Home to School Transport Policy 2010/11

Report to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People14 July 2009APPENDIX 'A'HOME TO MAINSTREAM SCHOOLTRANSPORT POLICY 2010/11Pupil Access TeamDirectorate for Children and Young PeoplePO Box 61County HallPRESTONPR1 8RJc:\documents and settings\estocks001\local settings\temporary internet files\content.outlook\8bch05st\transport policy 2010-11.doc

- 2 -SECTION A – PUPILS AGED 5-161. LEGAL BACKGROUNDThe provision of free transport for pupils aged 5-16 is based on Section 509 (1)of the Education Act 1996 as amended by the Education and Inspections Act2006. The County Council provides transport assistance to pupils who livebeyond the statutory walking distance between home and the nearest suitableschool.The statutory walking distances are defined as two miles (3.218688 km) ormore for a child up to 8 years of age, and three miles (4.828032 km) or morefor a child aged 8 years or over, the distances to be measured by the shortestsuitable route, as determined by the County Council.A parent's right (derived from Section 411 of the Education Act 1996) toexpress a preference for a place at a particular school does not automaticallyinclude a right to assisted transport to the school. Responsibility for attendanceat school rests with the parent/carer.Pupils whose parents have low incomes and who are in Years 7-11 insecondary schools are entitled to travel assistance if they attend one of theirthree nearest schools providing the distance exceeds two miles but is less thansix miles.For pupils attending primary schools whose parents have low incomes statutorywalking distance continues to be two miles for pupils aged eight years of age orover.The County Council has a separate policy on the provision of transport for pupils withstatements of special educational need.2. COUNTY COUNCIL POLICY ON ENTITLEMENT(a)(b)(c)To be eligible for consideration for transport assistance under this policy,the pupil’s normal place of residence must be within the administrativearea of Lancashire County Council.If a child attends the nearest suitable school, as determined by the CountyCouncil, at which a place is available, assistance with the cost of travelwill be provided if the designated shortest walking route to the school isthree miles or more in the case of pupils eight years of age and over, ortwo miles or more in the case of pupils under eight years of age.In the case of families with low incomes free travel will be providedto one of the three nearest suitable schools for secondary agedpupils provided the school is between two and six miles from theirhome. Additionally for parents with low incomes whose child(ren)attend a school on the grounds of parental religion or belief,

3 -transport will be provided to the nearest suitable denominationalschool up to a distance of 15 miles.The distance in excess of three miles will be calculated by referenceto road routes not walking routes. Parents will be asked to providesubstantial evidence of their religion or belief to demonstrate theirclaim. See Appendix C for definitions of religion or belief.(d)(e)For pupils attending primary schools who reach the age of eight yearsand whose families are on low income ,they will continue to receive travelassistance if they live two miles or more from their nearest suitableschool. The distance will be measured by the shortest walking route.To qualify for assistance on low income grounds pupils must be eligiblefor free school meals or the parents are receiving the maximum amountof Working Tax Credit.Pupils who qualify for assistance on low income grounds will be reassessedannually to confirm that they still meet the qualifying criteria.Pupils whose parents cease to be entitled on low income grounds duringthe school year will retain their concession until the end of the academicyear. A re-assessment of their case will then be undertaken.(f)(g)(h)(i)Where a parent obtains a place for a child at a school maintained byanother Local Authority, assistance with travel will only be provided wherethis is the nearest suitable school, as determined by the County Council,at which a place is available. In cases near the Lancashire border wherethe nearest suitable school is considered to be a Lancashire school, butthere is a nearer 'out of county school,' expenses will additionally be paidto the 'out of county' school', provided that the distance criterion is met.In areas served by denominational schools, denominational reasons forchoosing a school are taken into account when assessing eligibility forassistance with the cost of travel. To qualify for assistance under thiscriterion a pupil must have been admitted to the school on denominationalgrounds as outlined in Clause 5 (a) (ii) below (see paragraph 2k).If a secondary aged pupil is allocated a place at a school which is not oneof a parent's three expressed preferences then travelling expenses will bepaid if the distance criterion is met, assuming there is no nearer schoolavailable within statutory walking distance.Pupils who are in receipt of travelling expenses and who reside two milesor more but less than three miles from the primary school attended willcontinue to receive assistance until the end of the academic year in whichthe pupil becomes eight years of age. However if the parents meet thelow income criteria outlined in clause 2 (e) above, the primary aged pupilwill continue to receive travelling expenses until they leave the school

