Eligibility criteria
Year group | School type | Distance from school | Additional criteria |
---|---|---|---|
Reception to year 4 | School catchment area or nearest | 2 or more miles (shortest walking distance) | No |
Year 5 to year 11 | School catchment area or nearest | 3 or more miles (shortest walking distance) | No |
Year 5 to year 6 | School catchment area or nearest | 2 or more miles (shortest walking distance) | Yes |
Year 7 to year 11 | 3 nearest schools | Between 2 miles (shortest walking) and 6 miles (shortest driven) | Yes |
Year 7 to year 11 | Nearest religious/faith school | Between 2 miles (shortest walking) and 15 miles (shortest driven) | Yes |
Post-16 young people with SEND (EHCP) | Nearest college, sixth form or special school | Over 3 miles from school or college to home | Yes, SEND |
Some students who live closer than 2 miles to the school could get travel assistance if their walking route from home is considered unsafe to walk when accompanied by an adult.
Additional criteria
Some year groups must meet additional criteria to be eligible for travel assistance.
This can include:
- claiming the highest level of working tax credit
- claiming free school meals due to low income
- applying on religious or faith reasons. You will need to give evidence of this
You can find full details in the Home to School Transport Policy 2023 to 2024.
Other grounds for assistance
We may give consideration if your child is unable to walk or cycle to school (physically or safely) due to a:
- significant disability
- and/or a mobility need
Speak to your SEN Provision Lead if you feel this is the case.
How to apply
Please contact your child's SEND Provision Lead.
If you do not know your child's provision lead, please contact the locality teams on the numbers below.
Your SEND provision lead will access your child's eligibility for SEND travel assistance. If eligible you will be contacted by a member of the SEN Travel team.
How to appeal
If you have been told you are not eligible for pre 16 SEND travel assistance, you can appeal this decision.
Chesil locality
Name: Weymouth and PortlandEmail: chesillocality@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305762400
Full contact details
Dorchester locality
Email: dorchesterlocality@dorsetcouncil.gov.ukTel: 01305224220
Full contact details
East locality
Name: East DorsetEmail: eastlocality@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01202 868224
Full contact details
North locality
Name: North DorsetEmail: northlocality@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01258 474036
Full contact details
West locality
Name: West DorsetEmail: westlocality@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01308 425241
Full contact details