Applications closing soon for school and post-16 transport

Applications are currently open for: 

• Eligible primary and secondary-aged children attending mainstream schools without special educational needs (SEND) DEADLINE 31 MAY 
• Primary and secondary-aged children and eligible post-16 students with SEND. DEADLINE 30 JUNE. 

With deadlines coming up soon, parents and carers should check whether they need to apply and do so as soon as possible if they believe they are eligible. Applying on time allows eligibility to be assessed and arrangements to be put in place before the new school year begins. Parents of post-16 students should check recent policy changes. 

Families whose school-age children already receive transport should only reapply if the child’s school or home address has changed, or where transport was only granted for a set period of time. 

The County Council offers: 

• Free school transport for children of compulsory school age who meet national eligibility criteria 
• Post-16 transport, a discretionary and chargeable service, for young people with SEND from low-income families who are unable to access further education or training without travel assistance. Applications are only approved where there is clear evidence that no one else in the household can provide transport. 

Families applying for post-16 transport should note that a new application is required every year, even if transport was provided previously. 

Families who apply on time can expect a decision within 10 working days. Transport details for approved applications will be confirmed by email in late August. 

Applications submitted after the relevant deadline will be treated as late and assessed only once all on-time applications have been processed. This could mean that transport is not available at the start of September and may not be in place until later in the autumn term. 

Late applications for children with SEND will still be treated as on time if their Education, Health and Care Plan is finalised after the deadline. 

Parents can visit Hampshire County Council’s website for full details on eligibility and how to apply for school and post-16 transport.