Entitlement to
transport|
link courses / integration|
16-19 age group|
parental visits
Local Authorities (LA) have duties and powers to provide
assistance with travel, in order to facilitate attendance at an
educational institution, to persons living within their area, based
on individual needs and circumstances. In carrying out this duty
LAs also have a responsibility to make efficient use of available
resources.
The City of London will consider assistance with travel
arrangements, to and from school or college for:
- pupils with a statement of special educational needs (SEN)
- children of pre-school age placed in a nursery, by the City of
London, for the purpose of a statutory assessment of SEN
- pupils who suffer from a temporary illness or disability, which
makes walking or travelling by public transport inappropriate, and
where the City of London is satisfied that the pupil's parent /
carer is unable to make suitable arrangements. In such cases the
City of London would require a supporting certificate from a
doctor, for example
- students over the statutory school age attending a school or
college of further education
The City of London will take into account all the individual
circumstances of every case, in addition to its stated criteria,
when reaching a decision. It will also take account of any
representations made and will consider all the available evidence
when exercising its discretion whether to provide assistance with
travel.
Transport will be arranged by the most economical means
available consistent with the safety and needs of the child. Due to
the size of the LA, transport arrangements can be offered, for
example by providing a free bus / train pass, using the services of
a neighbouring LA, or private taxi depending on circumstances.
Pupils may travel together on larger vehicles and the assumption
will be made that no special equipment will be necessary and that
no special equipment will be carried. It is acknowledged, however,
that some pupils with a physical disability and / or a medical
condition will sometimes have to transport equipment with them to
allow mobility both at home and at school.
Any changes to the provision will take place as appropriate in
light of changing needs.
Entitlement to transport on
Special Educational Needs grounds
As part of the Statutory Assessment of a pupil’s special
educational needs, the LA will decide whether the pupil would be
able to comply with the distance criteria of accompaniment within
the two or three mile distance limit. One and a half miles up to
seven-year olds, two miles up to 11-year olds and three miles for
those at secondary school. If the advice indicates that a pupil
would be unable to fulfil this requirement the need for home to
school transport would be written into Section six of the pupil’s
Statement of Special Educational Needs. Criteria would
include:
- The pupil’s physical disability prevents them from achieving
independent travel
- The pupil’s disabilities prevent them from complying with the
distance criteria
- Assessed behaviours exhibited by the pupil are such that the
pupil is unable to comply with the distance criteria.
- Assessed behaviours and social independence skills of the young
person are such that the young person is unable to travel safely.
Depending on the assessment, the most appropriate mode of transport
will be agreed.
Transport for link course and / or
integration
Where attendance at a link course is required for a pupil, as
part of special educational provision, transport will only be
considered for those who have home to school transport as part of
their SEN statement. Transport for integration opportunities from
specialist provision into mainstream schools, having had regard to
this policy, is at the discretion of the Early Years and Education
Manager.
Pupils with special needs in
the 16-19 age group who are attending a college of further
education
Students who leave school to attend college will continue to
have transport provided if home to school transport was written
into their SEN statements when they were of statutory school
age.
The college or Connexions Personal Advisers have responsibility
of notifying the Early Years and Education Manager of students who
may qualify for assisted travel.
Eligibility is dependent on the student starting the course
prior to their 19th birthday and can continue for a maximum period
of three years or the end of the academic year in which the student
reaches 21 years of age.
Parental visits to Special
Schools and Units
In exceptional circumstances, parents may apply for assistance
with their travel arrangements. In exceptional circumstances, at
the discretion of the Early Years and Education manager, an
additional introductory visit may be arranged.
For more information can contact the
Family and Young People's Service on: 020 7332 1002 or
email
us.
Special Educational Needs - links
DCSF The Parent Centre - Special Educational
Needs (SEN)
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