Discretionary travel requirements
Children below the age of 5
Children attending Reception classes
Ordinarily and in accordance with the Council’s statutory duty, children under the age of 5 will not be entitled to travel assistance between their home and school. However, the Council will consider travel assistance applications for children below statutory school age in extenuating circumstances. Where a parent/carer believes that there are extenuating circumstances that warrant a child being provided with assistance with travel before they turn five years of age, they should complete the appropriate application form and provide supporting evidence of the case.
A child becomes of compulsory school age at the start of term after their fifth birthday.
Pre-school children with SEND
Local authorities do not have a duty to provide or arrange free travel for children who have not yet reached compulsory school age and who are attending a pre-school setting. However, the Council will consider travel assistance applications for children below statutory school age in extenuating circumstances.
Where a parent/carer believes that there are extenuating circumstances that warrant a child being provided with assistance to support their travel to School (before they turn five years of age), they should complete the appropriate application form and provide supporting evidence of the case.
If the Council agrees to provide travel assistance it may request a contribution towards costs with travel arrangements subsidised by the Council.
Children attending schools on grounds of religion or belief
Ordinarily assistance with travel to a faith school will only be provided if it is the nearest suitable school and the child comes within the eligibility criteria above.