Home to School Transport Policy 2021-2022
The purpose of this document is to set out the council’s policy regarding home to school travel assistance for children and young people attending school and colleges.
In the vast majority of cases, children and young people are able to get to and from school by walking, cycling, or accessing public transport, accompanied by a parent or carer where this is necessary. However, there are a small number of children for whom the above is not suitable.
All local authorities are required to make suitable travel arrangements to help children and young people who are eligible for assistance to attend school.
This document explains the support available for eligible pupils in Slough travelling to and from school.
Legal framework and statutory duties
Under the Education Act 1996 and the Education and Inspections Act 2006, local authorities have a duty to provide free assistance with travel to and from qualifying schools and colleges for eligible children and young people aged 5-16 in certain circumstances.
There is no mandatory entitlement to travel assistance for children under 5 years. For young people over the age of 18, please check the council’s separate policy on post 16 transport.
Under S508B of the Education Act 1996, local authorities must provide such travel arrangements as they consider necessary to get an eligible child to their ‘relevant educational establishment’ (qualifying school). Travel arrangements for an eligible child must be free of charge and not require service users to incur extra costs.