Applying for travel assistance

Without special educational needs, disabilities or mobility issues

Parent/carers of children aged 5 to 16 should contact the School Admissions Team for information about the travel assistance they may be entitled to. Email school.admissions@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 5080. 

If eligible, the School Admissions Team will advise of the application process. Applications should be received by 22 July so bus passes and other travel assistance can be arranged for the start of the academic year.

With special educational needs, disabilities or mobility issues

Parent/carers should apply to Trafford Travel Co-ordination Unit (TTCU) for travel assistance if their child is:

• Compulsory school age 5 to 16 years with an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• Pre-school age 2 to 4 years old with an education, health and care (EHC) plan or undergoing an EHC needs assessment at a special school.

Please complete the online application or contact us by email ttcu@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 5055.

Applications should be received by 30 June for travel assistance to start at the beginning of the school year in September. For applications received after this date, there is no guarantee travel assistance will be in place for the start of the school year.

For applications received during the school year, travel assistance will usually be in place within 20 working days assuming the application is approved. However there may be occasions this is not possible, for example if there is a need to recruit or provide specialist training for passenger assistants, procure additional vehicles or arrange independent travel training.

It is the parent/carer's responsibility to apply for travel assistance by the due date and to make suitable arrangements during the application process. A new application form is needed at each of the following events:

• When a child is due to start school in reception class
• When a child turns 8 years old
• When a child turns 11 years old and moves to secondary school
• When there is a change in circumstances. This can include change in school, social care provision, home address, assessed eligible need or days when travel assistance is required.

Only one application for travel assistance will be accepted per school year unless there has been a significant and material change in circumstances.

After an application is assessed as being eligible, TTCU will contact the parent/carer to gather more detailed information about the child’s individual needs. This informs the risk assessment and the travel assistance solution offered.