Many pupils with special educational needs do not have special transport needs and so their entitlement to free transport is the same as other pupils'.
Where statemented pupils do need special arrangements to be made for them the following factors are taken into account when deciding if free transport will be provided:
- Is the school the nearest suitable school that can meet the child’s educational needs?
- Is the school within walking distance of the child’s home?
- If the school is within walking distance, is transport necessary, for example because of problems of mobility, unsuitability of the walking route, or other, exceptional, circumstances?
If the school is the nearest suitable school or the nearest school and it is more than three miles from the home address free transport will be provided.
The transport we provide depends on the pupil’s needs, where they live, the school they are attending and vehicles available. Pupils may be expected to walk a reasonable distance from home to their pick up and drop off points, which will not always be at their front gate. This will depend on their mobility and capability. Transport provision is reviewed periodically and may be changed if appropriate. The opportunity for pupils to use the independence skills they develop at school is incorporated within their school journey where possible.