SEN Transport

We are under a duty to provide free transport to a child's nearest suitable school provided it is beyond statutory walking distance from the child's home address.

For a child with SEN, the nearest suitable school may well be different than for other pupils, and walking may not be an option.

The Local Authority provides a home to school transport service for pupils:

• With SEN up to the age of 19
• With medical needs up to the age of 19
• Who are excluded from school
• Who have a diagnosed phobia of school
• Who are pregnant or schoolgirl mothers.

The transport is provided in a number of ways

• Free travel permits for public transport
• Mini-bus from home to school
• Specialist mini-bus, e.g. tail-lift vehicle
• Taxi/people carrier
• Wheelchair accessible taxi.

All children under 16 can travel free on buses.

14 and 15 year olds will require a photocard.

See the Transport for London under 16 travel document in the attached files section below.

Entitlement to and review of transport provision

Entitlement to transport for children is based on an assessment of individual need. We have produced a standard form for completion as part of the assessment process. The professionals involved in the assessment of children will complete this form in discussion with parents and carers.

The information provided allows the transport staff to make an informed decision on

• the type of vehicle to be provided
• the correct restraint and clamping systems to be used
• and the level of supervision/care.

If it is decided that the child's special needs do not require special transport arrangements then the general home to school distance policy will apply. Transport arrangements will be regularly kept under review. The annual review required for those children with a statement of SEN provides a formal opportunity to review any transport arrangements.

Parental preference and transport

If parents choose to send their child to a school that the Local Authority does not consider to be the nearest suitable school, there is no duty to provide free transport. In such circumstances parents will be required to make their own transport arrangements or pay to access services. We do retain its discretion to provide free transport or to make a contribution to parents towards the cost.

Our policy on home to school transport and a form for applying for a travel pass can be downloaded from the attached files section below.

Further Information

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Children and Young People's Service
South Podium Floor
River Park House
225 High Road
London
N22 8HQ

Tel 020 8489 1913
Fax 020 8489 3792
Email sen@haringey.gov.uk.

Attached Files

Filename	Filetype	Size
special educational needs.pdf	PDF	79K
home to school transport for pupils with special educational needs policy.pdf	PDF	257K
transport for london under 16 travel.pdf	PDF	233K
PDF documents require Adobe Acrobat reader. Please click here to download.

Useful External Links

The following links are not part of the Haringey Council website. Please read our legal disclaimer before using these links

• The Children and Young People's Service map location

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