Information for parents booklet 2012-2013 - Worcestershire County ...

Additional Policy Changes For 2012Denominational Transport AssistanceFrom 2012 the Authority will no longer provide transport assistance for pupils attending a school on religiouspreference, other than those entitled under the extended eligibility criteria for low income families.Transport options to attend denominational schools have however been maintained and pupils requiringtransport to attend a preferred choice of schooling should apply in the usual manner and will be offered aSeve7n Card to use on these public transport vehicles, for which a charge will be made.Joint Catchment AreasPupils residing in a joint catchment area will no longer receive transport assistance to attend the farther of thetwo schools within catchment, transport assistance will only be provided to the nearest school if the pupilmeets the eligibility criteria described above.Post 16 Transport AssistanceFrom 2012 Transport assistance for students to continue into further education will only be provided to thenearest establishment or catchment area schools offering the level of course of study. Students expressing apreference for a particular course will have transport options available and should apply in the usual manner foroffer of a seve7n card service, for which a charge will be made.Contribution Rates for 2012Pupils not entitled to free transport where possible will be offered transport assistance at the standard rate of£547.00 per annum, payable by 9 instalments of £64.00. This rate applied to both statutory school age pupils andstudents in further education.Parents are advised that transport assistance is only an offer of support and the authority would recommendchecking with local operators especially for shorter journeys as cheaper local rates may be availableApply online at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk 11