4 -3. OTHER FACTORS RELATING TO NON-ELIGIBILITYThe following factors are not considered in determining eligibility for assistancetowards the cost of school transport.(a)Brothers and SistersAlthough the right of a parent to express a preference for a particularschool is recognised and the presence of an elder brother or sister inattendance at the school of the parent's choice is an important factor indetermining school admissions, travelling expenses will not be paid onthis basis, except under the special circumstances outlined in Section 6.(b)Family AssociationsPast and present family associations with a school cannot beconsidered as grounds for the payment of travelling expenses.(c)Financial CircumstancesThe financial circumstances of the family are only considered as a factorin determining eligibility for assistance towards the cost of travel toschool, where the pupils are from families with a low income. Parentsnormally have the option of choosing a school within the statutorywalking distance of their home. If this option is not available, the cost oftravel to school will be met.(d)Single Sex or Mixed SchoolPreference for a single sex or conversely for a co-educational schoolcannot be regarded on its own as a valid claim for travelling expenses.Pupils in secondary schools (Years 7-11) whose parents meet the lowincome criteria can be considered for assistance under these criteria ifthey can substantially demonstrate that the school attended is thenearest school which meets the parental religion or belief and thedistance is between two and fifteen miles. (See appendix C).(e)Selection TestsThe passing of an entrance examination for a school is not regarded initself as justification for the payment of travelling expenses.4. THE BASIS OF PAYMENT(a)Issue of Travel Passes

5 -Pupils who are eligible for free transport will be issued with a travel passfor a commercial or non-commercial bus service, a contracted vehicle ora railway service, at the discretion of the County Council. The CountyCouncil when arranging transport will endeavour to provide maximumjourney times of 45 minutes for primary aged children and 75 minutes forsecondary aged pupils. Transport will be provided from a pointreasonably near to the parent’s home and the pupil’s school. The CountyCouncil reserves the right to withdraw transport for pupils who seriouslyor persistently misbehave on school services.(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)Once a travel pass has been issued the County Council will makea charge for a replacement if it is lost/defaced during its issueperiod. The current charge is £15 (£10 for pupils whose parentsmeet the low income criteria as stipulated in (ii) below.)Fares paid whilst awaiting a replacement pass will not berefunded except for those pupils in receipt of free school meals orwhose parents are in receipt of the maximum amount of workingtax credit.Parents should note that it normally takes up to ten workingdays (and longer in busy periods such as August/September)for a pass to be issued from the date the application isreceived by the Council. Parents are advised to apply inplenty of time before the pass is required to avoid having topay fares which may not be refunded. Fares paid whilstawaiting the arrival of a travel pass will only be refunded wherethe delay is caused by the County Council.Fares will not normally be refunded in cases where eligiblepupils are unable to show their pass to the driver and a fareis incurred.It is the responsibility of the parents or carer to ensure that buspasses are renewed each school year. The process is notautomatic. Forms will be sent out to children who have hadpasses in April and new Year 7 pupils who the County Councilconsiders will be eligible, will be sent application forms in Mayeach year. If parents do not receive a renewal from they mustcontact their local area education office by the end of May, toensure that a pass will be issued in good time for thecommencement of the school year.(b)Reimbursement of Travel Costs(i)BicycleAn allowance at a rate determined by the Directorate for Childrenand Young People will be paid when a pupil who is eligible under

