Types of SEND travel assistance

We will recommend the most appropriate support available to you when you apply for travel assistance.

If your application is successful you could be offered one or more of the following forms of travel assistance, depending on your circumstances.

Mainstream travel

Mainstream travel is where your child travels to school on one of our mainstream school transport routes. This can include both public transport routes and Dorset council provided transport. Depending on the number of students requiring transport on a specific route, vehicle sizes can range from large buses to small taxis.

Personal travel budget (PTB)

A personal travel budget (PTB) is where Dorset Travel provide you with an allowance each month which you can use to organise your own transport. You can use this to support with the cost of your child's transport, including:

• fuel
• taxis
• bus passes
• other expenses

Independent travel training

Travel training is designed to help people get more from life by giving them the confidence to travel independently.

Travel training can help overcome barriers to:

• employment
• social inclusion
• independent journeys to school or college

Travel Training teaches young people and adults with special educational needs or disabilities a safe way of travelling independently that will build self-esteem and confidence. Being able to travel on public transport is a key life skill which lets young people and adults make choices about how they live, go about their daily life and fulfil their potential.

While we do not currently offer independent travel training, we have developed a toolkit on how to support individuals to become an independent traveller.

Independent Travel: Checklist

Independent Travel Guide for Parents

The aim of this toolkit is to provide help and ideas on how to support young people with Special Educational Needs to travel independently.

Shared vehicle

Shared vehicle means that your child travels to and from their educational provision with other passengers who are eligible for SEND travel assistance.

Shared vehicle with shared passenger assistant (PA)

Shared vehicle with shared PA means that your child travels to their educational provision with other passengers who are eligible for SEND travel assistance. The PA supports your child and others on transport.

Shared vehicle with 1-to-1 passenger assistant (PA)

Share vehicle with a 1 to 1 PA means that your child travels to their educational provision with other passengers who are eligible for SEND travel assistance. They are supported by a 1 to 1 PA when travelling.

Single traveller

Single traveller means that your child does not travel with other students.

Single traveller with 1 to 1 passenger assistant (PA)

Single traveller with 1 to 1 PA means that your child does not travel with other students. A 1 to 1 PA supports your child and ensures their safety when travelling.

SEND travel claim

This is where Dorset Travel reimburses your expenses when taking your child to and from their educational provision.

Travel terms

We provide travel on the following terms:

• one inward and one outward journey to and from school or college at the start and end of the day. This may not be according to the start and finish of the timetable day
• travel from the same pick up and drop off points each day. If the child needs picking up or dropping off from elsewhere, the parent or carer will have to organise and pay for this
• school transport does not cover induction and taster days or work experience