The council has a policy of providing free transport to primary pupils who live more than one mile from their catchment school by the shortest, suitable walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires.  This provision may be reviewed at any time. Parents / carers who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or from Education and Families. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject to delay whilst arrangements are made.

There is discretion in certain circumstances to grant privilege transport for pupils to travel in transport provided by the authority, where spare places are available and no additional costs are incurred.

Pick up points

While free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including the distance from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction, will not exceed the authority’s limits (see above paragraph). It is the parent / carer’s responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at the pick-up point in time. It is also the parent / carer’s responsibility to ensure their child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in a loss of the right to free transport.

Placing requests

The council does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request other than in exceptional circumstances.

In the case of early entry requests, if a child is offered a place in the catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with the council’s policy stated above.