Home to School Travel and Assisted Travel

Getting a child to and from school is usually the responsibility of parents and carers. However, some children and young people may be entitled to free home to school transport.

For children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), eligibility is not determined by diagnosis or whether they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Instead, the Local Authority must consider whether a child’s SEND, disability or mobility difficulties prevent them from travelling to school safely.

This page explains the national eligibility criteria, Sutton’s Assisted Travel arrangements and what to do if you disagree with a decision.

Who Is Eligible for Free School Transport?

A child may be entitled to free home to school transport if they are attending their nearest suitable school and:

  • They are under 8 years old and live more than 2 miles from school.
  • They are aged 8 to 16 and live more than 3 miles from school.
  • They cannot reasonably be expected to walk to school because the route is unsafe.
  • They cannot reasonably be expected to walk to school because of their special educational needs, disability or mobility difficulties.

When considering whether a child can walk to school, the Local Authority may take into account whether the child could reasonably walk if accompanied by an adult.

Parental work commitments, childcare arrangements or difficulties transporting siblings do not normally create eligibility for free school transport.

What Is a Suitable School?

A suitable school is one that can meet a child’s:

  • Age
  • Ability
  • Aptitude
  • Special educational needs

For many children with EHCPs, the school named in Section I of the EHCP will be considered the suitable school for transport purposes. However, each case should be considered individually.

Children and Young People with SEND

Having SEND or an EHCP does not automatically mean a child qualifies for free transport.

The Local Authority will usually consider:

  • The child’s individual needs.
  • Whether they can walk safely.
  • Whether they could travel if accompanied.
  • Whether they can use public transport.
  • The distance to school.
  • The suitability of the school attended.
  • Medical, sensory, communication or behavioural needs which affect travel.

The Local Authority may ask for additional information from:

  • Parents and carers.
  • Schools and colleges.
  • Health professionals.
  • EHCP documentation.
  • Other relevant professionals involved with the child.

Sutton Assisted Travel

Sutton Council provides Assisted Travel arrangements for eligible children and young people who are unable to access education without transport support.

Depending on individual circumstances, this may include:

  • Shared transport arrangements.
  • Assistance from a passenger assistant or escort.
  • Personal Travel Budgets.
  • Mileage reimbursement.
  • Independent Travel Training.

The type of assistance offered will depend on a child’s assessed needs and the most appropriate way of supporting them to access education.

Personal Travel Budgets

Some families may be offered a Personal Travel Budget (PTB).

A PTB is a payment that enables parents or carers to make their own travel arrangements for their child.

Some families find this provides greater flexibility than traditional transport arrangements.

If a PTB is offered, the Local Authority should explain:

  • How the budget has been calculated.
  • What it can be used for.
  • Any conditions attached to the payment.

Independent Travel Training

Independent Travel Training helps young people develop the skills and confidence to travel safely and independently.

Training may include support with:

  • Road safety.
  • Journey planning.
  • Using public transport.
  • Personal safety.
  • Building confidence when travelling.

Independent travel can be an important part of preparing for adulthood and increasing independence.

Young People Aged 16 to 25

Different arrangements apply for students aged 16 and over.

Local Authorities are not under the same duty to provide free transport as they are for compulsory school-age children. However, they must publish a Post-16 Transport Policy Statement explaining what assistance is available.

Young people with SEND may still be eligible for support, depending on their individual circumstances and needs.

You should check Sutton’s current Post-16 Transport Policy for full details.

How to Apply

Applications for Assisted Travel should be made through Sutton Council/Cognus.

You will usually need to:

  1. Complete an application form.
  2. Provide supporting evidence where requested.
  3. Give details of your child’s needs and circumstances.
  4. Submit any relevant professional reports.

The Local Authority will then assess the application and notify you of its decision.

If You Disagree With a Decision

If your application is refused, or you disagree with the transport arrangements offered, you have the right to challenge the decision.

You can:

Stage One Review

Request a review of the original decision and provide any additional information or evidence.

Stage Two Appeal

If you remain dissatisfied, you can request a formal appeal in accordance with Sutton’s transport appeals process.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

If you believe the Local Authority has not followed the correct process or has acted unfairly, you may complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

How SIASS Can Help

SIASS can:

  • Explain the home to school transport rules.
  • Help you understand Sutton’s Assisted Travel Policy.
  • Signpost you to additional sources of advice and support.