My child has SEN assistance
Help with travel
If your child is unable to walk to school because of his/her mobility problems or because of associated health and safety issues related to their special educational needs or disability (SEND), and he/she is attending the nearest suitable provision, you may be entitled to assistance with transport.
Assistance can be any one of the following:
- A seat on a hired vehicle with or without a Passenger Assistant
- Parental Mileage - which is 43p per mile, paid for two return journeys per day. This is offered if no suitable hired vehicle is available or if the needs of the child mean they cannot travel on one of our hired services
- In exceptional circumstances, where there is no hired service, or the parent does not have access to a car, the Local Authority may offer either a Personal Travel Budget or, if no alternative is suitable, an individual taxi, with the parent/carer accompanying the child.
- A Personal Travel Budget (PTB) is a flexible payment that helps families make their own transport arrangements - for example, by paying a trusted friend or family member to transport the child, using public transport with support, or covering childcare linked to school travel.
Independent Travel Training
The council is committed to promoting the independence of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Learning to travel independently can be an important step in preparing for adulthood, helping young people to access education, employment, social activities, and community life. In addition to the above transport options, your child may also be offered Independent Travel Training, if they are in Key Stage 4 or above and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is a voluntary programme designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence to travel independently, where appropriate. The training is tailored to each young person's individual needs, with step-by-step support provided throughout. Learning to travel safely and independently is an important life skill that can help young people prepare for adulthood, including accessing further education, employment, and social opportunities. Independent Travel Training is not a replacement for transport assistance. It is offered alongside existing support options, and we will work closely with you to ensure it is the right fit for your child.
If you require assistance with transport you will be required to complete an application form, which will include current medical conditions and up-to-date contact details.
Hired services
If it is appropriate for your child to travel on a hired service, you will be notified of the route number, Operator and Passenger Assistant details.
You will be informed of an approximate pick-up time. It will be your responsibility to bring and collect your child from the vehicle. The Passenger Assistant is not allowed to get off the vehicle while there are other children on the route.
If you need to make any change to your child's transport arrangements, you will need to contact the School Transport Team on (01744) 671031 between 8.45am and 5.15pm (Mon-Thurs) and 8.45am and 5pm (Fri). Messages can be left out of hours on 07766 087222.
Parental mileage
The local authority will pay for two return journeys per day at 43p per mile. A parental mileage form (which can be obtained from the School Transport Team) will need to be completed and a representative from their school will need to verify their attendance. The form needs to be returned on a monthly basis to:
School Transport Team
Atlas House
Corporation Street
St Helens
WA9 1LD
or alternatively email the completed form to schooltransport@sthelens.gov.uk.
Independent Travel Training
The council is committed to promoting the independence of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Learning to travel independently can be an important step in preparing for adulthood, helping young people to access education, employment, social activities, and community life. In addition to the above transport options, your child may also be offered Independent Travel Training, if they are in Key Stage 4 or above and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is a voluntary programme designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence to travel independently, where appropriate. The training is tailored to each young person's individual needs, with step-by-step support provided throughout. Learning to travel safely and independently is an important life skill that can help young people prepare for adulthood, including accessing further education, employment, and social opportunities. Independent Travel Training is not a replacement for transport assistance. It is offered alongside existing support options, and we will work closely with you to ensure it is the right fit for your child.
Refused applications
If you are refused a bus pass because you do not qualify under either the statutory criteria or low income criteria, or you want another form of transport assistance for your child, we have a two-stage review/appeals process.
Once you have received written notification that your child is not eligible for assistance with transport, you will have 20 working days to submit a written request to have your application reviewed by the Principal Officer. Your review will be heard within 20 working days. A written response will be sent notifying you of the outcome.
If the original decision is upheld and assistance is not granted, you will be notified of your right to go to the Stage 2 - Appeals process, whereby your application along with the review decision and any supplementary information will be considered by the Independent Transport Panel.
You will have 20 working days from receipt of the review decision to make a written request. Once the request is received, the panel will meet within 40 days to consider the information. You will then be notified in writing the outcome of the panel.
Privacy notice
The council has a legal responsibility to protect the data it collects. You can read the School Transport Privacy Notice.
Share this page