6 -the County Council's policy to receive travelling expenses uses abicycle to travel the whole or part way to school.(ii)Motor Cycle/Car AllowancesIn the absence of suitable public transport or private hirearrangements and at the discretion of the County Council, parentsmay be reimbursed for whole or part journeys at a ratedetermined by the Directorate for Children and Young People.Parents should be aware of the possible insurance implications ofconveying pupils for gain.(c)Pupils not Entitled to Free Travel To SchoolPupils not entitled to free transport should be able to travel on schoolbuses contracted by the County Council subject to places beingavailable on payment of the daily fare.Season Tickets can be purchased termly or annually and attract adiscount of 20% off the cost of the daily fares. These are available bycontacting the School Traveline on 01772-534588.In the very small number of cases where it is not possible to pay a dailyfare on the school taxi, which has been hired because of an absence ofsuitable public transport, any spare seats on the vehicle may beallocated to suitable pupils/students subject to spaces being availableand not required for future statutory travellers. Calculation of costs willbe provided upon request.5. DEFINITION OF TERMS(a)Appropriate or Suitable SchoolThe nearest suitable school is determined by the County Council and isusually the geographically nearest school able to provide educationsuitable to the age of the pupil, at which a place is available.In determining the nearest school consideration will be given to theshortest suitable walking route between home and school. To obtain themeasurement the County Council will measure from the nearestboundary entrance of the property (eg gate) to the nearest entrance tothe school which can be accessed on foot and is available for pupils.Private driveways to homes and within schools are not included in themeasurement. It is the parent/carers' responsibility, where appropriate,to accompany their child on the journey to and from school.In determining whether places are available at a nearer school, accountwill be taken of the position at the time prior to places being allocated,except where there has been a significant change in domestic

7 -circumstances since that time, in which case the availability of placeswhen the application for assistance with home to school transport ismade, will be considered. In the case of children moving into an area orchanging schools, the availability of places will be determined at thetime an application for a school place is made.For community and controlled secondary schools which usegeographical priority areas as part of the admissions criteria, thegeographical priority area school is considered to be the nearest suitableand travelling expenses will only be paid to the priority area school,provided the distance criterion is met. In circumstances, however, wherethere is a school or schools closer to the home address than thegeographical priority area school, the Council will meet the cost oftravel to the nearest of those schools in addition to thegeographical priority area school, provided that the distancecriteria is metIf at the time of allocation, a place is offered in accordance with parentalpreference at a school over the statutory walking distance but a place isavailable at a nearer suitable school within the statutory walkingdistance, assistance with travel to the allocated school will not be given.For those applications however where the child is not attending thenearest suitable school, but where no place is available at anotherschool within statutory distance, the application will be subject to acentral review process, where the circumstances of the family, thepreferences expressed and the availability of alternative schools wouldbe taken into consideration.(i)Determining three nearest schools.When establishing the three nearest schools for secondary agedpupils who qualify for transport assistance on low incomegrounds, the County Council-(a) will not consider denominational schools for those pupils whodo not desire a denominational education.(b) will not consider single sex schools for pupils who do not fulfilthe gender for that particular school(c) will not consider grammar schools for those pupils notselected for those schools.(d) In cases where pupils are applying for school placesoutside the normal admissions round, the three nearestschools will be those with places available at the time thenew school place is allocated.

8 -(e) In cases of pupils applying within the normal admissionsround, the three nearest schools will be those that couldhave offered a place at the time places are allocated hadthey received an application from the pupil.(ii)Denominational SchoolsThe County Council's transport policy reflects parental preferenceof school on grounds of a particular denominational affiliation, asshown below. In all cases transport will be restricted todenominational schools which are up to 15 miles from the child’shome. (This mileage restriction to apply from September 2009onwards to new pupils only admitted to Year 7 in secondaryschool).(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)In the case of Roman Catholic pupils, the Roman Catholicschool serving the parish in which the pupil lives will beconsidered to be the nearest suitable school.In the case of pupils wishing to attend a Church of Englandaided school, denominational considerations are taken intoaccount if the school applied for serves the area of thepupil's home address.In establishing "denominational reasons" for the preferenceof school, evidence will be sought from the Headteacher orArea Education Office that a place was granted ondenominational grounds, ie that the pupil was (or would havebeen had the school not been undersubscribed) admittedunder the denominational criteria contained within theschool's agreed admissions policy.Pupils attending a denominational school which does notidentify a particular parish in its admission criteria will onlyreceive travel assistance if it is the geographically nearestdenominational school and it is over the statutory distance,subject to the exceptions stipulated at Section 6 (b).In cases where a pupil chooses to attend a nearerdenominational school of the same affiliation than thenearest parish school and has been admitted to that schoolon denominational grounds then travelling expenses willadditionally be paid provided the distance criterion is met.For pupils from low income families travelling expenses willbe met for any pupil who attends their nearest suitableschool of the parents faith or belief provided the distance isbetween 2 and 15 miles.

