Free transport
is available to all children who:
- are under eight years of age and live more than two miles from
their nearest appropriate school
- are over eight years of age and live more than three miles from
their nearest appropriate school
- live less than the statutory distance from school but where the
LA classes the walking route to school as hazardous - the LA has
hazardous route guidelines.
This entitlement applies to all children of statutory school age
whether or not they have Statements of Special Educational
Needs.
In those cases where a child with a Statement of Special
Educational Needs does not qualify for statutory transport as
described above, it is assumed that a parent or responsible adult
will accompany him or her if this is required. This may be on foot
or by car. It is a matter for parents to decide whether their child
needs to be accompanied to school.
In some cases where a child with a Statement lives less than the
statutory distance from the nearest appropriate school, the LA will
provide free transport between home and school if there are reasons
associated with the child's special needs.
In deciding whether a child needs free transport because of
their special needs, the LA will consider to what extent a child's
safe journey to school is significantly hampered by their needs,
even when they are accompanied by a responsible adult. This will
usually be for reasons associated with a child's mobility or social
interaction needs.
Whilst the LA has a duty to comply with parental preference in
respect of the school that it names in the Statement, there is no
duty to provide free transport where this school is not the closest
one that can meet the child's needs, and in these cases, free
transport is not provided.
If parents or carers of children with Statements of Special
Educational needs wish to seek further clarification about
transport entitlement, they should contact their local Additional
Educational Needs team at the relevant Area office.
SEN Transport
Questionnaire
In Kent we make arrangements for about 3,500 children with
special educational needs to travel to and from school every day.
This costs about £15 million every year across the County and we
want to find out from parents and carers if they think there are
better ways to use this money.
We are looking for the best solution for you. Can you help us by
indicating your preferences?
If you are a parent or carer of a child with special educational
needs, you should have received a letter about this
questionnaire.
This survey is now closed. Thankyou to everyone who took
part.
For other support please visit
Disability Living Allowances or contact the
confidential free helpline 0800 882200 (this
link opens in a new window). |