Dorset Post 16 Transport Support Policy 2022 to 2023

Post 16 provision

The Education and Skills Act 2008, states that young people are required to stay in education, training or enter employment until they are 18.

When making decisions about which course, school or college to attend parents/students must consider:

the different modes of transport available to them
the timings for arrival and departure
how much it will cost them

There is no automatic entitlement to home to school or college transport once a student is over 16 even if free transport has been provided in the past.

Dorset Council is committed to supporting Young People in accessing Post 16 education and training and in addition have put the following provision in place to support this

School sixth form transport

All School Transport into Mainstream Dorset Schools that have 6th Form provision is provided by independent bus companies.

If you wish to purchase a seat on one of these services, you are required to contact the bus company directly. The availability and charges are at the discretion of the relevant bus companies.

School:

Blandford School
Ferndown Upper School
Queen Elizabeth School
Lytchett Minster School
Purbeck School
Shaftesbury School
Thomas Hardye School
Allenbourn Middle School
Dorchester Middle School
Ferndown Middle School
St Michaels Middle School
West Moors Middle School

Contractor

Go South Coast (operating as Morebus and Damory).

Contact details:

phone: 01202 338420
Website: passes.gosouthcoast.co.uk/

School:

Beaminster School
Sir John Colfox School
Woodroffe School

Contractor

First Wessex.

Contact details:

phone: 01305 783645
email: dorsetschools@firstgroup.com

School:

Sturminster Newton School

Contractor

Vale Coaches.

Contact details:

phone: 01963 363000
email: valecoaches@gmail.com

School

Gillingham School
Gryphon School

Contractor

South West Coaches.

Contact details:

phone: 01935 475872
email: schools@southwestcoaches.co.uk

School

Budmouth College

Contractor

Public Services provided by First Bus.

Contact details:

phone: 0871 200 2233
website: www.firstgroup.com

Bursary Scheme

Each School and FE College has a Mandatory Post 16 Bursary (16-18) scheme.

Eligibility for accessing these bursaries is managed by the individual schools. Some schools also provide other forms of support for Post 16 students to assist access to their place of learning.

Please contact the school or college directly for further information and charges, see appendix a or b.

There is also further information on the Bursary Scheme through the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-young-people-16-to-19-bursary-fund-guide

Further Education (FE) college transport

Colleges have transport routes available to help students access their course.

It is important to contact the college to find out what is available and apply to them directly as soon as possible to ensure that transport is available for the start of the course.

Those attending Post 16 FE provision may also apply for a seat under the Surplus Seat Travel Scheme, if there are routes that wholly or partially assist a young person in accessing their Post 16 place and they fulfil the criteria set out in the section 'Post 16 Reduced Rates for the Surplus Seat Travel Scheme'

They may also qualify for further assistance under the section 'Travel assistance for students aged 16-18 with Special Educational Needs, Disabilities or Compelling Medical Circumstances'

Contact the college to find out if there is any support available for transport from the 16-19 Bursary, see appendix b

Apprenticeships and traineeships

If a young person is looking to engage with an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, it is essential they talk to the Learning Provider who will be able to inform them of any transport assistance that may be available. Employers and Learning Providers should take into account a young person’s transport arrangements when planning any off the job training, particularly outside normal working hours, see appendix b.

If you are studying a traineeship you are also eligible for the 16-19 Bursary Scheme.

Public transport

Special arrangements for students

16-25 railcard

There are some situations where a young person travelling on public transport may be entitled to a free bus pass for off peak travel if they have a disability.

Travel assistance for students aged 16-18 with special educational needs, disabilities, or compelling medical circumstances

Criteria for additional support

Young people aged between 16-18 and fulfilling the criteria set out in Section 3 may also be provided with additional support when:

a professional assessment clearly indicates that a young person would not be able to access existing public transport routes to a place of learning because of their SEN or disability, and meet the qualifying criteria
a young person is within the 3-mile distance criteria of a school but a professional assessment clearly indicates that a young person would not be able to access to their place of learning because of their SEND or disability

Supplementary information

Types of assistance that may be provided are:

PTB’s – Personal Travel Budgets
Contract Bus/Council Fleet
mini Bus
taxi
vehicle used by other council directorates
fuel contribution, if it is shown to be a cost-effective solution (Families should be prepared to use their own vehicle where there are no suitable or appropriate alternative arrangements in place). The rate paid to families, is for the shortest available driven route only (45p per mile x return journey/s)

The terms and conditions

Provision of dedicated transport is subject to the following conditions:

assisted transport will only be provided for one inward and one outward journey to/from college at the beginning and end of the college day. This may not be according to the start and finish of the timetable day
assisted transport will only be provided between the same pick up/drop off points each day. If other destinations are required this will be parent/carer preference which they will have to organise and pay for
transport is not provided for induction or taster days or work experience
if students move outside of the Dorset Council area part way through their course, transport assistance will cease and they must apply to their new Local Authority for assistance
the Council expects students to travel by public transport where it is available. Independent Travel Training may enable students to progress to using buses and/or trains. Please contact the school or college who may be able to access limited funds through Dorset Council to support this activity
students who travel on contract bus routes or taxi with other students, have no choice as to the time for outward or return journeys

Application process

Applications for transport assistance must be received by the SEN Team, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ, by 31 May prior to the start of the course. A young person must re-apply for transport for each year of study.

Charges and contributions

All young people will contribute towards the cost of transport. For 2022/2023, Dorset Council has set this amount at £825.

If the family is on Maximum Working Credits or the student is entitled to free school meals, this will be reduced by 50%, consistent with the overall Post 16 Transport provision, see the following section 'Post 16 Reduced Rates for the Surplus Seat Travel Scheme'

In exceptional circumstances, the eligibility criteria with regard to ‘live over 3 miles from their nearest and/or appropriate school/college’ may be dis-applied for a young person with significant disability and/or mobility need and the contribution would be reduced by 50%.

Post 16 reduced rates for the Surplus Seat Travel Scheme

Dorset Council is committed to supporting families in accessing Post 16 education and has in addition set up the Local Authority 16+ Assistance Scheme whereby a Post 16 student can qualify for a 50% reduction in the cost of their travel pass (those passes provided by the OSOO Contractors) or a 50% reduction in the £825 contribution towards transport provided by Dorset Council.

50% reduction in not available on public transport routes or rail.

In order to qualify for assistance under the Local Authority 16+ assistance scheme all students must meet each of the following criteria:

be resident in the Dorset Council area  Be under 19 on 31 August immediately preceding the start of the academic year or up to 25 if a Section139a/Education, Health and Care Plan highlights transport is a necessity
live over 3 miles from their nearest and/or appropriate school/college
be in full time education (16 hours or more over 3+ days per week)
and Families are in receipt of Maximum Working Tax Credit/ Universal Credit, or the student is entitled to Free School Meals
or the student had a compelling medical circumstance prior to post 16 which attracted transport support and a case is made for it to continue (applies to nearest school/college only and supporting evidence from the appropriate Medical Officer will always be required)
or the student has a compelling medical circumstance that arises during post 16 education (applies to nearest school/college only and supporting evidence from the appropriate Medical Officer will always be required

Supplementary information:

assisted transport is only available for one inward and one outward journey to/from school/college at the beginning and end of the school/college day. This may not be according to the start and finish of the timetable day
assisted transport will only be provided between the same pick up/drop off points each day. If other destinations are required this will be parent/carer preference which they will have to organise and pay for
transport is not provided for induction or taster days or work experience
if students move outside of the Dorset Council area part way through their course they must apply to their new Local Authority for assistance

Regulations affecting surplus seats

Please note, at the time of updating this policy, it is the Government’s intention to enforce the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) on all routes carrying paying passengers. In the context of school transport, this means surplus seat pass holders.

This will require that all paying passengers must travel on a vehicle that has suitable access for passengers with disabilities – eg low floors or wheelchair lifts. As many vehicles used on school routes, such as older coaches, do not comply with these regulations, this will mean that they cannot be used to carry paying surplus seat pass holders. This will apply to all local authorities in England, not just Dorset Council.

However, it will not affect those pupils who are currently eligible for free school transport or surplus seat holders travelling on low-floor public service buses, PSVAR-compliant coaches or smaller vehicles such as minibuses and taxis.

This is likely to have some impact on school transport operators during the 2022/23 academic year and could potentially limit the future availability of surplus seats as a result. It is unclear at the time of writing this policy what the scale and timing of this impact will be.

Post 19 transport

Under Section 508F Education Act 1996 where a Local Authority considers it necessary for a young person between 19-25 to have travel assistance (Section 139a/Education, Health and Care Plans so highlights) in order to access an education institution or training, then the LA is required to provide free travel assistance.

General terms and conditions

A travel pass (public transport) or OSOO Seat be used in the following circumstances:

if travelling on coaches or other contract transport arrangements, which do not involve season tickets, there will be no choice over the outward or return journey details
if travelling with a season ticket these are usually available for use between designated stops and journeys and at an agreed time, morning and afternoon
some bus operators have introduced a fare card system which allows travel in the evening and at weekends at a reduced cost. Check with your school/college or local bus operator
opportunities for tickets, which can be used across transport providers, are not generally available

Out of Dorset Council Area Colleges which are beyond daily travel distances

If you are attending a college that is a considerable distance away from the Dorset Council area you should enquire directly to the college about transport support arrangements. Further details can be found at: https:www.gov.uk/grant-bursary-adult-learners

Complaints

Please refer to the Home to School Transport Policy for the complaints procedure.

Consultation

The Home to School Transport Policy and the Post 16 Transport Support Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis to reflect the changes to costs associated with SSTS fares.

If further changes are required Dorset Council will consult with young people and their parents through the consultation pages contained on the Council website.

References

Please refer to other sections within the Dorset Home to School Transport Policy for further information on:

methods of transport
journey times
pickup and drop off points
personal luggage
advice for parents
advice for children
complaints
transport appeals.

