Help me with info about 'statutory walking distance' and free school transport, especially in london boroughs

[littleducks]

DD is at a school more than (we believe) 2 miles away. We either drive or catch bus. There are 9 closer schools but they are all full, we are on waiting list for the ones closest to us.

We wanted to apply for school transport as school is far. We either drive or catch bus, which is free for dd but i obv have to pay.

The council says we had to be on benefits to get a 'travel grant'. They would pay my bus fare if i was on income support/jsa but dh works and i am a student.

They also say children can travel for free on buses, but i have to accompany her (for safety/common sense) and according to tfl

This might help.

How old is your DD?

Have had a look at that, i just dont understand if TFL having a scheme for under 16s to go on buses free counts, the council say it does

DD is only in reception and 4 so i am also worried she wont count as 'statutory school age' but she isnt allowed a plave at state nursery as she is too old so am hoping that counts as viewing her as statutory school age.

Council also claimed that the measured in a straight line (as in school admissions) and it was 1.9 miles, even though i pointed out it needed to be a safe walking route, and she couldnt walk through houses and gardens 'as the crow flies'

This may not be your borough but could the guidelines here help? It says the child needs to over 5 but maybe it could be useful when your dd is 5.

Have pinched some phrases from that link but i dont think it is looking good as dd's bus fare is technically free.

Am really miffed as we go past so may other schools on route to hers and i have to pay for breakfast club and after school club because it takes me so much longer to get there from home/uni and i have to pay for the transport as well.