School Transport for children and young people with Additional Support Needs
Fife Council provides transport for approximately 1000 children and young people with additional support needs.
Transport is also provided for approximately 100 children and young people who are looked after and accommodated by Fife Council.
Transport Entitlement
Fife Council policy is to provide free transport for a primary aged child attending their catchment area school who lives more than one mile away and for a secondary aged child attending their catchment area school who lives more than two miles away.
The distance criteria apply to all children and young people including those with additional support needs. However, children and young people who live within the distances set by Fife Council may be considered for free school transport.
Where the need for travel assistance is specifically identified as part of the multi-agency planning process a formal application will be submitted by the school. All enquiries should be directed to the school office.
Travel assistance for children and young people who are looked after and accommodated is identified by their social worker and requested by submitting a formal application. All enquiries should be directed to the social worker.
The type of transport provided will be based on the individual needs of the children and young people and Fife Council will always seek to provide the most appropriate, cost effective provision.
The transport for these children and young people is provided between the home address and the school. Transport to other addresses and to accommodate respite care is not normally granted.
The parents / carers of children and young people who are entitled to travel assistance will receive information about the type of transport being provided including operator details.
Related Publications
- Guidance on the Safe Transportation of Wheelchairs
- Guidance on the Safe Use of Wheelchairs and Vehicle-mounted Passenger Lifts
- Guidelines for the School Transport of looked after and accommodated children and young people
- Information for parents/carers of children and young people who travel to school by bus
- Responsibilities of parents and carers of children and young people who travel to & from school by bus