Home to School Transport: policy changes consultation FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the Home to School Transport policy changes consultation.

Contents

Is my child going to lose transport and will they need to move schools?

Any child who has free transport eligibility under the existing policy will not lose it. 

These policy changes, if agreed, will:

  • start from September 2027 for new students 
  • apply to new applications, for example, due to a house move

Will I still be able to use my parental preference and send my child to my school of choice?

Yes. You would be responsible for making your own transport arrangements.

If the policy changes, the Council would only provide transport for eligible pupils attending their nearest school.

What does this mean for the spare seat scheme?

There is no guarantee of a permanent seat, for children that are not eligible for transport.

The number of spare seats in the scheme depends on capacity. We review it every year. This is the current policy, and families are made aware when joining the scheme.

The policy changes will affect the spare seat scheme over time, as well as any route capacity changes.

Are catchment areas for school transport the same as those used for admissions?

Yes, if they are a local authority school.

If they are a multi academy trust they are able to set their own admissions criteria.

If the policy changes and a child would not be at their nearest school, can they use the spare seat scheme?

Spare seats are only available to buy on routes that are running with spaces available. We would need to review on a route-by-route basis. 

There is no guarantee that if there are no eligible pupils on a route, that transport would be available. Over time we would expect a reduction in spare seat availability. 

The scheme would not be sustainable if it was only run for non-eligible pupils.

What does this mean for some schools if pupils are no longer eligible for transport? Are you putting some schools at risk?

Some schools arrange transport for their pupils that do not qualify. Parents pay for this service, and other schools might choose to do the same.

All implications that the Council has been made aware of will be considered before any decisions are made in July.

Where the nearest school does not have a sixth form, will my child still have access to post 16 transport? 

We understand that some young people may only qualify for transport to a school that does not have a sixth form. 

There are other pupils in this position who need to move to a different setting for their post‑16 education. This may include college or apprenticeship opportunities.

We have received some feedback that the current spare seat scheme is the only way that some communities can access sixth form provision.  We will consider the impact of this as part of the consultation analysis.  

This may be a decision for individual schools. They may choose to provide dedicated transport for pupils who are not eligible. Some schools in Westmorland and Furness already do this. 

We will consider all feedback. It will support our final analysis and recommendations to members. This will shape decision making.

Have you considered geographical challenges?

Yes we have. The consultation document is based on application of policy in its purest form. 

We are aware that travel over mountain passes may not be an appropriate approach. This is why we have specifically highlighted this unusual position in the consultation document.

The considerations of specific geographic exceptions will inform the final recommendations for Cabinet in July. 

What if public transport isn’t available where we live?

Options will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  

The assessment will consider:

  • journey times
  • route suitability
  • local availability of buses or trains
  • accessibility needs

If there are no public transport routes, and getting to a connection point is not possible, we would not consider it as an option.

If public transport is not feasible, another form of assistance will be offered.  

I have more than one child with special educational needs and can’t afford to pay for more than one spare seat charge. What do I do?

We will consider all feedback. It will support our final analysis and recommendations to members. This will shape decision making.

My child does not have the ability to use public transport. Will we be forced into a position of doing this if it is not appropriate or possible?

We will not force public transport as a solution where someone does not have the skills or confidence to use it. For some young people, independent travel training will develop those skills.

We will expect families to work with us where young people can engage with this training. Other transport will be available until they feel they can travel by themselves.

We will continue to recommend personal travel budgets. They give better flexibility for families to make their own transport plans.

Send transport aims

The SEND transport proposals aim to:

  • make the SEND Post 16 offer fairer and consistent
  • prioritise independence where appropriate
  • reduce reliance on expensive dedicated transport
  • manage increasing financial pressures
  • keep support focused on those with the highest need

Why is the Council proposing changes to SEND transport?

The cost of SEND transport has risen significantly in recent years. Demand is continuing to grow. We must ensure the service is financially sustainable while meeting its legal duties. 

About 21% of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are currently eligible for home to school transport. This number is increasing. 

Where a child has special educational needs, we consider:

  • the statutory walking distance 
  • their ability to be able to walk with reasonable safety
  • their other SEND needs

Will SEND transport still run?

Yes. The Council will continue to provide transport for learners who are statutorily eligible. What may change is what sort of transport support is provided, and whether  families will need to make a financial contribution. 

What are the main SEND transport changes being proposed?

There are two significant changes.

Introducing a means tested charge for Post 16 SEND transport

Currently, Post 16 SEND transport is free. The proposal introduces a means tested charge, like mainstream Post 16 students pay through the Spare Seat Scheme.  

