CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
POLICY COVERING TRAVEL BETWEEN HOME, SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
The policy applies for the Academic Year 2008-09
POLICY AIMS
This statement of policy sets out the way Bradford Council supports the raising of achievement and
the inclusion of all pupils by making safe, effective and sustainable arrangements for travel to school
and college, thereby enabling pupils and students to arrive at their place of learning in an alert,
receptive and positive state of mind that will enable them to successfully undertake their studies.
Parts 1 to 3 of this Policy sets out the entitlement and explains how the Council has decided to
exercise its powers and duties under the Education Act 1996 as amended by the Education and
Inspections Act 2006 to make such arrangements for transport as it considers necessary to
facilitate the attendance of children and young people attending schools, institutions maintained or
assisted by the Council and Further Education institutions and establishments funded by the
Learning and Skills Council. Attendance at work-based learning providers is not included in the
Policy.
Part 1 of the Policy sets out provisions for eligible children up to 16 years of age for whom the
Council has a statutory duty to make free travel arrangements.
Part 2 sets out discretionary provisions for children up to 16 years of age.
Part 3 sets out the discretionary provision for students over 16 years of age.
The Council does not have a statutory duty to make the arrangements set out in Parts 2 and 3 but
has decided to exercise discretionary powers to provide assistance to these groups of pupils and
students to facilitate attendance at school and college.
Part 4 sets out the qualifying criteria for children of compulsory school age and students over 16
years of age and for pupils with SEN, disability and temporary medical needs.
Part 5 explains how to apply and what free transport or assistance with travel to school and
college will be provided. It also explains the right of appeal in the event of disagreement with the
decision and who to contact if things go wrong.
In formulating this policy, the Council’s Highways, Transport Planning and Road Safety Teams
have worked with a number of partners to enhance the Council’s education policies and deliver
measures that support the wider transport policy objectives contained within the Bradford District
Local Transport Plan. These are primarily the Bradford District Post 16 Transport Partnership,
which seeks to bring about higher participation and retention rates for students in further
education, Metro, which funds a number of concessionary fares schemes for pupils and students,
and Serco which makes transport arrangements through Education Bradford and the West
Yorkshire Transport Service.
Policy Changes
This Policy applies from 1 September 2008. New provisions introduced by the Education and
Inspections Act 2006 extend rights to free transport to children from low income groups who are 11
and over to a choice of three schools within six miles of the child’s home, and to the nearest
school preferred by reason of a parent’s religion or belief, or lack of belief, between two miles
measured by the statutory walking distance and up to a maximum of fifteen miles from the child’s
home.
1
A review of the Discretionary provision made under this Policy in Part 2 is currently being
undertaken by the Council. Any changes introduced to the discretionary provision will not take
effect until September 2009 and a new Policy document will be issued.
This Policy is administered by Education Bradford on behalf of the Council.
General Principles
Statutory and Discretionary Entitlement
Parents have a right in law to state a preference for a school for their children but that does not
carry with it a right to free transport. The Council has a legal duty to provide free transport in
certain circumstances and provides assistance on a discretionary basis in others. These
entitlements are set out in this Policy.
Where applicants meet the criteria and qualify under this Policy, free travel arrangements will be
made or assistance with travel will be provided.
Parents’ Responsibilities
It is.the responsibility of the parent or carer to ensure that their child gets to and from school at the
required time each day, and to accompany them if necessary.
When the Council provides free transport, or pupils otherwise use school bus services, parents are
responsible for the safety and care of their child/ren until they board the provided transport at the
designated pick-up point and, on the return home, from the moment they get off the vehicle at the
designated set-down point.
Parents should ensure their child reads, understands and adheres to the required standards of
behaviour as set out in the Behaviour Policy. (Appendix 3)
Home to School
Assistance with transport will be provided for one return journey, from a point reasonably near the
pupil’s home to one which is reasonably near the school or college at which the pupil is registered, at
the beginning and end of each normal school/college day. The pupil’s home address is the one
registered at the school and where the pupil is habitually and normally resident.
This Policy is not intended to cover any travel between educational institutions during the school
day. It is the responsibility of parents to make any necessary arrangements for the pupil to travel at
any other time. The duty to provide home to school transport is intended to facilitate attendance at
school and does not cover social and child care arrangements.
Transport and Inclusion
As part of the Council’s wider policy of promoting social inclusion, mainstream children and children
with special educational needs will travel to school together, where appropriate.
The Efficient Use of Resources
Bradford Council has a statutory duty to provide Best Value and, in making provision, must have
regard for the most efficient use of the resources available. Changes in route, staff and vehicles
will be made as necessary.
