The Government’s guidance for local authorities about home to school transport says that for children with SEND, the Council is required to:
make transport arrangements for all children who cannot reasonably be expected to walk to school because of their mobility problems or because of associated health and safety issues related to their special educational needs (SEN) or disability. Eligibility for such children should be assessed on an individual basis to identify their particular transport requirements. Usual transport requirements (e.g. the statutory walking distances) should not be considered when assessing the transport needs of children eligible due to SEN and/or disability.”
This means that if your child has SEND, the Council can’t apply the Statutory Walking Distances but must consider the individual circumstances. Hertfordshire County Council explains how they do this in their Home to School Transport Policy.
Transport for children who have an EHC Plan
In Hertfordshire, once your child’s EHC Plan has been finalised and a school has been named in Section I, you can apply for home to school transport and an assessment will be done.
It’s important to remember that if you request a school for your child and the school is named in Section I of their EHC Plan, but the Council believes that a school that is closer to your home could meet your child’s needs, you may not be given help with transport to school. This is because the school has been named as “parental preference”, not because it is the nearest school that can meet needs.
It’s important to think about this when you are asked to say which schools you would like the Council to consult. If paying for transport to school would cause problems for you, you may choose to have the nearer school named if you are happy that your child’s needs could be met there. If you don’t believe the nearer school can meet your child’s needs and it is named, you have the right of appeal.
If you’re unhappy with a decision about your child’s home to school transport, you have the right to challenge the decision.
Reasons for an appeal:
- Home to School Transport policy hasn’t been upheld
- There are compelling reasons to justify making an exception to the policy
For further information on the appeals process, visit the Council’s website.
Get in touch with us
If you can't find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us. Our opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm
- Friday from 9.30am to 2pm
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 3 working days.
Other sources of help and support:
Hertfordshire Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Visit the Local Offer →
Contact
A charity for families with disabled children offering information and advice.
Visit Contact →
HPCI
An independent parent carer organisation ensuring family voices are heard.
Visit the HPCI →
IPSEA
Independent information, advice and support, with free guides, resources and template letters.
Visit IPSEA →