SEND travel and transport

Your child may be entitled to free transport if they cannot walk to school because of their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or mobility problem.

SEND school transport

When your child is eligible
Your child is eligible if they are of compulsory school age; go to their nearest suitable school and one of the following applies:

  • They are under 8 and the school is more than 2 miles away.
  • They are 8 or over and the school is more than 3 miles away.
  • They wouldn’t be able to walk there safely, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. This applies if your child lives within the 2- or 3-mile limit but there is no safe walking route. For example, if the only route were along an unlit busy road with no pavement.
  • If your child cannot reasonably be expected to walk to school because of a special educational need, disability, or mobility problem, they will be entitled to free school transport, regardless of the distance they live from the school. An assessment must be made of the child’s individual needs.
  • If your child is entitled to free school meals, or you receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit.

If your child is not eligible
You can appeal against the decision.

If you would like to contact someone directly about, SEND School Transport and the eligibility process, please contact SEND@cumberland.gov.uk  

If you have any cause for concern about the driver, passenger assistant, vehicle, seats and harnesses, please contact the Transport Team immediately on 01228 226 427 or email at school.transport@cumberland.gov.uk 

 

Transport Assistance for Post 16 SEND Students

Most SEND students do not receive or require travel support to enable them to participate in education and training. Transport will only be provided for young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). 

Students 18-25 years with SEND
We will consider travel arrangements for students after the age of 18 years up to 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday.

In all other cases, we have the discretion to determine what transport or financial support is necessary to facilitate the student’s participation in education and training. 

If you're not eligible for free transport
You can contact your school or college to see if they would be able to assist you with your transport arrangements.

If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal.