Travel assistance

Please read this information. Then print out and complete the SEN travel assistance application form.

• All application forms must be completed. This enables us to assess whether the child or young person is eligible for travel assistance to and from school or college. You must print and sign the form to declare your agreement.
• The form asks for details about the child or young person, parents or carers, and other family members. This information is essential. It determines both eligibility and the level of assistance we can offer. If the application is successful you'll need to provide a signature that you agree to the terms and conditions.

Children and Young people (0-25) with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN)

There is no automatic right to travel assistance for those with an EHC plan or a statement of SEN. Most of those with an EHC plan are capable of getting to school or college on time without help. Eligibility is based on the travel assistance policy.

Consideration is based on whether:

• parents and carers are able to take their child or young person to school or college
• the child or young person is able to access free public transport, supervised or unaccompanied
• they can walk to a designated pickup point, if public transport is not appropriate
• or needs to be collected from home

Parents and carers are responsible for escorting the young person to and from their home to the vehicle. 

The next section is for those with an EHC plan or Statement of SEN. And, where the preferred school or college is further away from the home than the nearest school or college that can meet the SEN needs. 

In such cases the council can name the nearer school or college if it considers it capable of meeting the SEN needs. If the parents or carers prefer the more remote setting, the council may decline the travel assistance.

Travel Assistance can be provided in several different ways

Travel assistance does not only mean transporting in vehicles. There are several other forms of assistance. Assistance with travel may be provided in the following ways:

• A public transport travel pass can be provided for a parent or carer to accompany a child or young person. This could be an Oyster card or a Travelcard. You are entitled to use it beyond just travel to school or college. Reimbursement for journeys made to school or college by public transport is not covered by free travel or an Oyster card.
• Payment of a mileage allowance (currently 45p per mile) to cover school and college travel. This is based on mileage claims from agreed locations.
• Reimbursement of taxi or minicab costs.
• Provision of a seat on a vehicle. This will be from a pick-up point to school or college in the mornings, and the return trip in the afternoons. This may be on certain days of the week, or every day.
• Combinations of the above arrangements.
• Travel training for pupils as appropriate. Travel trainers will meet expected standards of training and be approved by the council.

Promoting independence

• We seek to promote independence for all children and young people where possible. We are asking for information about their needs including their ability to use public transport. Because this can be an important part of their independence training. Younger children obviously will need to be accompanied. However, older children may benefit from travel training. It enables them to use public transport on their own, and we may be able to help with this.

Assessment details

• Eligibility for travel assistance will differ according to the child's age and needs. Each individual case will be given careful consideration. The council expects parents and carers to take responsibility for travel arrangements. Regardless of whether it's walking or via public transport. Gu should develop independent travel skills for those in their care, where appropriate.
• We ask about everyone who lives in the family home. This is because we need to know about other responsibilities you may have. Such responsibilities may affect your application for travel assistance. For example, you may have younger children to care for, or be working. Your hours of employment could mean that you have to leave your children in the care of another adult.
• We ask about special arrangements that may be necessary for the child. This help us to offer the right kind of travel assistance. We know that every child or young person is different, and we want to do what is right for them.
• If there are exceptional circumstances, let us know in your application. Please include documentary evidence to support this. For example, if you quote a medical condition, you must provide a letter or report from your GP or Consultant. It must confirm the condition and explain how it affects travel with your child or young person. Those attending a college or long-term course will need to provide a letter from the course tutor. It must confirm the days and times you are required to attend.
• If your circumstances as a family change it could affect your travel needs. Such changes might include moving home, changing or leaving school or college. You must let us know immediately if this happens. We would consider altering the travel assistance provision.

Print, complete, sign, and send the form

You can post it to the SEN Assessment and Review Service. See details at the end of the page.

Help to complete the form

For to complete the form, or to have one posted to you, call 020 8966 6483 or email: senassessment.reviewservice@harrow.gov.uk

Or contact Family Action Harrow. See details at the end of the page.