9 -(iii)Schools Maintained by other Local AuthoritiesThe County Council's policy is to assist with travelling expenses inrespect of Lancashire pupils admitted to schools maintained byother local authorities in those cases where it is the nearestsuitable school at which a place is available."Equivalent costs" of transport to the nearest suitable school willcontinue to be paid for pupils allocated to school prior toSeptember 2005, who were admitted to schools maintained byother local authorities, provided the nearest suitable school isthree miles or more from the home address. Please see Note 2(f)(b)Compulsory School AgeLegal entitlement to free home to school transport relates to pupils ofstatutory school age, ie 5 to 16. The County Council has extended itsprovision of free home to school transport as outlined below:-(i)Admission to Primary SchoolsPupils under statutory school age attending primary schools aspart of the County Council's primary admission arrangements willbe eligible for travel expenses on the same basis as pupils ofstatutory school age.(ii)Pre-School ProvisionTravelling expenses are not payable in respect of attendance atnursery schools and classes.(c)Independent SchoolsThe County Council's policy is not to offer assistance with home to schooltravel expenses to pupils who attend independent schools.(d)Shortest Route/Unsuitable RoutesWhen assessing claims for travel assistance the County Council willmeasure the distance from home to school using the shortest walkingroute. This may include metalled roads, recognised footpaths andbridleways. Distances are usually measured using an electronicgeographical information system (GIS). However on occasions the routemay be measured on foot using a pedometer. If in the opinion of theCounty Council the shortest walking route could be interpreted asunsuitable for children to walk accompanied by an adult, an alternativelonger walking route might be considered. Attached at Appendix A arethe County Council's guidelines to which it has regard whenassessing the suitability of walking routes. Where all the routes to a

10 -school are deemed to be unsuitable, the shortest walking route will beused to establish entitlement.(e)Definition of 'Home'In circumstances where pupils reside at two different addresses duringthe school week due to co-parenting arrangements, the County Councilwill usually only meet the costs of transport from one of those addresses,subject to the usual eligibility criteria being satisfied.The address from which eligibility will be assessed will be that which inthe County Council’s opinion is the pupil’s main or habitual residence.In considering the issue of main or habitual residence the CountyCouncil will consider such matters as the address which was used toobtain the school place, the address at which the pupil spends mostschool days during term time weeks and the address used forregistration at doctors and dentists etcIn the event that a child spends an equal portion of the school week ateach address, the County Council will usually consider the main addressto be that from which the child wakes on the most school days duringterm time weeks, school days being Monday to Friday.6. SPECIAL CASES(a)GeneralThe County Council will consider all circumstances which are relevantfor the purpose of facilitating the attendance of a child at school andassistance with transport may be given at the discretion of the ExecutiveDirector for Children and Young People in special cases.(i)In particular, if parents change address and the new address isthree miles (two miles in the case of low income families) or morefrom the school, travelling expenses will be paid in respect ofpupils in their last year at primary school (Year 6) and pupils insecondary schools who have commenced external examinationcourses (normally Years 10 and 11). This provision does notextend to siblings who are outside the specified age groups,except as stated in (ii) below. The County Council will take anumber of factors into account when reaching a decision. Thesefactors will include the cost of the transport, the ease oftransferring to another school and the distance involved. Alsowhether the pupil has been attending the nearest suitable schoolto the previous address and whether the move has been voluntaryor involuntary.

11 -The Council will also require evidence confirming the date ofremoval when considering the above cases.(ii)In instances where parents moving new to the area outside thenormal admissions round find that the nearest primary schoolcannot accommodate their child, they may have to enrol their childat the next nearest school where a place is available. If in lateryears younger siblings subsequently wish to attend this schoolwhen places may be available for them at a nearer school, thentravelling expenses will be paid for all the children provided thatthe distance criterion as outlined in 2(b) and (d) is met. Forassistance to be granted to future siblings, an older sibling mustbe receiving transport assistance and be in attendance at theschool when the younger child commences at the school(iii) In cases where travelling expenses are granted for a pupilwho removes during Y6, the Council will additionally meetthe cost of travel for any younger siblings to attend the sameschool until the end of that academic year. Travellingexpenses will only continue to be paid if at the date that theelder sibling leaves the school, that the school attended isthe nearest school which can offer places.(iv) Where parents choose a more distant school for their child, it isassumed that they have accepted responsibility for the payment oftravelling expenses and assistance with transport will not beprovided. If however there is subsequently a significant change indomestic circumstances which might prevent the child fromattending that school, travelling expenses may be paid to enablethe child to continue attending the more distant school, providedthe distance criterion is met. Such cases will only be considered ifit is not possible to offer the child a place at a nearer school whichis less than statutory walking distance, and the parent is able toprovide compelling evidence to the Authority that the significantchange of circumstances is preventing the child from attending themore distant school.Attached at Appendix B are details of those child specificcircumstances in which the County Council will consider theprovision of discretionary transport.(b)School SpecificThe County Council has exercised its discretion in a small number ofexceptional circumstances and granted the following 'school specific'exceptions to the normal transport policy:.

