Organising your child or children's school transport depends on where you live and if you are on a low income.
When you are responsible
If you’re a parent or a carer of a child that is aged 5 to 16 years, then you are responsible for making sure your child attends school and their transport arrangements.
If you choose a school that is neither your catchment or nearest qualifying school, you will be responsible for transport for your child.
This would be a long term commitment for you as a parent or carer and it needs very careful consideration.
When we are responsible
There are 4 categories of statutory school age students living in Cumberland and attending their catchment or nearest suitable school who are eligible for Council funded travel assistance:
- children who live beyond the statutory walking distance
- children from low-income families (where extended rights apply)
- children whose walking route to school is unsafe
- some children with special educational needs (SEN), a disability or a mobility difficulty
Suitable schools
The nearest suitable school is defined as 'the nearest qualifying school with places available that provides education appropriate to the child's:
- age
- ability
- aptitude
- gender
- special educational need
A qualifying school includes:
- maintained schools (including academies) or nurseries
- special schools approved under Section 342 of the Education Act 1996
- pupil referral units
- alternative provision academies
A suitable school is not necessarily the most suitable schools for a child. Schools are able to meet a wide range of needs. The nearest secondary school to the home of a child of secondary school age, for example, will almost always be their nearest suitable school (provided it would be able to admit them).
Where children meet the eligibility criteria, we will fund transport to such schools.
Where a child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, the school named in the plan will normally, but not always, be considered to be their nearest suitable school.
Transport
Transport will be provided by the most appropriate means available.
This may be a pass to travel free by public bus or train, or a vehicle which Cumberland Council has under contract from an approved transport operator.
Children who are issued a travel pass on a vehicle privately contracted to Cumberland Council will be restricted to travelling in the morning and afternoon at the standard times.
Children who are issued with a Stagecoach travel pass may be able to travel flexibly for one journey to and one journey from the school daily.
Contact the School Transport team, Education SEND and Inclusion who will advise you of restrictions on your route.
Telephone: 0300 3031591 (choose option 1)