Northern Ireland school transport question

[ChandlerIsTheBestFriend]

I’m hoping someone can advise.

DC wont be eligible for EANI funded school transport due to there being a closer secondary school than the one he will attend (older sibling already attends and gets EANI funded transport for different reasons not applicable to DC2).

Is it possible for me to purchase a bus pass for the school bus that all the other children get? If so, how do I do this?

If relevant Dc has SEN but not mobility related so has no specific transport needs.

I would appeal that decision, personally. If his sibling already attends the school and you can show that due to his SEN it is the better choice, then I would think you have good grounds. I know of a similar case (though it was late primary) and they did end up getting it funded.

Other than that, then yes I believe they can get a season ticket and use it. I know people who have done this. Most school buses are public buses anyway, unless they're the yellow ones.

Oh really beatrix? That’s positive! I was reading the appeals information and I couldn’t see anything that looked like we had grounds. At the minute they aren’t processing any appeals and I haven’t applied anyway yet as school places haven’t been officially awarded. I was just thinking ahead. I did the eligibility check and confirmed with SEN department he wouldn’t be eligible. But I will go ahead with appeal anyway then. Nothing to lose. I’m happy to pay it anyway if it’s refused. I just don’t know how to go about getting the pass.

With the board, it's always, always worth while appealing regardless. It really is a case of the squeaky gate getting the most oil with them. If you kick up a massive fuss and basically torture them,and (as much as this might feel awkward) really lay it on thick about the SEN and the sibling (bring lockdown in too haha) then I do think you've a fair chance

The pass you pay for, just phone Translink and they'll tell you what they have to offer.
It's been a while, but I think you can get monthly or yearly ones, and they weren't prohibitively expensive. It may be different if it's a custard bus as they're EA buses, not Translink. Also worth while asking on the school's FB group, or the Transfer Tutor FB groups as they tend to cover this sort of thing too

Thank you! I will indeed be the squeaky gate then.

Oh good idea about school FB group!

The rest of the kids and older DC just get a normal Ulsterbus.

Then it shouldn't be a problem, you just get them a... Oh god my brain is creaking.... Junior smartpass, I think it's called, and they can jump on.

Thank you! You’ve been a massive help beatrix and stopped my brain whirring at 90mph!