible for the process by which the decision was reached to be challenged through judicial review proceedings if the decision was unlawful, irrational or unjust.

What is home to school travel support?
This is support from the Council to help children get to and from school when they can’t reasonably manage the journey on their own due to distance, physical or mobility needs, SEND, or anxiety.
It’s not just about whether a child can walk the route – it’s about whether they can do it safely, consistently, and without significant distress, with or without support.
Decisions about travel support are based on national guidance and local policy, which can sometimes feel complex.

My child has SEND – does that mean they will automatically get transport?
Not always. Having SEND does not automatically mean your child will get travel support. Each application is looked at individually based on your child’s needs.
The Council will consider:
• Your child’s needs
• Whether they can travel safely (with or without support)
• The distance to school
In reality, some children with SEND qualify, and some don’t – it depends on how those needs impact the journey between home and school.

How is the distance to school measured?
Distance is usually measured using the shortest available walking route, not the driving distance. If your child has SEND, safety and ability to travel are just as important as distance.

What counts as “too far” to walk?
Free travel is usually based on distance:
• Under 8: more than 2 miles
• Age 8 and over: more than 3 miles
But distance is not the only factor.
If your child cannot walk safely to school because of SEND or mobility needs, they may still be eligible – even if you live closer than the distances above.

What does “nearest suitable school” mean?
This usually means the closest school that can meet your child’s needs and has a place available. In many cases, travel support is only automatically considered if this is also the nearest suitable school.
This is often one of the main reasons travel support is refused, so it’s important to understand how this decision is made.

What if my child attends a special school that isn’t the nearest one?
This can happen, and there are different reasons why a child might attend a school that isn’t the closest. For example, parent preference, a specific type of provision, or historical placement decisions.
However, this can affect transport eligibility and the Council may decide that another (closer) school could meet your child’s needs and, therefore, they are not responsible for providing transport.

So does naming a school on the EHCP guarantee transport?
Not always. Even if a school is named in the EHCP, the Council may still consider whether it is the nearest suitable option or whether the placement was agreed based on need or preference.

What if my child refuses transport due to anxiety or needs support?
This can be taken into account, but it is not always straightforward. The Council will usually look at whether your child can travel safely with the support already offered, rather than refusal on its own.
You may need to show why the current travel option isn’t suitable for your child, what your child’s specific needs are (e.g. anxiety, sensory differences, communication needs), what happens when transport is attempted (for example, distress, refusal, or inability to board) and what support would help your child to travel more successfully.
This might include things like a familiar adult or consistent staff member, adjustments to the environment (e.g. noise, seating) or gradual transitions or travel training.
It can be helpful to provide supporting information from school or professionals with your application, where possible. This can be a difficult area for families, especially where anxiety is high – you may need to clearly evidence how this affects your child’s ability to travel.

My child can walk sometimes, but not reliably – what happens then?
This is where individual circumstances matter. The Council will consider whether your child can walk consistently and safely and the impact of things like anxiety, sensory needs, or fatigue.
This is often an area where families will need to provide clear evidence.

What kind of travel support could my child get?
Depending on your situation, support might include:
A bus pass
Your child travels to school using public transport. In some cases, a parent/carer may also be provided with a pass if the child cannot travel independently.
A mileage allowance
A payment to cover fuel costs if you drive your child to and from school yourself in your own car.
This payment is calculated per mile for a set number of journeys each day.
A personal travel budget (PTB) – Post-16 only
A payment given to you (or your young person, if appropriate) to arrange your own travel.
This gives more flexibility, but you are responsible for organising how your child gets to school.
A taxi or minibus
Transport arranged by the Council, often shared with other children.
This will include a driver and, where needed, a passenger assistant to support during the journey.
The Council will decide what is the most appropriate and cost-effective travel support option based on your child’s needs as recorded on the application form and any supporting evidence provided.

Can I choose the type of travel support we get?
Not usually.
The Council decides what type of travel support is offered, based on your child’s needs and what is considered reasonable and cost-effective.
However, you can share information or evidence if you feel a particular type of travel support would better meet your child’s needs.
This might include:
• Medical or professional reports
• Information from school
• Details about what has or hasn’t worked in practice
The Council will consider this as part of their decision, but it does not guarantee that a specific type of travel support will be agreed.

Do I have to pay for transport?
If your child is eligible, transport is usually provided free of charge, or you may receive a payment to help with travel costs.
If you receive a payment, this is usually either:
Mileage allowance
A set rate per mile (45p per mile) to cover fuel if you take your child to school yourself.
This is usually calculated based on a set journey (e.g. two return trips per day) and paid regularly, depending on the council’s process.
Personal Travel Budget (PTB) – Post-16 only
A payment given to you (or your young person, if appropriate) so you can arrange your own transport.
This gives flexibility, but you are responsible for organising how your child gets to and from school.
Payments are usually:
• Based on agreed arrangements
• Reviewed if circumstances change
• Paid termly (in advance)

How do I apply?
Apply through Derby City Council online at www.derby.gov.uk.
Provide proof of address, school details, and evidence of needs (e.g. EHCP, medical information).

Where can I get more help or advice?
Contact the Home to School Travel Service:
Email: schooltravel@derby.gov.uk
Phone: 01332 642716

When should I apply?
For the start of a new school year, applications should usually be submitted by 31 May. Applications made after this date will still be processed.

The Council is responsible for making sure that transport is safe and appropriate for children and young people, including suitable vehicles, checked drivers and escorts, and appropriate training.

Derby City Council ~ 01332 642716 ~ www.derby.gov.uk