Travel assistance for SEND students
School children
If your child has special educational needs, disabilities, or a mobility issue, you may be eligible for travel assistance. This is provided you meet the criteria in our Travel Assistance Policy.
Apply for SEND travel assistance
Pre-school children
Pre-school children with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) or having their needs assessed in one of our special school nurseries, may be eligible for travel assistance.
To be considered, there must be medical or social reasons why your child cannot attend the place without travel assistance. This must be supported by professional evidence, for example, from a social worker or medical professional.
Charges
If you are assessed as entitled to travel assistance, there will be a charge of £185 per term for this service. Payment is required at the start of the term.
If you can show that you are under financial strain as described in our policy, there is a reduced charge of £85 per term for this service.
How to apply
If you think you may be eligible, email ttcu@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 5055. If we confirm you are eligible, we will send you a form.
Applications must be resubmitted every year. If your circumstances change, your child may no longer be eligible to receive travel assistance.
Young people over 16 years
Once a young person is over 16, there is no automatic entitlement to travel assistance to get to school, college, or a training provider. It's important to consider this when deciding your courses.
We encourage young people to travel as independently as possible to develop their travel skills and confidence. You can read the TfGM guidance on independent travel.
Most young people with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) are eligible for a disabled person's travel pass to use on the Greater Manchester tram, bus, and local train network. All 16- to 18-year-olds can get free bus travel across Greater Manchester (for a one-off fee) using Our Pass.
Young people with the most complex needs
We may be able to provide travel assistance for young people and adults with the most complex needs. We consider applications for travel assistance for those with an education, health, and care (EHC) plan on a case-by-case basis.
If you are assessed as eligible for travel assistance and commissioned transport is offered, it will run at the start and end of the school or college day only. Transport is not available at other times and cannot be adjusted to fit individual timetables.
Transport to medical appointments
The Transport for Sick Children team is a group of volunteers who use their own cars to drive sick children and their carers to hospital appointments.
If you are interested in this service, speak to your health professional or social worker. You can also read the information booklet for more details.