Travel to school

FAQ

Information about help with Transport to School.

Anchor Point:measuredHow is the distance measured?

It is measured, by computer, to the nearest recognised entrance or entrances of the nearest appropriate school without crossing another school site (unless there is no alternative route to your school).

The shortest available walking route will include footpaths, public parks and open spaces, and we will assume children will be accompanied as appropriate, particularly where safety may be a concern.

Anchor Point:nearestWhat is the nearest appropriate school?

This is the closest school, within the catchment zone to your home address, which is appropriate to your child's age, and which has room in the year group at normal admission time.

Anchor Point:factorsAre any other factors taken into account?

We will give consideration to the individual circumstances of each case, including safety and distance of the route, age of your child, duration, difficulty and cost of the journey together with any other relevant factors which may affect the home to school journey. In very exceptional cases, short-term support may be granted for applications which do not otherwise meet the criteria for assistance.

Anchor Point:churchMy child attends a Roman Catholic/Church of England School will I qualify for assistance?

We will give consideration to denominational pupils wishing to attend the nearest Solihull maintained school of their faith if

• They, or you, their parents, have been accepted into that faith and/or
• Regularly practice that faith, and
• Qualify on the grounds of distance.

We will require some evidence of adherence to your faith.

Anchor Point:assistance1What sort of assistance will my child get?

If you live in an urban area your child will be given an appropriate bus pass (West Midlands Travel, CENTRO, etc) to use on the bus network.

If you live in a rural area, where there are usually no public buses, you will be allocated a seat on the public vehicle subsidised by the Council.

In many cases there are services which travel directly past your child's school. If you wish to accompany your child you need to pay for your own travel. You will need to arrange for your child to get to and from the nearest bus stop.

Anchor Point:assistanceDo I need to apply for assistance?

Yes, you will need to complete an application form before travel assistance can be granted.

These are available from Solihull Connect, located off Library Square via Touchwood Court, or call 0121 704 6610 or email schooltransport@solihull.gov.uk or fill out a form below.

Anchor Point:applyWhat if my circumstances change?

All types of travel assistance, whether Primary, Secondary or Special Needs automatically cease on change of school, home address or key stage and under each of these circumstances a new application must be completed.

Anchor Point:transportIs transport provided to before and after school clubs?

No, you will need to make your own transport arrangements for the days of the school clubs or other activities outside of the normal school day.

Anchor Point:exceptionalI feel I have exceptional circumstances, what should I do?

On the advice of the Chief Education Welfare Officer we can give consideration to certain pupils, regardless of distance, to help attendance. We take into account temporary severe medical conditions, social/economic deprivation or history of non-attendance. Such assistance is usually on a short-term basis for very exceptional circumstances.

Anchor Point:refusedWhat happens if I apply for assistance and my application is refused?

If you believe your circumstances have not been properly taken into account, you are entitled to apply to the Appeals Panel. This panel is run by Councillors and is independent of the Officers who processed you application.

The panel consider your individual circumstances, from your written submission, and may provide discretionary assistance if they feel your circumstances warrants special help.

If you wish to take up your right to appeal please contact the School Asset Support Team. We will then send appeal forms to you.

Anchor Point:changeIf my application is approved and I then move house or my child changes school, what should I do?

You must let us know straight away, so we can re-check your eligibility. Pupils who cease to be eligible through moving, changing schools or leaving will be required to pay for any unexpired portion of the bus pass, unless it is returned within 7 days from the date eligibility ceases. If we are not informed, you will be liable for a charge from the date eligibility ceased.