School support

Types of help we can offer

If a student is eligible, we may offer one of the following: 

• Travel Training: A free programme that helps young people learn how to travel on their own safely and confidently. 
• Personal Transport Budget (PTB): Money to help with travel costs or fuel. 
• Seat on a Vehicle: A place on a school transport vehicle. Pickup may be from a meeting point or from your home. 

Who Can Get Travel Assistance (Eligibility) 

We can give travel help to: 

• Students aged 5 to 16 who are eligible 
• Sometimes, students over 16 with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) 
• In special cases, children under 5 

We look at: 

• How the student’s special educational needs or disabilities affect their travel 
• How mobility needs affect the student or parent 
• How far the school/college is from home 
• Whether the walking route is safe 
• Household income 

We also think about: 

• The student’s age 
• Whether the student needs specialist transport 
• Whether the student needs supervision 
• What other travel options they may have 
• Whether a parent or guardian can reasonably accompany them 
• Whether the student can use public transport or travel cards 

We do not provide travel assistance if a student does not go to the nearest suitable qualifying school. 

Before you apply

Here are some important things to know: 

• Parents and guardians are responsible for making sure their children attend school 
• If a student can travel safely on their own, or with help from an adult, they should do so 
• Free public transport should be used when possible 
• All other travel options are checked before travel assistance is offered 
• Students who need help will be given the option that lets them be as independent as possible 
• The type of assistance offered must also be cost effective and effective and sustainable 

Have this information ready: 

• Emergency contact details 
• The student’s health or medical information 
• The school’s postcode 

You must read the full policy to understand all the rules before you apply.

Visit the Local Offer page for more information and support.   

Make an application

Who should fill in the renewal form? 

You should fill in the renewal form if the student already receives travel assistance from Havering and nothing important has changed. 

Important changes include: 

• Changing school 
• Moving to a new home address 
• Changes to the student’s health or care needs 

Renew travel assistance 

Who needs to make a new application? 

You must make a new application if: 

• The student has never applied before 
• The student has applied before, but you have reported important changes 

Apply for travel assistance

What happens next? 

We will look at your application and will email you the decision. We aim to process all applications within 15 working days. 

Apply by Friday 15 May 2026 

Please apply as soon as you can. If we do not receive an application by this date, we will think the student no longer needs travel assistance for the next academic year. 

Need help? 

If you have questions about travel assistance, eligibility, or need to update your details, please email: cadtransport@havering.gov.uk 

You can find more support for SEN parents on our Local Offer website. 

Appeals

If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the outcome of the application an appeal can be made.

Appeal a travel assistance decision

You must appeal within 20 days of receiving a decision. Any appeals submitted after this date will not be accepted.

You should hear back within 40 working days.