If you apply for a place at your designated school or the nearest school to your home address, your child will get free transport if they live further than the statutory walking distance from the school.
If your child’s EHC plan says that their needs can be met at a mainstream school, the normal eligibility criteria will apply, unless a disability or medical condition means they cannot walk the specified distance for their age.
Where a school is named in accordance with parental preference and is not the nearest suitable school, nor the designated school for the home address then there is no obligation for the Authority to assist with transport.
Escorts may be provided for children who have severe medical or social needs. All escorts undertake mandatory training and they and drivers are checked by the police and are issued with identification badges. If they do not have this identification, and parents wish to check their identity, they should call 0345 155 1019.
Escorts will have information about your child, but you should make sure that they are fully aware of your child’s medical condition, any behaviour issues and the best way to deal with problems.
We try to maintain continuity of escorts but sometimes it is necessary to arrange relief escorts at short notice.