12 -(i)Pupils living in Walton le DaleFor pupils admitted on denominational grounds Chorley StMichael's CE High School is the nearest appropriate Lancashireschool The County Council will meet the cost of travel to thisschool and will additionally meet the cost of travelling expenses toHutton Grammar School for pupils admitted on denominationalgrounds.(ii)Pupils living in Burnley and PendleFor pupils admitted on denominational grounds Accrington StChristopher's CE is the nearest Church of England School forthese pupils. In addition, travelling expenses will be paid forpupils living in Burnley and Pendle who are admitted ondenominational grounds to Blackburn St Wilfrid's CE High School.(iii)Pupils attending Preesall St Aidan's CEHS and Croston BishopRawstorne CEHS.Preesall St. Aidan's and Croston The Bishop Rawstorne Churchof England Aided Schools are considered as the nearest suitableschools for home to school transport purposes, for nondenominationalpupils living in the appropriate foundationecclesiastical parishes. (See each school's admission policies fordetails). If the parents of these pupils can demonstrate that theyhave strong philosophical convictions as to why admission tothese schools would not be deemed appropriate (such asmembership of a secular society) the nearest community highschool will be considered to be the nearest suitable school.(iv)Pupils living in the Ribble ValleyPrior to September 2008, when assessing applications forassistance with home to school transport for non-Catholic childrenliving in the Ribble Valley area, the following policy applied.Provided a non-Catholic pupil living in the geographical priorityareas for either Bowland or Ribblesdale High Schools lived threemiles or over from either school, entitlement to transport to thatschool was granted. Transport continued to be provided for pupilswho lived in the catchment area for Clitheroe Royal GrammarSchool whose address was three miles or more from the school.This exception has however now been withdrawn for pupilsstarting at the above schools from September 2008 onwards.(v)Pupils living in Tarleton and Hesketh BankFor pupils living in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank their nearest CEHigh School is Croston The Bishop Rawstorne. Travelling

13 -expenses are also paid for these pupils to attend Hutton GrammarSchool if admitted on denominational grounds.7. PROVISION OF TRANSPORT TO MEDICAL OR OTHER PROFESSIONALAPPOINTMENTSThe County Council does not help those parents whose children are entitled tohome to school transport assistance with any additional journeys during theschool day in connection with medical or other professional appointments.8. COUNTY COUNCIL POLICY IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE TRAVELLINGEXPENSES ARE AWARDED IN ERRORWhere a pupil is attending their nearest school and it is found that travellingexpenses have been awarded in error, the County Council will rectify thematter. Parents will be advised of the error and be given notice of thewithdrawal of assistance. The notice will be for the balance (if any) of the termin which the error is discovered plus one complete term.9. APPEALSParents can appeal against a decision not to provide transport or against thedetailed arrangements made, if the parents believe that they have exceptionalmitigating circumstances. The Student Support Appeals Panel will considerany written representations made by parents in support of their appeal but doesnot permit oral representations. Its decision is final and binding unless there issome significant change in circumstances which would merit the case beingreconsidered.Appeal forms are available from Local Area Education Offices.Should an appeal be upheld the Council will only consider retrospectivere-imbursement of travelling expenses back to the date the appeal formwas received by the County Council.

