Transport for children and young people with an EHCP

Understanding school transport for children and young people with additional needs can be complicated, this page looks to summarise and supports parents and families organising transport for ages 5- 15.

How are travel arrangements decided?

If your child qualifies for free travel, the supported transport service will assess how best to meet their travel needs. This is typically done for children with significant disabilities or special needs, and most of these children will have an EHCP. Possible travel options include:

• Direct travel payments,
• Independent travel (if the child can travel on their own), or
• Directly arranged transport assistance (such as a bus or taxi).

Is free travel for children with EHCP provided by OCC?

We provide free home-to-school travel to the nearest school that can meet your child’s needs if:

• The school is further than the statutory walking distance, or
• Your child cannot walk to school because of a disability or mobility challenges related to their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

If you choose a school that is further away than another school that can meet your child’s needs, travel to school will be your responsibility.

What if your child has a disability?

If we haven’t awarded free travel for your child with a disability, it may be because:

• They attend their nearest suitable school, and
• The school is within the statutory walking distance.

You’re welcome to contact us to discuss your case for free travel. Please be ready to provide evidence of your child’s disability or medical condition, such as a letter from a GP or consultant.

What happens when mobility or health issues affect walking to school?

If your child’s mobility challenges or health and safety issues related to their SEND mean they cannot reasonably walk to school, we will consider free travel, even if the school is within walking distance—provided it’s the nearest school that meets their needs.

Here’s what you should know:

• If your child has an EHCP, the information in the plan may help us decide.
• Parents are asked to provide supporting evidence, such as a letter from a GP or consultant, to confirm mobility or health and safety concerns.
• Free travel will only be offered to the nearest suitable school, regardless of distance, journey time, or whether other suitable schools are closer.
• Our Supported Transport Service may assess your child’s mobility or health and safety needs to determine the most appropriate type of travel assistance.

What type of travel assistance might be offered?

If your child qualifies for free travel, we’ll assess their individual needs to determine the most appropriate support. This might include:

• A seat on a school bus or minibus,
• Reimbursement for using public transport, or
• In certain cases, a personal travel budget to help with transport costs.

We aim to ensure that travel arrangements are safe, practical, and suitable for your child’s needs.

What happens if circumstances change?

If your family’s situation changes—such as moving home, changing schools, or a change in your child’s needs—it’s important to let us know as soon as possible. We can reassess your case and update any travel arrangements if needed.

Key things to remember:

• Free travel is only provided to the nearest suitable school that can meet your child’s needs.
• If you choose a school that’s farther away, travel will be your responsibility.
• Evidence from a GP, consultant, or your child’s EHCP may be required to support your application.

For more information or assistance, reach out to our Supported Transport Service team.

How to apply or get in touch

If you think your child may be eligible for free travel or need to discuss your circumstances, please contact us.
We’re here to help and will guide you through the application process. If supporting evidence is needed, we’ll explain what’s required and answer any questions.

Specialist transport needs

Some children with EHCPs may need specialist transport to get to school, such as vehicles equipped for specific needs. If a specialist vehicle isn’t necessary, we may still need to use other options like taxis, which can be more expensive. However, the council will always choose the most cost-effective travel option that meets your child’s needs.

Personal travel budgets

In some cases, you may be offered a personal budget. This budget can be used to arrange and pay for your child’s travel needs, alongside other support outlined in their EHCP.

How travel needs are assessed

Your child’s travel needs will be considered whenever an EHCP is issued or updated. Our School Transport Eligibility team works closely with SEND Services to make sure we fully understand your child’s travel requirements.

How do we notify parents and is there an appeal process?
Once the assessment is complete, we will notify you in writing about the travel arrangements we believe are best for your child. If you don’t agree with the decision, you can appeal.

How to appeal

To begin the appeal, you can request a review from the admissions and transport services Manager within 20 days of your request. Find more details on appeals. Please note that until the appeal decision is made, the transport arrangement chosen in the assessment will remain in place. The outcome of the appeal is final.

More detailed information, including the home-to-school travel and transport policy.

For individual questions about transport, please contact us