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School transport
Some children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities may be eligible for help travelling between home and school.
Home-to-school travel assistance is normally arranged by the Local Authority where your child lives.
Where Do I Start?
1. Find Your Council
Transport arrangements depend on the Local Authority where your child lives.
2. Check Eligibility
Your council will explain its eligibility rules for home-to-school travel assistance.
3. Apply
Apply directly to your Local Authority and provide the information requested about your child's needs.
4. Keep Everyone Updated
Tell the school and transport team if important information about your child's needs changes.
Who Arranges School Transport?
The school does not normally decide whether a child qualifies for home-to-school travel assistance.
Your home Local Authority will consider your application using its travel assistance policy and your child's individual circumstances.
If you are unsure which council is responsible, you can use the Government service below.
Find School Transport Help
GOV.UK provides a postcode search to take you to the correct Local Authority for SEND school transport.
Do You Live in Brent?
Brent Council provides SEND home-to-school travel assistance for children and young people who meet its eligibility criteria.
Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, assistance may include independent travel training, a personal travel allowance or arranged transport.
Do You Live in Another Borough?
Use the council where your child lives to check eligibility and apply for travel assistance.
Barnet
Information about home-to-school travel help for children and young people with SEND living in Barnet.
Harrow
Harrow provides information about SEND travel assistance, eligibility, applications and available forms of support.
Ealing
Ealing Council provides information about school travel assistance and how applications are assessed.
Camden
Camden's SEND Local Offer provides information about home-to-school transport and assisted travel.
Your Borough Is Not Listed?
Don't worry. School transport arrangements are available from your own Local Authority.
What Type of Travel Help Might Be Available?
The support available depends on your Local Authority, your child's eligibility and individual needs.
Depending on the council, options can include:
- Independent travel training
- Travel passes or support with public transport
- Personal travel allowances or budgets
- Mileage payments in some circumstances
- Arranged vehicles or other assisted transport
Your Local Authority will tell you what options are available if your child is eligible.
Independent Travel
Some young people may be able to develop the skills and confidence to travel more independently.
Some Local Authorities offer independent travel training as part of their SEND travel support.
Speak to your child's school and Local Authority if you would like to find out whether independent travel training may be suitable for your child.
Has Something Changed?
Tell your Local Authority transport team if important information about your child's travel needs or circumstances changes.
You should also keep the school informed about changes that may affect your child's arrival, collection or safety.
If there is a problem with an existing transport arrangement, contact the Local Authority or transport service responsible for the journey.
When Should I Contact the School?
Please contact the school if there is information we need to know about your child's journey or arrival at school.
For applications, eligibility decisions or changes to council transport arrangements, contact your Local Authority transport team.
If you are not sure who you need to speak to, the school can help point you towards the appropriate service.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start with the Local Authority where your child lives. They can explain the eligibility criteria, application process and travel assistance available in your area.