The Council has a policy of providing free transport to all primary pupils who live more than one mile from their local catchment area school by the shortest suitable walking route. This policy is more generous than the law
requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or from Learning and Leisure Services.
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 anytime 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. This will not necessarily begin from the start of term.
Pick Up Points
While free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick-up points. 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 parents’ responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at the pick-up point in time.
It is also the parents’ responsibility to ensure the 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 the child is offered a place in the catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with the council’s policy stated above.