Appendix A - Schools and sixth form provision

Further information on the 16-19 Bursary scheme is available through the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-young-people-16-to-19-bursary-fund-guide

School

Budmouth Academy, Chickerell Road, Weymouth DT4 9SY

Phone: 01305 830560

website

Travelling to/from

There is a Vulnerable Student Bursary and a Discretionary Attendance Bursary. In addition students may apply for a Travel Bursary.

School

Beaminster School 6th Form

Phone: 01308 862633

website

Travelling to/from

The school operates a 16-19 bursary Fund to support access to Post 16 provision.

School

The Blandford School

Telephone

Phone: 01258 451121

website

Travelling to/from

The school operates a 16-19 bursary Fund to support access to Post 16 provision

School

Ferndown Upper School, Cherry Grove, Ferndown, BH22 9EY

Phone: 01202 871243

email

Routes running from Morten, Broadmayne and Knitson Routes running from Weymouth & Poole

School

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne Minster, BH21 4DT

Phone: 01202 885233

email

website

Travelling to/from

QE have a 16-19 bursary scheme that will support students in accessing 6th Form provision

School

Thomas Hardye School

Phone: 01305 756801

Website

Travelling to/from

The Thomas Hardye School have a 16-19 bursary scheme that will support students in access

School

Sir John Colfox

Phone: 01308 422291

Travelling to/from

The school manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies. There is transport available between Sir John Colfox School and the Yeovil College as part of the Yeovil College Partnership - Yeovil College Partnership – The Sir John Colfox Academy

School

Shaftesbury School

Phone: 01747 854498

website

Travelling to/from

Shaftesbury School manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

As there is a shared 6th form provision between Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton – there is a free bus service between the two sites.

School

Sturminster Newton High School

Phone: 01258 472642

website

Travelling to/from

Sturminster Newton High School manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

As there is a shared 6th form provision between Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton – there is a free bus service between the two sites.

School

Woodroffe School Lyme Regis

Phone: 01927 442232

Travelling to/from

The Woodroffe school manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

Appendix B - Colleges

Further information on the 16-19 Bursary scheme is available through the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-young-people-16-to-19-bursary-fund-guide

College

Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, DT2 8PY

Phone: 01305 215032

Website

Travelling to/from

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

The College run a series of dedicated routes across the County to assist students to access their studies.

These routes are finalised on an annual basis depending on demand for each annual recruitment cycle.

College

Weymouth College, Cranford Avenue, Weymouth, DT4 7LQ

Phone: 01305 764766

Travelling to/from

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

There are a range of routes serviced by the College and other public bus providers:

Blandford
Piddlevalley, Piddlehinton, Charlton Down, Charminster
BCP area
Dorchester
East Dorset
Portland
West Dorset
Yeovil

As well as local routes in and around Weymouth itself.

Students can apply for transport assistance if they live 5 miles from the college.

College

Bournemouth & Poole College, North Road, Parkstone, Poole, BH14 0LS

Telephone

tel:01202 205660

Email

Website

Travelling to/from

Student Financial Support

16-18 year old students Vulnerable and Discretionary Bursaries; including College Meal and Travel Support.

At Bournemouth & Poole College, we can support with the cost of your course and travel costs.

If you are a student who is either in care or leaving care, you would be eligible to apply for a vulnerable bursary, which could include a monthly payment, paid direct to you to help you with those little extras, as well as receiving a College Meal Card and Travel Pass.

Discretionary bursaries are for those students who have a lower income within their families and are currently receiving one of the benefits stated in the criteria (http://www.thecollege.co.uk/student-support/student-finance).

College

Brockenhurst College, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, SO4 7ZE

Phone: 01590 625533

Email

Travelling to/from

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

The College is accessible through both public and train services from Salisbury, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Bournemouth and Poole.

There are various public bus routes to access Marchwood as well.

College

Yeovil College, Mudford Road, Yeovil, BA21 4DR

Phone: 01935 423921

Email

Website

Travelling to/from

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

The college is accessible from both Bus and Train routes:

1. Bus - Gillingham & Shaftesbury to Yeovil – (YC1)

2. Bus - Bridport & Beaminster (YC3)

In addition there are routes from Blandford and Sturminster Newton, Dorchester, Sherborne – updated routings and timings - Plan Your Journey | Traveline

College

Wiltshire College Salisbury, Southampton Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2LW

Phone: 01225 350035

Travelling to/from

Travelling to Wiltshire College:

Studying at the Chippenham Campus - Travelling to Chippenham | Wiltshire College & University Centre
The Chippenham Campus is services by both bus and rail.
Studying at the Lackham Campus - Travelling to Lackham | Wiltshire College & University Centre
The Lackham Campus is services by bus. The nearest rail service eos to Chippenham (3.5 miles)
Studying at the Trowbridge Campus - Travelling to Trowbridge | Wiltshire College & University Centre
The Chippenham Campus is services by both bus and rail.
Studying at the Salisbury Campus - Travelling to Salisbury | Wiltshire College & University Centre
The Chippenham Campus is services by both bus and rail. For students from Dorset – there are bus routes into Salisbury from certain centres in Dorset with a range of ticket options –
Salisbury Reds - Buses across Salisbury
Morebus