School travel assistance
Types of assistance
The following types of travel assistance are available to eligible students:
- a free space on our travel training programme to build confidence for the future and support young people to travel independently
- Personal Transport Budget (PTB) - a payment to cover personal travel expenses or fuel reimbursement
- a seat on a vehicle, with pick-up at a meeting point or outside your home
Eligibility
The council provides transport to eligible students aged between 5 and 16. Sometimes we can provide transport for students aged over 16 with special educational needs and disabilities. In exceptional circumstances we can provide transport to children under 5.
Eligibility is assessed by:
- impact of special educational needs and disabilities
- impact of mobility needs (student or parent)
- distance between the school/college and home
- safety of the route
- low income
The assessment of eligibility will also take into account:
- the age of the student
- the student's need for specialist transport
- the student's need for supervision
- the student's alternative travel options available
- whether the student can be accompanied and whether the parent/guardian can reasonably be expected to do this
- whether the student can independently use any form of travel card, or has access to a bursary fund on the grounds of transport
We do not provide travel assistance to students who do not attend the nearest suitable qualifying school.
Before applying
Before applying, it’s good to know the following.
- it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure that their children attend school regularly
- students who are able to safety travel independently, or with the support of a parent, guardian or other appropriate person, are encouraged to do so
- free travel on public transport is encouraged wherever possible
- all alternative options are explored before travel assistance is provided
- students who require travel assistance are offered the most independent and personally enabling solution
- the type of travel assistance offered is the most effective, efficient and sustainable in terms of cost
It may also be useful to have the following information ready:
- emergency contact details ready
- The students health and medical information
- your schools postcode
You must read the full criteria set in the policy before applying.
You may also find reading the free school transport blog on the GOV.UK website helpful.
Make an application
Applications for travel assistance for the 2025/26 academic year are open as of Monday 31 March 2025
Students who currently receive Havering travel assistance and have had no significant changes in their circumstances can complete the renewal form.
Significant changes include:
- change of school
- change of home address
- change of healthcare needs
Students who have not applied before and meet the eligibility criteria must make a new application.
Students who have applied before but have reported changes in their circumstances must also make a new application.
Each application will be assessed and you will be informed of the decision in via email.
We encourage all parents and guardians to apply as soon as possible. Applications must be made by Friday 23 May 2025. For new college students applications must be made by 6 June 2025.
If no form is received by this date, we will assume the student no longer requires travel assistance for the next academic year.
Should you have any questions relating to the travel assistance application and eligibility, or to update your personal information, please email cadtransport@havering.gov.uk.
Appeals
If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the outcome of the application an appeal can be made.
Appeal a travel assistance decision
You must appeal within 20 days of receiving a decision. Any appeals submitted after this date will not be accepted.
You should hear back within 40 working days.