Is my child entitled to free home to school transport?
Yes, provided they are attending their nearest appropriate and/or suitable Community School and that school is more than 2 miles from the parental home using the shortest available walking route or they are attending the nearest appropriate Voluntary Aided (Church) School for pupils whose parents adhere to that particular denomination and who obtain a place at such a school and where that school is more than 2 miles from the parental home using the shortest available walking route.
How do I apply for free transport?
You can ask for an application form from the School Transport Section on 01325 388851/2 or email schooltransport@darlington.gov.uk
When will I receive the bus pass?
If applying for a pass from the start of term the bus pass will be sent by post to your home address during the last week of the summer holiday. If applying during term the bus pass will be sent by post to your home address, usually within one week from the date of application.
Do I need to apply each year?
Yes. Renewal forms will be sent from this office automatically until your child is due to leave school.
What do I do if the bus pass is lost or stolen?
You should inform the School Transport team immediately on 01325 388851/2 and we will arrange to issue a new pass. You will have to pay a fee of £6 for the new pass and may have to provide new photographs if we do not have any on file.
What if I move house?
Where parents move house, the Authority may be prepared to assist with travelling expenses to enable pupils in their fourth and fifth years of secondary school (Years 10 and 11 National Curriculum) to continue to attend the same school if this school is now over 2 miles from the home address. These arrangements will not be extended if pupils continue into post-compulsory education after 16 years of age.
How does parental preference affect entitlement to free home to school transport?
If you express a preference for a school that is more than 2 miles from the parental home using the shortest available walking route, and are successful in obtaining a place, you would not be entitled to free transport for your child if there is an appropriate school under 2 miles from the home address.
My child is not entitled to free transport, is there any other help available?
Pupils who are not entitled to free transport may be offered a "concessionary" seat on a school contract bus if a spare seat is available. Where such facilities are made available they will be at the discretion of the Authority and will be subject to strict conditions and may be withdrawn at any time. Although there is no right to concessionary transport, at present Darlington Borough Council does not make a charge. It should be noted that this policy may be subject to change in the future (ie. a charge may be levied before concessionary seats are offered).
Is help with transport available if my child has a medical condition?
If your child has a medical condition we may be able to provide assistance providing they are attending the appropriate school. To apply for transport on medical grounds you would need to fill in an Application for School Transport Form and provide evidence of your child's condition from the school health doctors at Archer Street Clinic. The transport team will then assess your application and appropriate transport arrangements (if any) will be put into place for your child.
Is free transport available for children with Special Educational Needs?
Where a pupil has a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) the SEN team will work with the School Transport team to secure any appropriate transport provision that is necessary.
Is help available for pupils of post compulsory school age?
The authority provides travel assistance in the form of a travel grant to those pupils who are continuing in post compulsory education up to the end of the academic year in which they attain the age of 19. To qualify the pupil must be under the age of 19 at the commencement of their course and be attending a full-time course at an educational establishment which is more than three miles by the shortest walking route from their home. The travel grant currently consists of a payment of £180 per academic year which is made payable to the student.
Students living outside of the urban area of the Borough or who are attending a course outside the Borough which is not available locally may be entitled to an additional subsidy where parental income is below £30,000.
How do I apply for a travel grant?
You can get an application form from the School Transport Section (Post 16) on 01325 388067 or by emailing schooltransportpost16@darlington.gov.uk