Home to school transport policy and guidance

The Local Authority (LA) recognises the responsibility of all parents to ensure their child attends school regularly. The policy of Slough Borough Council LA is that, wherever possible, children with a statement of special educational need should be treated no differently from children who do not have a statement. This includes the provision of transport.

It is important to bear in mind that the decision to provide transport will be based not on the parent’s/carer’s needs, but the children.

If transport is necessary, the LA will arrange transport in the most cost-effective way bearing in mind the reasonable needs of the child. This may be by minibus, taxi or by issuing a bus pass.

If transport is agreed but the school place is available before transport can be arranged parents/carers may be asked to provide transport on a temporary basis.

It is recognised that transport requirements may vary as a child develops and a review of transport requirements forms part of the annual review of a child’s statement of special educational needs.

Transport will be provided for children with special educational needs when the school recommended by the LA is beyond the statutory distance of the LA policy (see general policy) i.e., 2 miles for pupils under 8 years and 3 miles over 8 years of age.

Transport will be provided in the following circumstances:

• If the child fulfils the eligibility criteria irrespective of the statutory mileage condition. (See general policy section (ii)).
• Children who are in care and have been accommodated by the Local Authority outside the Borough and attend special school.
• Where children are placed in residential schools, termly placements and weekly placements outside the Local Authority. However, parents are encouraged to take and collect their children from such provision as a means of establishing regular contact with the school.
• For children in termly placements transport will only be provided to school and home at the beginning and end of the term and half term.
• For children in weekly placements transport will only be provided to school and home on the Friday and Sunday/Monday.
• Where a child has been assessed as entitled to transport and a mobility car has been provided to assist in access for education purposes, parents may be asked to accept responsibility for transport to and from school, with the LA paying a mileage allowance if this is agreed.
• Where possible we would expect parents of children with special educational needs to transport their child as an important means of communication with the school. When agreed they can claim mileage at the agreed rate.

Transport will not be provided in the following circumstances:

• If the pupil does not fulfil the criteria as stated in the general policy or the exceptions to the general policy of this document.
• If the parent/carer requests a place that is not the nearest appropriate school at which a place is available.
• For after school clubs or school trips.
• To work experience placements or other extra-curricular activities.
• To dental or hospital appointments.
• To clinical, medical, or non-educational appointments.
• In the event of detention.
• To attend school meetings following exclusion from school.
• To attend open days and ‘taster sessions’ at school.
• Following persistent misbehaviour occurring on transport. Transport may be withdrawn following written warning.

Parent / Carer Agreement

I understand that:

• I am applying for Home to school transport as per the terms and conditions set out in this application form.
• The information I have given is to my knowledge true and correct.
• Slough Borough Council may make enquiries about the validity of the information provided on this form from other central and/or local government bodies, as deemed appropriate by the authority.
• Slough Borough Council can withdraw transport in certain circumstances.
• Only correctly completed applications can be assessed for entitlement.
• I will inform you immediately of any change of address or if my benefit changes or ceases and understand that transport will need to be reassessed and may not result in further entitlement. Any costs incurred during the reassessment will not be funded by Slough Borough Council.
• I accept that Slough Borough Council is committed to maintaining acceptable standards of behaviour on all school transport. Behaviour on our vehicles is monitored by Slough Borough Council and in extreme cases could result in transport being re-evaluated and in severe cases withdrawn.
• If my child is unwell then it will be my responsibility to collect him/her from school.
• I understand that transport can only be implemented from the main residential address which is the address on this application form.
• I understand that Home to School Transport will not accommodate before or after school clubs.
• I give permission to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Team to request and receive information relating to my child from all health professionals in his/her care with regards to transport needs. I also consent to this information being shared with all relevant professionals who are involved with the transportation of my child.

Declaration by applicant

I certify that the information given is to the best of my knowledge and belief correct and accurate. I will inform you immediately of any change in my circumstances, (at any time) which may affect my entitlement to transport. I understand that this information will be used for purposes related to the provision of transport and may be disclosed to other authorities for these purposes.