Early Years & School Age Specialist Transport
Introduction to School/College Transport Overview of how school and college transport is organised in Shropshire.
Introduction to school/college transport | Shropshire Council
Eligibility Criteria Explains who qualifies for travel assistance, including children attending a nursery/pre-school designated by the local authority to meet SEND needs.
Who’s eligible? | Shropshire Council
Nursery Under 5s Transport The Local Offer explains there is no statutory duty to provide transport for nursery-aged children, but a contribution scheme is available.
Nursery under 5s | Shropshire Council
Appeals Process (Shropshire Council) Outlines what to do if your application is declined, including the officer review and stage 2 appeals panel.
Transport for Children Under 5 (IPSEA) Explains that children below compulsory school age are not automatically entitled to free transport.
Transport for children under 5 | IPSEA
Appealing Transport Decisions (IPSEA) Guidance on how to appeal a local authority decision or complain about the service received.
Appealing decisions about transport | IPSEA
Judicial Review (IPSEA) Explains what judicial review is, when it can be used, and what outcomes it can lead to.
Transport Myths (SENTAS) Myth-busting statements to challenge misinformation that may come from local authorities about transport entitlement.
Appeals Information (SENTAS) Step-by-step guidance on the appeals process regarding transport.
SEND Travel Assistance Leaflet Shropshire Council’s leaflet explaining different types of travel assistance available.
SEND Travel Assistance - Overview (PDF)
Code of Good Practice (Shropshire) Guidelines for parents, carers, and young people to ensure council-contracted buses and taxis are safe and effective.
Home to School Transport: Understanding Your Rights A guide from IPSEA explaining your child’s legal rights to free school transport during compulsory school years (5–16). It also sets out how to raise a complaint if things go wrong.
Transport: Children with SEND, Disability or Mobility Difficulty IPSEA’s advice page on how SEND, disability, or mobility needs can affect eligibility for free home-to-school transport.
School Transport Factsheet (Contact) A factsheet explaining eligibility for free school transport, how to apply, and what steps to take if your application is refused.
Other Sources of Advice & Guidance
Appeals Information (SENTAS) A practical guide to help families navigate the appeals process.
SENTAS – Special Educational Needs Transport Advocacy Service A free advocacy service supporting families to challenge local authority transport decisions.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) Independent body investigating complaints about councils and public services, including transport provision.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) Free legal advice and resources on SEND law, including transport rights and appeals.
Contact – For Families with Disabled Children Practical information and advice for families on a wide range of SEND issues, including transport.
Shropshire SEND Local Offer – Travel and Transport Local authority information on travel assistance schemes and eligibility.
Travel and Transport | Shropshire Council
Cerebra Charity offering support, information, and legal guidance to families of children with additional needs.
Child Law Advice (Coram Children’s Legal Centre) Legal advice for parents and young people on education, family, and child law.
Transport (SOS!SEN) Practical information on eligibility and provision of transport for children with SEND across different age groups.
Post 16 Transport
Introduction to School/College Transport (Shropshire Council) Overview of how school and college transport works locally, including eligibility and how to apply.
Who’s Eligible? (Shropshire Council) Explains the criteria for post-16 travel assistance, including distance rules, SEND, and attendance requirements.
Types of Assistance Offered (Shropshire Council) Outlines the different kinds of travel support available, from bus passes to specialist transport.
Appeals (Shropshire Council) Details the local process if your travel assistance application is refused, including officer review and appeals panel.
Transport: Young People Aged 16 to 19 (IPSEA) IPSEA explains the law around post-16 transport, clarifying what local authorities must consider when setting policies and when support may be provided.
Independent Travel Training (ITT) (Shropshire Council) A tailored programme helping young people develop the skills and confidence to travel independently.
16 to 19 Bursary Fund (Gov.uk) Government scheme providing financial support for young people in education or training to help with costs like transport.
Post-16 Transport for Young People with SEND in England Explains local authority duties for providing post-16 SEND transport, and where support may be available.
Post-16 Transport and Travel Support (Gov.uk) Government guidance setting out local authority duties, funding, responsibilities, and the requirement to publish a policy statement each year.
Post-16 Guidance Notes (Shropshire Council) Local Offer guidance on post-16 travel assistance, including eligibility, transport modes, the 16-19 bursary, and appeals.
Participation of Young People in Education, Employment or Training Guidance reminding local authorities that cost or lack of transport must not prevent young people from accessing education or training.