East Ayrshire Council policy provides entitlement to free school transport where a pupil attends a specialist school outwith the local catchment area to meet their additional support needs.
Pick up and Drop off
Free transport is based on one designated pick up and drop off address for a pupil. This may not always be the pupil’s home address depending on circumstances. There are occasions where families request alternative pickup and drop off points (PUDOS). Where these alternative pickup and drop offs are part of the typical route between home and school, and can be achieved with no additional costs to the transport contract arrangement, this will be acceptable. Otherwise, it is the responsibility of parents/carers to make alternative arrangements.
Travel Alone
There can be rare occasions where a pupil requires a period of travelling alone. Where there is such a circumstance all attempts to assess and understand the difficulties leading to any issues should be undertaken. This will involve collaboration between Facilities Management staff, designated staff in establishments, and families. If following assessment, and appropriate supports or interventions, a period of travelling alone is deemed necessary a request can then be made. In these cases approval must be sought from Strategic Education Manager: Inclusion.
Motability Vehicles
Where a family has access to a Motability vehicle or accesses additional funding to enable transportation of their child to and from school, this will require to be taken into account in determining the most appropriate method of transporting your child to school and level of support provided by the Council as part of the Additional Support Needs Assessment.
Parental Disability
The Disability Discrimination Act provides for disability by association where the disability of a pupil’s parent/s may cause the child difficulties in getting to school. This circumstance should be considered for free school transport where a recommendation has been received from a designated medical officer or the request is supported through the claim of a disability living allowance. In these cases approval must be sought from Strategic Education Manager: Inclusion.
The school works closely with Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) to ensure a smooth service is provided, but overall operations and decisions lie with the ARA. They can be contacted by email at school-transport@east-transport.gov.uk or by phone on (01563) 576334.
