Special educational needs - (SEN) - transport
Please note that this service is not available from Stafford Borough Council. For further information please contact Staffordshire County Council using the contact details below.
Help for Nursery, Primary and Secondary School Pupils
The Local Education Authority is under a duty to provide free transport to a child's nearest suitable school provided it is beyond statutory walking distance from the child's home address. For a child with special educational needs however, the nearest suitable school may well be different than for other pupils, and walking may not be an option.
| Service ID: | 40 |
|---|---|
| email: | webmaster@staffordshire.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01785 223121 |
| sms: | not availble |
| fax: | 01785 215153 |
| complaints: | SCC feedback form |
For further information please contact the Staffordshire County Council Website at www.staffordshire.gov.uk
The LEA provides a home to school transport service for pupils:
- With special educational needs up to the age of 19
- With medical needs up to the age of 19
- Who are excluded from school
- Who have a diagnosed phobia of school
- Who are pregnant or schoolgirl mothers.
The transport is provided in a number of ways:
- Free travel permits for public transport
- Mini-bus from home to school
- Specialist mini-bus, e.g. tail-lift vehicle
- Taxi/people carrier
- Wheelchair accessible taxi
Entitlement to and review of transport provision
Entitlement to transport for children is based on an assessment of individual need. The LEA has produced a standard form for completion as part of the assessment process. The professionals involved in the assessment of children will complete this form in discussion with parents and carers. The information provided allows the transport staff to make an informed decision on the type of vehicle to be provided, the correct restraint and clamping systems to be used and the level of supervision/care.
If it is decided that the child's special needs do not require special transport arrangements then the general home to school distance policy will apply.
Transport arrangements will be regularly kept under review. The annual review required for those children with a statement of special educational needs provides a formal opportunity to review any transport arrangements.
Parental preference and transport
If parents choose to send their child to a school that the Local Education Authority does not consider to be the nearest suitable school, there is no duty to provide free transport. In such circumstances parents will be required to make their own transport arrangements or pay to access services.
The LEA does, however, retain its discretion to provide free transport or to make a contribution to parents towards the cost.