For children with special educational needs, the Council will consider providing assistance with travel to school.
Where the nearest suitable school is more than three miles from home (two miles in the case of pupils under eight years old) we will consider providing assistance with travel to school.
We will use our discretion to provide travel assistance where the distance is less than three miles (or two miles for children under eight). We will take into account the severity of the child’s special educational needs. In most cases, assistance is given when the child requires access to specialist provision.
Whether or not we provide assistance with travel, parents have a responsibility to ensure that their child attends school.
How we can help with travel to school
Assistance with travel could be reimbursement of public transport or petrol costs, provision of a travel voucher or provision of a place on a school bus.
The type of travel assistance will be decided by us, based on information provided by parents, and taking account of the child’s special educational needs.
How to apply for assistance
Contact the Special Educational Needs Team using the details at the bottom of this page to apply for travel assistance for your child.
You must complete an application form in order for your child to be considered. Lewisham Special Educational Needs Panel will consider the application and make a decision.
Review of travel assistance
Where travel assistance has been provided, this service will be reviewed at the annual review for a child who has a statement of special educational needs.
The ability to travel independently is a valued life skill. It is hoped that most young people will develop this skill to enable them to travel to and from school independently.