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PART 1: STATUTORY PROVISION FOR PUPILS UP TO 16 YEARS OF AGE
1
Children living more than the statutory walking distance from their nearest
qualifying school, where no suitable alternative arrangements have been made by
the Authority for the child to attend a nearer qualifying school.
1.1
Children, under the age of 8 will qualify for free travel arrangements if they live over two
miles from their nearest qualifying school , if no other suitable alternative arrangements
have been made by the Authority to enable the child to attend a qualifying school nearer to
his home.
1.2
Provision will be made for children starting full-time in Reception Class prior to their fifth
birthday until the end of the term during which they become eight.
1.3
Children aged 8 to 16 years will qualify for free travel arrangements if they live over three
miles from their nearest qualifying school if no other suitable arrangements have been
made to attend a nearer qualifying school.
1.4
Provision will be made until the end of the term during which they attain statutory school
leaving age.
1.5
A child of compulsory school age will qualify for free travel arrangements where the
Authority makes arrangements for the child to receive education at a place other than a
school for a reason related to illness, exclusion or otherwise and that provision is not within
the statutory walking distance of the child’s home and no suitable alternative arrangements
have been made by the Authority for the child to attend a place nearer to their home.
2
Children unable to walk in safety to school because of the nature of the route
2.1
Children of compulsory school age who are registered pupils at a qualifying school within
the statutory walking distance from their home address will qualify for free travel
arrangements where the nature of the route to that school is such that a child cannot
reasonably be expected to walk (accompanied as necessary) in reasonable safety .
2.2
The distance will be measured along the “nearest available walking route”. The Authority
will carry out an assessment of the route to determine whether it is reasonable for a child to
walk
2.3
Whilst it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that a child attends school regularly,
consideration will be given as to whether it is reasonably practicable for the child’s
parent/carer to accompany the child along a route, which would otherwise be classified as
too dangerous to walk in reasonable safety.
2.4
Children whose parents are disabled and as a result of their disability are unable to
accompany the child as necessary along a walking route for it to be considered a safe
walking route and therefore available, will qualify for free travel arrangements where no
suitable arrangements have been made by the Authority to enable the child to attend a
school nearer to his home.
2.5
Applications for travel arrangements for children of disabled parents must be supported by
written medical evidence of their disability and will be reviewed annually.
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3
3.1
Children unable to walk to school by reason of their Special Educational Needs,
disability, or mobility problem (including temporary medical conditions).
Special Educational Needs
Free travel arrangements will be made for pupils whose statement of special educational
needs specify particular transport needs or who have special educational needs and have
specific mobility problems which mean that they could not reasonably be expected to walk
to school, accompanied as necessary, as identified by information provided on the
Application Form and supported by written medical evidence.
3.2
Such arrangements will be provided from the pupils home address to either the
assessment placement, the school named in the pupil’s statement or to the nearest
qualifying school which meets the pupil’s special educational needs.
3.4
If a child attends a school where the parent has expressed a preference based on religion
or belief or lack of belief, this will be deemed to be the nearest suitable qualifying school
3.5
Where a pupil attends a school on a residential basis, named in their statement of special
educational needs, they are entitled to free travel to and from the school at the start and
end of each full academic term and at half term holidays. Where a pupil would be entitled
to free travel under this part of the Policy, but parents transport their child themselves by
agreement with the Authority approved travel expenses will be given for one return journey
at the start and end of each term and half term. The allowance for each return journey will
be a mileage allowance by car or the most cost-effective transport arrangements,
whichever is cheaper.
3.6
Where a pupil would otherwise be entitled to free transport under this section but their
parent chooses to place the pupil at a school that is further away than the nearest available
qualifying school which can meet their needs, or the school named in the pupil’s statement
of special education needs, then free transport will not be provided to that school and
parents must bear these costs themselves.
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
Disability
Free travel arrangements will be made for pupils who are disabled within the meaning of
the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and who have specific transport needs which require
assistance with travel, as identified by information provided on the Application Form and
supported by written medical evidence.
Transport will be provided dependent on the nature of the disability and the nature of the
journey to and from school where supported by written medical evidence confirmed by the
Consultant Community Paediatrician. Travel arrangements will be reviewed annually
depending on the nature of the disability, the nature of the route, and the complexity of the
journey.
Temporary Medical Condition
Arrangements for temporary medical conditions can be made where advice from the child’s
General Practitioner supports the application and provides confirmation that the child is
otherwise fit to attend school but has a temporary mobility problem and cannot reasonably
be expected to walk to school. Such cases will normally only be short-term (eg less than
one school term). Where support is likely to be required for a longer period, advice will be
sought from the Consultant Community Paediatrician.
