Appealing free school transport

[SquirrelHash]

I work in a special school and I need to help a parent appeal a transport decision.

The kid lives too close to the school to be eligible for transport. His SEN doesn't stop him being able to walk (it's about a 45 minute walk and the route is safe), but it does stop him being able to do it alone.

His parent has problems walking him there and back and it's starting to affect his attendance. His parent seems to have some back problems. Many times he's been left at school way past the bell as parent is late. There are other kids in the family with high needs. He just really does deserve transport.

The government guidance says the LA should review it on a case by case basis but I'm just hoping in law there's something that says the onus doesn't have to be on a parent to walk the kid there. They'd be walking 3 hours a day - (the parent) - how is that realistic?!

I'd be very happy to hear from anyone with any experience of a transport appeal of this nature or who has any statutory gold-nuggets I can use. I've done a SOS!SEN webinar on it but I'm still unsure the best way to approach it.

Parents have needs of their own and just need help so I'm very keen to advocate. Thanks in advance!

[Headfirstintothewild]

Get the parent to contact SENTAS. They specialise in transport appeals.

See paragraph 49-54 of the transport guidance. In particular, paragraph 51 which includes taking into account a parent’s disability which prevents them from accompanying DC.

Also think carefully about whether they do in fact qualify for transport under the SEN criteria. Think about things like safety and overwhelming and arriving at school in a fit state to learn.

[SquirrelHash]

Thank you for this! 😀