Transport for children with special educational needs or mobility problems
Transport for children with mobility problems
If your child has mobility difficulties which prevent them from walking to or accessing the site of their local school, we will consider travel assistance to the closest suitable school to their home. We will assess the appropriateness of walking distance and site access on an individual basis.
Transport for children with special educational needs
We take into account each individual pupil's special educational needs as detailed in a formal Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or other form of professional recognised assessment, at the time of assessment for transport.
Where the distance to the appropriate school is less than the statutory walking distance, we will consider travel assistance, taking into account the individual circumstances and the travel needs of the child.
Personal transport budget
A personal transport budget (PTB) is a payment designed to help you transport your child to and from school. You can use the budget in any way you wish, to ensure your child attends school every day and is able to arrive on time and in a fit state to learn. For example, it can help towards covering the costs of running a family car or arranging with another member of the family or friends to assist with childcare enabling you to make the journey.
The payment is a fixed amount based on the proximity of your home to school; it bears no relationship to the cost of a taxi or contracted vehicle.
Rather than accessing shared school transport, using a PTB can be a good alternative for some families. The advantages of a PTB are:
- Freedom to make your own arrangements – to suit your family
- Control over how the money is spent
- Your child may be more secure and relaxed at school
- You can share the cost and save money by joining up with other parents
- You could use the money to help your child become more independent
Read our Parent Information Guide to find out whether a personal transport budget is right for you and your family. Please contact us by email if you would like to discuss a PBT for your child / young person: schooltransport@herefordshire.gov.uk
Appeal a school transport decision
If you disagree with a decision we make regarding school transport support for children with mobility problems or special educational needs, you can appeal a decision.
If you require further school transport advice, please contact us.
School transport applications - privacy notice
Independent travel training
We offer a structured programme of support which is designed to promote independent travelling skills for young people with special educational needs. Assessments are undertaken by the travel trainers in conjunction with the young person, their school or college, work placements and their family. The assessment is designed to determine that the young person is aware of their environment and other people, can recognise dangers, can use pavements and road crossings appropriately.
For further information see the Talk Community Directory Independent travel training.