Appendix AHome to School Transport Policy- 14 -UNSUITABLE ROUTES POLICYIn cases where the shortest walking route between home and school is within thestatutory mileage distance and a parent believes that the walking route to the schoolcould be considered as unsuitable, the County Council will upon a request from theparent, undertake an assessment of the whole route, or those parts of the routewhich the parent deems to be unsuitable. Routes will not be considered for theirsuitability if they do not meet the criteria listed below. When considering walkingroutes the County Council will take into account footways, verges, walkable roadsidestrips, footpaths and bridleways. However, the absence of these does not alwaysconstitute the route as being unsuitable (See section 5)The statutory mileage criteria are:2 miles or over for pupils under eight years of age.2 miles or over for pupils over eight years of age if entitled to free schoolmeals or parents receiving maximum amount of Working Tax Credit, until theend of their Y6 at primary school.3 miles or over for pupils over eight years of age.The County Council’s assessment of the route will consider the following factors:1. Alternative RoutesIf the shortest walking route is felt to be unsuitable, however an alternativeroute or routes are available which may be classed as ‘suitable’ and which fallwithin the distance criteria, then assistance with travel costs will not begranted.2. Accompanied by a suitable adult.Parents have the primary responsibility for ensuring their child’s safe arrival atschool. In all cases when assessing the suitability of routes the CountyCouncil will assume that the child is accompanied, where necessary, by aparent or other responsible person and is suitably clad.Therefore the existence of the following factors will not usually make a routeunsuitable, although they would be taken into account:a) lonely routesb) moral dangersc) canals, rivers, ditches, dykes, lakes and pondsd) railway crossingse) routes without street lighting.The responsibility for the child to be accompanied as necessary rests with theparent.

15 -3. Availability of a footway, verge, walkable roadside strip, footpath orbridlewaya) If these are available then these parts of the route cannot beconsidered to be unsuitable subject to (b) below.b) If the width of the roadside footway/verge/roadside strip falls to lessthan 1m in width and an alternative footway is not available then trafficcounts will be necessary at the points where this happens inaccordance with the width of the road as shown in the table in Clause 5below.c) Where it is necessary to make road crossings to access an alternativefootpath or a footway in excess of 1m width, the volume of traffic on theroad at those points will be considered taking into account the ‘crossingparameters’ outlined in Clause 4 below.4. Suitable Crossing PointsWhen undertaking the measuring of walking distances to school the CountyCouncil will take into account suitable road crossing points when assessingthe suitability of the route.Where road crossings are necessary it will be assumed that if the half hourtwo way traffic flow (one way on dual carriageways) is below 240 vehicles perhour, the road should be reasonably able to be crossed.Conversely, where the half hour two way traffic flow (one way on dualcarriageways) is in excess of 700 the road is assessed as being unsuitable tocross, unless there are ‘traffic interrupters’ (eg traffic lights) which providesuitable crossing gaps at reasonable intervals.The assessments will not apply if pedestrian crossing facilities are provided.In cases where central pedestrian islands are provided in the centre ofthe road to assist pedestrian crossing movements and there are noother pedestrian facilities available (ie pelican/zebra crossing), trafficflows will only be taken in one direction.For roads where the half hourly traffic flow is between 240 and 700 vehicles,the ability of being able to cross the road comfortably four or more times ineach five minute period would normally indicate a road which is reasonablyable to be crossed by an accompanied child. In cases where centralpedestrian islands are available the number of crossings will be takenfrom the island to the footway and vice versa.The County Council will undertake a half hourly traffic count for both themorning and afternoon during school terms to coincide with the times theroute would be walked.

16 -When determining the number of vehicles in any time period thefollowing 'passenger car equivalent values' (PCU's) will be used asmultiplication factors:3 pedal cycles 1PCU2 motor cycles 1PCU1 car 1PCU1 LGV (under 3.5tonnes) 1PCU1 Bus/Coach 2PCU1 HGV 2PCU5. Roads without FootwaysOn roads less than 6.5m in width, where there is no public footpath orwalkable verge or refuge points and where the traffic exceeds the maximumvehicle numbers per hour relevant to the width of road shown in the tablebelow, these would be deemed unsuitable routes.In addition if the proportion of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV’s) using the route ismore than 10% of the highest total traffic volume figure, relative to the road widthshown in the table below, the route would be deemed unsuitable.In undertaking the assessment however, if there are verges which may be‘stepped onto’ to avoid vehicles, where there is insufficient road width for thevehicle/s to pass, then these parts of the route are not deemed to be unsuitable,unless the number of vehicles exceeds that which corresponds to theappropriate road width shown in the table below.A step off or verge is a minimum area that a pedestrian could use as a refugewhich is defined as 1.5m in length and 0.5m in depth and relatively level.Where no ‘step-off’ exists for any part of the route the number of vehicles usingthe route will be counted at this point in accordance with the road widths shown inthe table below.Acceptable maximum length of Acceptable number of vehicles per hour by road widthSingle sections of road withoutVerges or refuge beforeBroken by a verge or refuge >3.5m road 3.5>4.5m road 4.5>5.5m road 5.5>6.5m roadwidth width width width10m 201-240 301-360 401-480 501-60015m 161-200 241-300 321-400 401-50025m 121-160 181-240 241-320 301-40035m 81-120 121-180 161-240 201-30055m 61-80 91-120 121-160 151-20075m 41-60 61-90 81-120 101-150120m 31-40 46-60 61-80 76-100160m 21-30 31-45 41-60 51-75240m 11-20 16-30 21-40 26-50300m 6-10 9-15 11-20 13-25500m 1-5 1-8 1-10 1-12In order to make the assessment the above table will only compare the number ofvehicles at those places on the route where the lack of ‘step-off’ exists.

