Post-16 transport for pupils with special educational needs (SEND)

A: Young people with SEND may be eligible for transport assistance if they meet the following criteria:

• Live in Cambridgeshire.
• Be aged between 16 and 25 years.
• Have a valid Statement or EHCP, and be unable to access public transport, school bus contracts, or walk.
• On a full-time course (minimum 15 taught hours) and attending their nearest appropriate centre, offering an appropriate course for that young person.
• Live more than 3 miles from the school/college or not be able to walk less than those distances specified due to SEND

A: The majority of pupils will receive a letter from Social and Education Transport Team (SETT) when applications are available (approx. July), however, if this is late into the summer holidays you might not get this straight away.

You can make applications for September on our website from July, ready for September. If you are starting mid-school year, you can make an application online at any time. 

A: Applications can be made online on our school transport webpage.  Follow the link to the Post16 SEND pages. 

A: A contribution will be required for Post16 transport unless a member of the household (or student) is in receipt of one of the qualifying low-income documents CCC accept.

A: CCC accepts the following evidence of low income if a member of the household(or student themselves). Qualifying criteria:

• Income Support
• Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• NHS Tax Exemption certificate
• Universal Credit with a household monthly net income of no more than £935

ALL pages of low-income evidence MUST be provided with applications. If none of the above is applicable, a financial contribution is required.

The financial contribution for 2022/23 academic year is £220 per term, for the year 2023/24 this will be £231 per term.

A: No, the fee that is paid is a small contribution towards transport, the cost of transport is heavily subsidised by CCC.

A: There is a duty upon the Council to help facilitate young people’s access to appropriate Post16 provision, but no obligation to fund transport arrangements. 

A: By going through the SEND transport process, it has been assessed that specialist transport is required. As such, the majority of Post16 SEND transport is provided on taxis and minibuses transport, with a few being issued transport on dedicated school/college buses. 

A: The CCC tries and work out the most cost and time-effective transport for all students, as such most transport will be shared with other pupils. Passenger Assistants (PA’s)are assessed on a case by case basis, they could be provided if a pupil has a medical need (i.e. epilepsy) or behaviour concern. This would be reviewed annually, and a PA being on a route one year does not guarantee a PA for subsequent years. It is essential to full details are provided on applications every year, so assessments can be made, and appropriate transport and staff are provided. 

A: Prior to the start of the school term, or 10 working days from submissions of a completed application, whichever is longer. If specialist transport (i.e. wheelchair or specifically trained staff) is required, this may take longer to procure and organise.

A: Once being informed which company will be, contact can be made to arrangement and greet meeting with the transport staff is required. They will also be able to advise of pick-up and drop-off times at this point. 

A: If Post16 transport is refused, an email will be received to explain the reason why this is refused. Should the transport decision need to be reviewed, a written appeal request can be requested with any supporting evidence. Email your evidence to: Statutory.Assessment&ResourcesTeam@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. 

A: No, CCC only provides transport for the start and the end of the school/college day. 

A: Any change of circumstance, Email: edtransport@cambridgeshire.gov.uk with full details of the pupil and the changes required. Please be advised, a change of home address will result in eligibility for transport to be reviewed, this would be reviewed on a case by case basis but could result in transport no longer being provided. 

A: Yes, SETT will send out written notification when payments are due, failure to pay will result in transport be ceased. 

A: PTB is a payment made to parent/guardian instead of taxi/minibus transport, this can be used to cover the cost of transporting yourself, or towards another form of transport. All requests for PTB are assessed on a case by case basis, and only authorised if this is the most cost-effective transport solution, or, is deemed the safest way of transporting. The bespoke PTB payment would be advised during any discussions. Please note, PTB’s are reviewed annually, and if this is not the most cost-effective option would be ceased. 

A: Should SEND post-16 transport policy not be met, or public transport, rail, or school bus contract if preferred, applications through the mainstream Post16 process could be made. Go to our education transport webpage and follow the links to the mainstream post 16 pages for further information.