Most children and young people with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) travel to school independently or with arrangements made by their parents or carers.
We provide school travel assistance for students aged 5 to 25, who meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, the child or young person must attend the nearest suitable school that meets their educational needs (nearest suitable school as defined by The Education Act 1996). However, there are additional eligibility criteria detailed further below.
This page outlines the eligibility criteria and Haringey’s application process for school travel assistance.
We assess every passenger on a case-by-case basis. The type of travel assistance we offer is based on what is suitable for the individual's needs and sustainable for the local authority.
To qualify for travel assistance, you must first meet the school placement requirements listed below and the eligibility criteria according to the appropriate age-range Haringey transport policy, in line with statutory government guidance. These documents can be found on the Policies and Documents webpage.
Eligibility criteria for children aged 5-16
School Placement
Children are eligible for travel assistance if they attend the nearest suitable school. Parents are responsible for arranging transport if a child attends a school based on parental preference, and a closer school can meet their needs. Exceptions may apply based on religious beliefs.
Additional eligibility criteria
Below are examples of the eligibility criteria:
- Statutory walking distance
- Unsafe walking routes
- Disability, special needs and mobility difficulties
- Low income
- Exceptional circumstances
Please note that this list is not exhaustive; please refer to the policy guidelines on the Policies and Documents webpage for further information.
Eligibility criteria for post-16 learners
Haringey expects post-16 learners to utilise public transport provided by Transport for London (TfL), which offers free or discounted travel. Those unable to use public transport due to SEND or exceptional circumstances may qualify for additional travel support.
For post-16 learners to be considered for travel assistance, they must first meet the requirements below. Further eligibility criteria are in the government's post-16 statutory guidance document.
Home School Travel Assistance is available only up to the age of 25. For individuals aged 25 and above, please visit the Support for Learners webpage.
Age
- Students aged 16 to 19 or continuing a course started before turning 19
- Those restarting education after 19 may be assessed as adults and, therefore, not eligible under our service
School placement
Eligibility applies to those attending the nearest suitable placement that meets their educational needs. Exceptions may apply based on religious beliefs.
Study programme
The study programme must be full-time, for at least 18 hours per week.
Qualification level
Courses must be at Level 3 or below to qualify for travel assistance. Young people enrolled in Level 4 or higher are expected to use financial aid, such as student loans or grants, to cover transport costs.
For more detailed information, please refer to the School Travel Assistance Policy for 16-25-year-olds on the Policies and Documents webpage.
Application process
Each application is reviewed case-by-case to ensure all individual circumstances are considered.
New requests:
All new travel assistance requests should be submitted via the online application form.
Existing recipients:
Parents or carers are responsible for notifying the team of any changes that could impact the safe and effective delivery of travel assistance.
If your child is already receiving travel assistance, a new application is required if any of the following apply:
- Change of home address
- Change of school site (same school, different site)
- Change of school (due to phase transfer or placement breakdown)
- Any changes in SEND/medical needs of the person receiving assistance
- Post-16 learners are required to apply annually
- Any other changes you feel may impact our delivery of travel assistance
Special assistance:
- If you need special assistance or a printed application form, please contact the team at school.transport@haringey.gov.uk or 020 8489 5629
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