17 -Example:4.5>5.5m road widthThere are 3 parts of the route where no verge exists.Part 1 the gap is 15m there were 200 vehicles counted - Route suitablePart 2 the gap is 120m there were 27 vehicles counted - Route suitablePart 3 the gap is 300m there were 21 vehicles - Route unsuitableWhere HGV vehicles (this includes farm vehicles on rural roads) in the hourly twoway traffic count on the un-verged portions of the route are more than 10 innumber or where this constitutes more than 10% of the total traffic volume, thenthe route would be classed as unsuitable, irrespective of whether the trafficvolume was reached.6. Pupils not attending their nearest schoolsIn cases where a pupil chooses not to attend their nearest school, travellingexpenses to a more distant school on the grounds that the route to that school isdeemed to be unsuitable cannot be considered. .7. Accident StatisticsIf a particular route meets the above criteria as a ‘suitable route’, the CountyCouncil will also take into consideration any significant accident data on theroute.8. Re-imbursements and Unsuitable Routes.Where the Council determines that a route in unsuitable, any claims forretrospective re-imbursement of travelling expenses will only be backdatedto the date the Council determined the route as unsuitable.

Appendix B- 18 -HOME TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT POLICYSPECIAL PUPIL CASESThe County Council will consider all circumstances which are relevant for thepurpose of facilitating the attendance of a child at school and assistance withtransport/travel costs may be given at the discretion of the Executive Director forChildren and Young People in exceptional cases..Additional assistance may be granted in the following circumstances.1. Medical Needs of the Pupila) Long Term CasesWhere pupils live within the statutory walking distance between home andtheir nearest suitable school and where it is apparent that a pupil isphysically unable to walk to school, transport provision may be initiallyconsidered. Substantial medical evidence will need to be provided.Provision of transport will not usually be offered where a pupil does notattend their nearest school, unless the medical incapacity arises where thepupil is in Year 10 and Year 11 in secondary school or in Year 6 in primaryschool. The County Council will however consider cases in other yeargroups where there has been a significant change in circumstancesrelating to a child’s medical condition.Assistance will normally take the form of public transport provision unlessthe pupil is physically unable to access public transport.The provision may also vary dependent on the time of the year.If the County Council determine that discretionary transport support is nolonger required, parents can submit an appeal to the Student SupportAppeal Panel if they consider it should continue.b) Short Term Cases (Up to 12 weeks)Short term taxi transport may be considered where a child has a shortterm medical incapacity. Medical evidence will be sought to confirm thatthe pupil will not be able to access public transport. In these cases theprovision will normally be made for a maximum of 12 weeks. In thesecircumstances the Council will consider the provision of transport even ifthe pupil is not attending their nearest school.If transport is likely to be required in excess of twelve weeks the case willbe reviewed by the County Transport Policy Officer. If it is decided not toextend the transport support, the parents have the right of appeal to theStudent Support Appeal Panel.