Introducing a system of transport options

Currently, dedicated transport is the default option. The new approach would be to  offer support in the following order:

  • bus or rail pass
  • Independent Travel Training
  • Personal Travel Budget (PTB)
  • dedicated SEND transport – only in exceptional circumstances and possibly from centralised pickup points

Why introduce a means tested charge for Post16 SEND transport?

Reasons for a means-tested charge include:

  • it is not a statutory requirement to provide free transport for learners aged 16 to 19
  • many councils already charge for this service
  • it supports greater fairness between mainstream and SEND Post 16 students
  • it helps manage rising budget pressures

What does system of transport assistance mean?

The Council will look at the simplest, safest and most cost-effective option that meets a pupil’s needs.

Dedicated SEND vehicle transport will only be used where:

  • the young person cannot safely access public transport
  • independent travel training is not appropriate
  • a personal travel budget cannot reasonably meet need

Will this mean my young person has to travel independently?

Not unless it is appropriate for them. Independent Travel Training will only be offered if:

  • it is safe
  • it is suitable for the young person’s needs
  • it will support their development

If it is not suitable, a different option (PTB or dedicated transport) will be offered.

Will dedicated SEND transport (taxis/minibuses) still exist?

Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances, and it may involve:

  • shared vehicles
  • central pickup points rather than door to door travel

If it is not suitable, a different option will be available.

When will the changes come into effect?

These proposals would apply to new Post 16 students starting Year 12 from 1 September 2027.

Current Post 16 SEND students will continue under their existing arrangements until their course ends. 

Will Passenger Assistants still be provided for SEND pupils?

We provide Passenger Assistants when:

  • an individual pupil transport risk assessment shows they are needed
  • they are not used on mainstream routes supporting mainstream pupils

Will we have the same driver and assistance throughout my child's time at school?

Transport will change throughout your child's time in school. We complete full school reviews every 3 to 4 years where we must redesign and re-tender all routes to the school. 

Sandgate School in Kendal is an exception. Transport routes change more often as the school operates on separate lower and upper school sites.

Reviews look at:

  • number of pupils that have started and left since the last review
  • reducing environmental impact and costs - using minibuses instead of multiple cars
  • if the current routes are the most effective
  • value for money in line with public spending

At times throughout the contract, changes will occur. This can include adding or removing pupils and operator changes. This is done in partnership with the school. 

We may not be able to provide parents with enough notice when this occurs. We understand that it can be difficult for a child or young person to manage a change. We will work with school, parents and operators to manage this change the best we can.

How much might families be asked to pay?

Charges would be means tested and aligned with the mainstream spare seat price. Exact details would be confirmed after consultation. The aim is not full cost recovery but a fair contribution. 

Will families who cannot afford the charge still receive transport?

Yes. The charge is means tested, meaning families on lower incomes may pay less or may not be required to pay at all.

The Council’s intention is not to remove support. It is to make support more financially sustainable for the Council. 

How many young people will be affected?

The Council estimates up to 87 SEND Post 16 students may be affected once the policy is live.

Why this change?

Reasons for the policy changes include:

  • it encourages independence for young people where appropriate
  • it ensures SEND transport funding is targeted at those who most need high level support
  • dedicated transport is very expensive – only offering it in exceptional cases can help to manage budget pressures
  • it ensures consistency with national statutory guidance

What if my child cannot walk?

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, in line with statutory guidance. You will need to provide evidence if: 

  • your child does not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • they are unable to walk due to a medical condition

What is considered to be a reasonable travelling distance and travelling time?

The statutory walking distance set out in law is:

  • up to two miles for pupils under eight years old
  • three miles for pupils over the age of eight

A reasonable travelling time for mainstream transport means a journey of:

  • up to 45 minutes each way for primary age pupils
  • up to 75 minutes each way for secondary age pupils

These times may be extended in some exceptional circumstances.

What is the transport policy for children attending school or nursery before they turn five?

The statutory duty is from the term following the child's fifth birthday.

In Westmorland and Furness, we currently extend that duty to cover all reception year.

Transport assistance is not provided to children attending:

  • nurseries
  • playgroups 
  • nursery provision in a special school or primary school

How can parents have their say?

Parents can respond:

  • online via the consultation page
  • by completing and posting the response form available at libraries, council offices, Family Hubs
  • by attending drop-in sessions or online events listed on the consultation page

The consultation runs from 27 Feb to 21 April 2026. 

Contact us

Email: school.transport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk