Derbyshire School Transport Explained

Understanding Home to School Transport in Derbyshire

Ensuring your child gets to school safely and reliably is a primary concern for many parents and carers. In Derbyshire, like elsewhere, there's a specific framework governing assistance with home-to-school transport. This article aims to demystify the process, outlining who is eligible, how distances are measured, the types of assistance available, and how to apply or appeal decisions. Whether your child attends a local primary, a secondary school, or a specialist college, understanding these provisions is crucial.

Who is Responsible for School Transport?

As a parent or carer, the fundamental responsibility for ensuring your child's attendance at school rests with you. This includes the associated costs of transport. However, Derbyshire County Council recognises that in certain circumstances, families may require assistance. This guide focuses on the support available for children of compulsory school age, up to the point they leave school. For those continuing in education post-16, a separate policy document details the relevant provisions.

Eligibility Criteria for Transport Assistance

Derbyshire County Council will arrange home-to-school transport for children of compulsory school age attending a maintained school, college, or academy if they meet specific criteria. These criteria are generally based on the distance between the child's home and their designated school. The primary conditions for eligibility are:

• The child attends their normal area school, a school closer than their normal area school, or the nearest suitable school as determined by the council.
• The child lives beyond the statutory walking distance from the school they attend.

The statutory walking distances are defined as:

• 2 miles for children under the age of 8.
• 3 miles for children aged 8 and above.

These distances are established under Section 444(5) of the Education Act 1996. You can ascertain your child's normal area school by checking your home address on the relevant council resources.

How Distances Are Measured

The assessment of eligibility for transport assistance is based on the parental address where the child normally resides during the school week. If a child spends an equal amount of time at two different parental addresses, the assessment will typically be made from the property nearest to the school. It's important to note that transport will only be provided from the address used in the assessment itself.

The measurement of distance varies depending on the reason for eligibility:

• For distances within the statutory walking distance, the measurement is taken using the 'shortest available walking route'. This route can include footpaths, bridleways, and recognised roads, ensuring it's a safe path for a child, potentially with accompaniment.
• For distances exceeding the statutory walking distance, or those linked to low-income entitlements, measurements are calculated along road routes.

Types of Assistance Available

Families who meet the eligibility criteria for transport assistance will typically receive a free bus pass. This pass can be used on either a dedicated school bus service or a public bus service, depending on what is available and most suitable. In instances where families reside in rural areas lacking a suitable public bus service, the council may offer a mileage allowance as an alternative form of support.

Assistance for Families on Low Income

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 introduced 'extended rights' to transport assistance, specifically for families experiencing low incomes. This means that even if your child does not meet the standard distance criteria, you may still be eligible for help if your family is in receipt of certain benefits. Detailed information regarding these extended rights and how to apply can be found on the council's dedicated page for "home to school transport - families in receipt of benefit".

Assistance for Faith Schools

Generally, transport assistance is not provided to faith schools unless the child meets the usual eligibility criteria based on distance. However, exceptions may apply if the family has a low income. Further details on this specific provision are available within the relevant policy document.

Support for Children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP)

Children who have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) have specific provisions for school transport. Information regarding transport assistance for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be found through a separate channel on the council's website.

Applying for Travel Assistance

If you believe your child may be eligible for transport assistance, you can submit an application online. For pupils transitioning to secondary school in Year 7, many are automatically assessed and notified of their eligibility. However, this automatic process may not identify all eligible children. Therefore, if you haven't received notification by May half term and believe your child is eligible, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Contact Information for Enquiries:

• For general entitlement to travel assistance: email [email protected]
• For school bus services, routes, and charges: email [email protected]

Paying for Travel on School Buses

Students who do not qualify for free transport assistance may still have the opportunity to travel on school bus services, provided the service is registered to accept fare-paying passengers. In such cases, a fare can be paid directly to the school bus driver for each journey. If paying per journey is not an option, parents can apply to purchase a pass for transport on these services. For more information, contact [email protected].

Other Help with Travel Costs

Beyond the direct home-to-school transport provisions, young people aged 11 to 18 in Derbyshire may be able to access additional support through the council's 'b_line travel scheme'. This scheme aims to help with broader travel costs for young people.

Transport Review and Appeal Process

If you receive a written decision regarding school transport assistance that you disagree with, you have the right to request a review. Such requests must be submitted within 20 working days of the decision date stated on the notification letter.

The review process typically involves:

• A review of the decision being conducted within 20 working days of your request being received.
• A detailed written notification of the outcome being issued.
• If you remain dissatisfied after the initial review, you can request a further review by an independent appeal panel. This request must also be made within 20 working days of the review decision.

Requests for reviews should be made via email:

• For children with an EHCP: [email protected]
• For all other children: [email protected]

Further comprehensive details regarding the transport review process are available in the 'home to school transport policy for children of compulsory school age', which can be found attached to the relevant council webpage.

Summary Table of Key Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I find out if my child's school is their 'normal area school'?

You can usually find this information on the Derbyshire County Council website, often through a postcode checker or a dedicated schools information page.

Q2: My child attends a private school. Am I eligible for transport assistance?

Transport assistance is generally provided for children attending maintained schools, colleges, or academies. Eligibility for private schools is typically limited and may depend on specific circumstances, such as low income, and adherence to the distance criteria.

Q3: What if my child has specific medical needs affecting their ability to walk to school?

If your child has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) that includes transport needs due to medical conditions or disabilities, you should refer to the SEND school transport information provided by the council. It's important to ensure all relevant medical information is submitted as part of the EHCP process.

Q4: Can I pay for my younger child (under 8) to travel on a school bus if they are within the 2-mile limit?

Yes, if the school bus service is registered to take fare-paying passengers, you may be able to purchase a pass or pay a fare for your child's travel, even if they do not meet the eligibility criteria for free transport.

Q5: What evidence do I need to provide if I am applying based on low income?

You will typically need to provide proof of your income and any relevant benefits you receive. The council's website or the application form will specify the exact documentation required.

Navigating school transport policies can seem complex, but by understanding the eligibility criteria, measurement methods, and available support, parents and carers in Derbyshire can ensure their children have access to the education they deserve.

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