19 -2. Looked After Children (LAC)Pupils who are ‘Looked After’ by the County Council who are placed in shortterm foster care and who do not meet the statutory criteria for transportassistance will not be considered for transport assistance under this policy.A separate policy is administered by the Children’s Integrated Services Groupto provide short term transport for LAC pupils who are not statutorily entitledto travel assistance.3. Emergency Transport Arrangements for non LAC childrenIn cases where children have been temporarily re-housed due to unforeseenemergency circumstances, transport assistance may be considered to aschool other than the nearest provided the distance criteria is met. Assistancewould be offered on this basis where it was considered that a pupil would beunable to attend school without support from the County Council. Assistancewill initially be provided up to a maximum of twelve weeks. Confirmation of thefamily circumstances will need to be provided by the local council or otheragencies.Transport assistance will normally take the form of provision on publictransport unless the journey times exceed the County guidelines.If transport is required beyond twelve weeks then a review of the case by theCounty Transport Policy Officer will be undertaken.4. Managed Transfers and In Year Fair Access Protocol PupilsPupils who are admitted to schools under these arrangements will receiveassistance with public transport costs if the distance criterion is metirrespective of whether they are attending their nearest suitable school. Shortterm taxi transport pending receipt of a bus pass may also be provided to aidthe smooth transition into the new school during the trial period.5. Children whose Parents due to their Medical Condition are unableto accompany their children to schoolIn exceptional circumstances where it is not possible due to the medicalcondition of one or both of the parents or carers, for them to accompany achild to school and it is not possible to make suitable arrangements for afamily member or friend to accompany a child to school transport assistancewill be considered. Assistance may be provided where it is felt by the CountyCouncil that some assistance should be given to ensure that the pupil travelsto school safely and attends the school. Any such assistance is subject tosatisfactory medical evidence being provided indicating the parentalincapacity.This might include instances where the pupil resides within the statutorywalking distance or the pupil does not attend their nearest school.

20 -The County Council will not consider assistance where one parent is unableto accompany the child to school due to work commitments nor will it usuallyconsider it necessary to provide assistance to secondary school aged pupilsas they will usually be deemed to be capable of walking to schoolunaccompanied.In the above cases transport will be provided for up to a maximum of 12weeks. Any extension of transport will be subject to a central review processby the County Transport Policy Officer.In circumstances where the pupil does not attend their nearest school andplaces were available at nearer schools then normally no assistance withtravel costs will be given due to temporary incapacity of either parent.6. Pupils under the jurisdiction of the Traveller Education Service.Where pupils under this category live within the statutory walking distancefrom their nearest suitable school, short term transport provision may bemade to ease the integration into a new school. This provision will be providedfor a maximum of four weeks.7. Pupils attending Pupil Referral Units/Short Stay Schools, Pupils underthe jurisdiction of the Lancashire Medical Service, pupils with specialeducational needs.A separate policy applies to pupils in these categories.In all other cases the County Council will consider requests from parents whofeel that their child requires transport to their nearest school and they are notstatutorily entitled to any assistance in cases of significant non-financialexceptional circumstances.

Appendix C- 21 -Transport to School on the Grounds of Religion or BeliefSection 509A of the 1996 Education Act (amended by the Education and InspectionsAct 2006) places a duty on local authorities in fulfilling their duties and exercisingtheir powers relating to travel to have regard to a parent’s religion or belief. Underthe Education and Inspections Act 2006, ‘religion’ means any religion and ‘belief’ anyreligious or philosophical belief.It is acknowledged that the definitions of ‘religion’ and ‘belief are ultimatelydetermined by the courts and there is a substantial body of case law which existswith regard to these definitions.The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) offer the following advicein their Home to School Transport Guidance 2007 regarding religion or belief.a) The definition of ‘religion; includes those religions widely recognised such asChristianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Rastafarianism,Baha’is Zoroastrians and Jains.b) A religion must have a clear structure and belief system.c) Equally denominations or sects within a religion may be considered asreligions in this context such as Catholicism or Protestantism withinChristianity.d) ‘Belief’ may be understood as equating to ‘conviction’ and must be more thanan opinion or idea. It must be genuinely held and parents/carers bear theburden of showing that it constitutes the reason for placing their child at agiven school, or not placing them at a particular school.The DCSF consider that the following examples do not meet the requirements forthe provision of transport on faith or philosophical grounds:the wish to have a child educated at a particular type of school (for example agrammar school)the wish for a child to be taught in a particular languagea belief that a child should be privately educatedobjections to rules requiring that a school uniform must be wornthe belief that a particular school will provide a better level of education.When pupils attend particular schools on the grounds of religion or belief, the CountyCouncil may, in accordance with its policy, exercise discretion towards transportcosts.