Borough of Telford & Wrekin

Special Educational Needs transport

Transport provision for people, living in the Borough of Telford & Wrekin, with special educational needs.
The responsibility for securing attendance at school is the parents. Pupils aged 11 years and over who live more than three miles from their nearest appropriate school and pupils aged under 11 years who live more than two miles from their nearest appropriate school are eligible for assistance with transport and if the authority deem their route to school hazardous.

Transport may also be provided for statemented pupils who live less than the statutory distance from school if their special needs warrant it. Decisions will be based upon:
  • the physical abilities of the child
  • significant learning and emotional difficulties

Both of the above must be supported by a written statement.
If free transport is agreed because of a pupils special needs it will be specified by one of our employees, and will be subject to annual review as the transport may not be needed as the child grows older and their development progresses.

If a pupil suffers from a life threatening condition arrangements will be made for the parent to take the child to school if this is at all possible. If it is not possible for the parent to travel with the child, arrangements will be made for the child to be accompanied by a suitable escort.
(No escort or driver is allowed to administer medication.)

Transport will be provided from respite care accommodation to the childs normal school if:

  • the respite care is authorised by social care
  • at least 10 days working notice is given of the period of respite care
  • the respite care is not as far from the school/home that the length or cost of the journey would be unreasonable

If the pupil is in respite care for more than four months it may be appropriate to find a temporary alternative school placement nearer the respite care rather than provide transport over a long distance.

Transport from school to home is arranged for the end of the school day . Additional transport will not be provided for pupils who wish to take part in after school activities.

An escort will be provided if it is necessary to meet the individual needs of the student and details of escort duties and responsibilities will be supplied on request.

All drivers and escorts will be subject to a criminal records bureau (CRB) check.

When appropriate, the authority can discharge its duty to provide transport by paying parents a travel allowance to take their children to school. This allowance may be payable where:


  • the behaviour of a student or parent is such that a place cannot be offered on contracted transport
  • by agreement when it is cheaper to do so than to provide a bus pass or contracted transport
  • in cases where a pupil has a life threatening condition

The travel allowance payable is 14p per mile.

For further information please contact:

Transport Contracts Team
Telford Wrekin Council
Environment & Regeneration
PO Box 212
Darby House
Telford
TF3 4LB

Tel
01952 384623 or email





Get Adobe Reader - link opens in a new window

Please note - Some documents published before 1st December 2006 may contain incorrect contact numbers.
.
For up to date contact numbers please refer to the Guide to Council Services.