Travel assistance appeals

Part of: Home to school transport

Contents

The appeals process for travel assistance is the same for students in mainstream education and those attending a SEN school.

How to make an appeal

We will email you if your application for travel assistance is declined. 

To appeal this decision:

What you can appeal for

You can appeal our decision on travel assistance for various reasons.

Appeals for pre-school age children (2 to 4 years) can be on the grounds of:

  • Child eligibility
  • Travel arrangements offered

Appeals for children of compulsory school age (5 to 16 years) can be on the grounds of:

  • Child eligibility
  • Distance measurement in relation to the statutory walking distance
  • Safety of the route
  • Travel arrangements offered

Appeals for young people and adults (16 to 25 years) can be on the grounds of:

  • Young person eligibility
  • Travel arrangements offered

Appeals process

There is a two-stage process for appeals.

Stage one

Request a review in writing within 20 working days of our decision. Attach any supporting evidence.

We’ll send a written outcome within 20 working days. There may be a delay if you submit an appeal just before or during the school summer holidays.

If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can request a stage two appeal.

Stage two

If you are not satisfied with the outcome at stage one, you can make a written request for a stage two review. Requests must be submitted within 20 working days of the stage one outcome letter.

An independent appeal panel will look at your case within 40 working days. There may be a delay if you submit an appeal just before or during the school summer holidays.

The appeal hearing will be an online meeting lasting up to 45 minutes. 

You do not have to attend, but it may be easier to explain your case if you do. You can also choose to have a friend or a relative in the meeting.

If you don't have online access or have any other reasonable adjustments, let us know, and we will make appropriate arrangements.

Outcome

You’ll get the panel’s decision by post, usually within 5 to 10 working days.

Further appeals

Once you have been through the appeal process, you cannot re-apply for travel assistance within the same school year unless there has been a significant or material change in circumstances.