School transport for reception to year 11 children with SEND
How do I find out if my child is eligible for travel assistance?
We will talk with you, look at how you can get your child to school and what we can do to assist you:
If you have moved house or need more information, contact the SEN Travel Team or speak to your local Education and Early Help (SEND) Team.
Find out about post 16 SEN travel assistance for young people with SEND.
Who is eligible for travel assistance
This table shows the distances that mean your child is eligible for travel assistance:
Eligibility for school travel assistance
| Year group | School type | Distance from school | Other criteria |
|---|
| Reception to year 4 |
Catchment or nearest |
2 or more miles (shortest walking distance) |
No |
| Year 5 to year 11 |
Catchment or nearest |
3 or more miles (shortest walking distance) |
No |
| Year 5 to year 6 |
Catchment or nearest |
2 or more miles (shortest walking distance) |
Yes |
| Year 7 to year 11 |
3 nearest schools |
Between 2 miles (shortest walking) and 6 miles (shortest driven) |
Yes |
| Year 7 to year 11 |
Nearest religious/faith school |
Between 2 miles (shortest walking) and 15 miles (shortest driven) |
Yes |
| Post-16 young people with SEND (EHCP) |
Nearest college, sixth form or special school |
Over 3 miles from school or college to home |
Yes; SEND |
Check your school catchment area.
Other criteria could be if you:
You can find further details in the Home to School Transport Policy 2021 to 2022.
Find out about other travel options if you're not eligible for school travel assistance.
Other grounds for assistance
We may give consideration if your child is unable to walk or cycle to school (physically or safely) due to either a:
- significant disability
- mobility need
Speak to your SEN Planning Coordinator if you feel this is the case.
Home to school route safety
Some children may be unable to walk to their catchment or nearest school, with an adult, as the route is unsafe. When assessing the safety of the route, we consider traffic flow, collision history and gap analysis.
Find out more about home to school route safety. This includes information on how:
- routes could be unsafe
- to get a route checked for safety
Extra information
Supported travel is only available:
- for one inward and one outward journey to and from school or college at the start and end of the day. This may not be according to the start and finish of the timetable day
- between the same pick up and drop off points each day. If the child needs picking up or dropping off from elsewhere, the parent or carer will have to sort and pay for this
School Transport does not cover induction and taster days or work experience.
If students move outside of the Dorset Council area during their course, they must apply to their new council for support.