School transport for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Information about the types of school transport assistance available in Hampshire for 5 to 16-year-olds with SEND
Hampshire County Council follows government rules for school transport. These rules apply to all children, including those with SEND.
Children who cannot walk, even when accompanied, to their nearest suitable school because of SEND or their mobility needs may be eligible for free school transport.
- Eligibility criteria for children with SEND
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To qualify for transport assistance, children must be of compulsory school age AND:
- live more than 2 miles from their catchment or nearer school if under 8 years, or more than 3 miles away if 8 years or older, OR
- have special needs or disability/health problems that make it hard to walk to school, even when accompanied by an adult, OR
- have a recognised unsafe route to school
We assess eligibility for children with SEND on a case-by-case basis in accordance with our School Transport Policy. We review the child’s EHCP and medical evidence and consult with the Hampshire SEND service where appropriate as part of the assessment process.
If you are seeking transport for a respite placement, you must contact your Social Worker.Support for children with SEND to access school transport
A passenger assistant may be provided on some SEND transport routes. This will be based on the needs of the students travelling. You can find out more on our Passenger Assistants webpage.
Some colleges and schools support travelling independently, often as a practical activity as part of the curriculum but also with specific support on the home to school/college journey. Speak to your child's school or college to find out if they offer this option.
- Early years SEND provision
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There is no automatic eligibility for travel assistance for children who are younger than compulsory school age attending an Early Years setting. For pupils attending a Specialist Early Years Placement, any request for transport assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Visit our Apply for school transport webpage to submit an application.
- How to apply for School Transport
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You can find out more about eligibility and the application process on our Apply for school transport webpage, including:
- How to apply
- Transport options for eligible children
- Unsafe walking routes
- Timeline and important dates
- Children who already receive school transport, including what to do if you change address or school
- If your child is not eligible
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Over 90% of families in Hampshire arrange their own school journeys. There are a number of school transport options available.
- Exceptional circumstances
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There are some exceptional circumstances in which we may provide free school transport.
Exceptional circumstances are situations that do not apply to most families. For example, many people have to balance parenting responsibilities with employment, and so this alone would not be considered to be an exceptional circumstance.
You can find more information in the School Transport Policy.
- Further Information
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You can find out more about School Transport travel arrangements, including types of transport assistance, what happens in the event of a cancellation, and other useful information about the service we provide. If you have been unable to find the answer to your question about school transport for children with SEND, you can submit an enquiry on our online enquiry form.
Useful links