A review of the pupil’s medical and transport needs will be undertaken at appropriate
intervals depending on the nature of the illness/injury etc, to enable Education Bradford to
determine whether or not it is necessary for free transport to continue. In any event provision
will normally be reviewed annually, and every time there is a transfer to other educational
provision.
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4
Children entitled to free school meals or whose parents are in receipt of the
maximum level of Working Tax Credit.
4.1
Children aged 8, but under age 11, entitled to free school meals, or whose families are in
receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit will qualify for free travel arrangements where the
child attends a qualifying school more than two miles from his home and no suitable
alternative arrangements have been made by the Authority to enable the child to attend a
qualifying school nearer to his home.
4.2
Children aged 11 and over, entitled to free school meals, or whose families are in receipt
of maximum Working Tax Credit will qualify for free travel arrangements to any one of the
three closest qualifying schools to his home address where it is more than two miles but
not more than six miles from their home
4.3
Children aged 11 and over, entitled to free school meals, or whose families are in receipt of
maximum Working Tax Credit will qualify for free travel arrangements where they attend a
qualifying school which is more than two miles but not more than fifteen miles from their
home if they attend that school because of their parent’s preference to have their child
educated at a school based on their religion or belief or lack of belief and there is no nearer
suitable qualifying school.
4.4
Children aged 8, but under age 11 who receive education other than at a school which is
more than two miles from his home and children over the age of 11 who receive education
other than at a school which is between two and six miles from their home, for a reason
related to illness, exclusion or otherwise, will qualify for free travel arrangements.
4.5
The two mile limit will be measured in the same way as the “statutory walking distance” ie
along the “nearest available walking route”. The six mile upper limit to a choice of schools
and fifteen mile limit to a school preferred on the grounds of religion or belief or lack of
belief will be measured along road routes not walking routes.
4.6
The parent/carer will be required to provide evidence that their child is entitled to free
school meals or that the family is in receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit eg. a tax credit
award notice.
4.7
When qualifying on income grounds the child will be eligible for the entirety of the academic
school year for which the assessment has been made. If the child moves out of eligibility
during the year, a new assessment will be carried out for the subsequent academic year.
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PART 2: DISCRETIONARY ASSISTANCE WITH TRAVEL FOR PUPILS UP TO 16 YEARS
1.
Children of Pre-Statutory School Age up to 5 Years
•
Provision
Free transport.
1.1
Children receive free bus travel until they reach the age of 5 when half fares apply and
consequently under this Policy transport provision is not normally made for pupils in this
age group.
1.2
Pre-statutory school age children from age 2 to 5 undergoing statutory assessment for a
statement of special educational needs, or who already have a statement and whose
special needs require the provision of transport will be entitled to free transport to school.
2.
Religion or Denomination
•
2.1
Provision
Free transport.
Transport on religious/denominational grounds is given where the school chosen on the
grounds of religion or denominational grounds is over two miles for children between 5 and
8 and over three miles for pupils aged 8 to 16, provided: -
3.
•
That the school attended is maintained/assisted by this or any other Local Authority
and,
•
It is the nearest available school of the religion or denomination of the parent/carer of
the pupil applying for assistance with transport, as determined by the
Baptism/Confirmation Certificate if appropriate; otherwise a letter from the priest or faith
leader confirming adherence to that faith.
Change of Home Address
•
Provision:
Free transport.
3.1
Where parents choose to move house, they must apply for free transport, based on the
new journey. Entitlement will be subject to the child living beyond the qualifying walking
distance from school.
3.2
If parents choose to keep their child at their original school, free travel shall continue to be
granted, provided that the school is more than the qualifying distance away from the new
address and that: •
the pupil is in his/her last year at the school; or
•
the pupil has started an examination course before the move took place, and in the
opinion of the Headteacher it would be detrimental for the pupil to change schools.
3.3
In all other circumstances it will be for the parent to meet any transport costs arising from
their decision to keep their child at the original school.
3.4
Where a child is temporarily re-housed as a result of the circumstances specified below: 6
•
the family is fleeing domestic violence.
•
the family is evicted from the family home.
•
the child is staying with a relative because the parent is in hospital.
Free travel will normally be granted to enable the child to continue to attend their current
school, subject to the qualifying distance criteria being met, until the family is re-housed in
permanent accommodation or the child returns home.
4.
Children in Public Care
•
Provision:
Free transport.
4.1
Where a child is in public care and is ‘looked after’ by the Local Authority has moved home
but still wishes to attend the same school, that school will continue to be deemed the
nearest available school.
5.
