School transport?

[QueenofLouisiana]

If a child has SEND (mobility problems) but are not of statutory school age should school transport be arranged for them?

I've spent hours on the phone trying to sort this out today. Can wise Mumsnetters help where my LA doesn't seem to know?

I've kept this quite vague so that it remains anonymous. Thank you for any help.

We weren't eligible for free transport when my daughter attended a special needs placement at a nursery, and it was about 10 miles away.

Not sure if it is maybe LA specific though?

They can provide transport as some of the local special schools take 3 year olds. However the child has to have a statement and be attending a special school placement to be eligible in my LA.
They don't provide transport to take kids to the local mainstream primary.

There is no statutory requirement for children to attend pre-school education, and no obligation for the LA to provide it (although they do fund it, if there aren't enough providers it's 'tough luck' - they don't have the same obligation to ensure a place is available).

As such, there is no obligation on LAs to transport children to pre-school provisions. Also, I believe, some LAs take a particularly hard line and don't even fund transport for children until the term after their 5th birthday, because they don't have to attend until then.

Even with school transport, it's only am and pm. If the child finishes mid-day for any reason, including timetabled sessions, the parent has to transport them.

Thank you- I knew people on MN would have some answers. We are a mainstream school, child is not statemented so I don't think transport will be forthcoming. Ah well, it'll give me a new argument to have with the LA.

My dd2 is at sp sch nursery and she gets transport morning and lunchtime