Transport provision for children with special educational needs

Transport provision

If a child’s nearest suitable school is beyond statutory walking distance from their home, then the Local Education Authority is under a duty to provide a free travel pass. For a child with special educational needs the nearest suitable school may well be different than for other pupils, and walking may not be an option.

Therefore, in certain circumstances Camden Local Education Authority (LEA) will make arrangements for transport of pupils from home to school or college. The LEA’s transport policy is used to decide whether a child is eligible for free travel permits or assisted transport (for example, by school bus or minicab). A copy of the policy is available from the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team at the Crowndale Centre.

The Special Educational Needs Team only handles transport arrangements for Camden-resident children who have a statement of special educational needs. Generally, transport provision is considered for children who are of statutory school age, and on the basis of the nearest appropriate school with a vacancy. However, the LEA will consider all cases individually.

The parent or carer of any child with a statement, or who is currently undergoing a statutory assessment, is welcome to write to the SEN team to request transport for their child.

If your child does not have a statement of special educational needs, support with home-school transport may still be available from Camden’s Student and Pupil Support service.

• Application form for home to school travel