The Newlands Unit
•
Provision:
Free transport.
5.1
Travel Assistance is provided to the Newlands Unit for the education of school girls who
become pregnant. Subject to the qualifying distance criteria being met, pupils will qualify for
free transport from the time they are registered at the Unit until the end of the next term
following the birth of their child.
5.2
Provision for free travel is usually by provision of a bus pass, although where any girl who
qualifies has a journey involving more than three buses traveling to or from Newlands,
alternative provision will be arranged, usually a taxi.
6.
Excluded Pupils
•
Provision:
Free transport to a Pupil Referral Unit.
6.1
Pupils attending Pupil Referral Units will be entitled to free transport to the Unit irrespective
of the distance criteria.
7.
Other Discretionary Assistance
•
7.1
Provision:
Free transport.
Where parents choose to send their child to a school which is not the nearest available
school as determined by safe walking route, transport provision is not made. Where pupils
would be entitled to free transport to their nearest available school on the basis of distance
but their parents have chosen to send them to a school that is further away, free travel to
the school the pupil attends may be granted, provided that this does not result in any
additional costs being incurred.
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PART 3: PROVISION OF TRANSPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OVER 16
The following provision is made for those students over the age of 16 who meet the general
qualifying criteria and conditions of continuing entitlement set out in Part 4.
1.
Students who are over 16 years of age.
1.1
Arrangements for students over 16 years of age are made by the Bradford District Post-16
Transport Partnership.
1.2
Where transport provision is made under this Part of the Policy it will be given for the
duration of post 16 education. Students moving from school to further education college,
either at the end of Year 11 or at the end of post 16 schooling, will be entitled to a
maximum of three years’ provision or support while at College.
2.
Students who reach 19 years of age whilst attending school or college
2.1
Concessionary fares in the West Yorkshire District cease to be available from the student’s
19th birthday. Where a student is enrolled on a course which commences before but
continues beyond their 19th birthday, support will continue to be available until that course
finishes.
2.2
Students who reach the age of 19 are entitled to a payment to re-imburse them with the
additional costs of travel incurred on becoming 19 if they lose the entitlement to
concessionary travel. The payment will be an amount so that the student pays the
equivalent to that had a concessionary fare been available.
2.3
Applications in this case should be made to the appropriate provider as set out at Appendix
3.
3.
Students not eligible for Metro concessionary fares because they are travelling
across District boundaries on a daily basis to attend school or college outside
Bradford District.
3.1
If a course is not available in the Bradford District, support will be provided based on travel
to the nearest school or college offering a suitable course and having a place available.
That support will consist of assistance with additional costs to ensure travel outside Metro’s
Concessionary Fares Zones is comparable in cost to travel within the zones, using the
most cost effective ticketing arrangements available at the time of travel.
4.
Students at a learner provider chosen on the basis of religion or belief or lack of
belief.
4.1
For the purposes of assessing entitlement to additional costs under Paragraph 2 or 3
above, where a student attends a school or college on the grounds of religion or belief, or
lack of belief that institution will be taken to be the nearest school or college to his/her
home provided it is: • funded by the Learning and Skills Council and
• is the nearest available school/college of the religion or belief of the student or the
parent/carer of the student, as determined by the Baptism/Confirmation Certificate or, if
appropriate, letter from the priest or faith leader confirming adherence to that faith or
letter from the applicant affirming lack of belief.
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5.
Students in Public Care
5.1
Young people in public care of the Local Authority may qualify for assistance under
Paragraphs 2,3 or 4 above of the Policy without having to satisfy the financial hardship
criteria set out in Part 4 of the Policy.
6.
Students who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs
6.1
Students who have a statement of special educational needs which specifies particular
transport needs and who would qualify for free transport provision under Part 1 paragraph
3, of this Policy if they were under 16 years of age, will receive free travel as specified in
that statement subject to the qualifying criteria set out in Part 4 of this policy.
7.
Students who do not have a Statement of Special Educational Needs
7.1
Specialist transport will be provided free of charge to students with special needs with
mobility problems including those with temporary medical conditions, disabilities and those
with learning difficulties, where it is determined that the nature of those needs mean that
they could not reasonably be expected to walk to school/college accompanied as
necessary and therefore require the provision of specialist transport arrangements.
7.2
The general qualifying criteria applicable to assessing the needs of and provision for
students of statutory school age with SEN, disability and temporary medical needs set out
in the Policy in Part 4 apply to students over 16 years of age.
8.
Students attending residential schools and colleges
8.1
If a student attends school or college on a residential basis because a suitable course is
not available within reasonable daily travelling distance, s/he can receive payment of
approved travelling expenses for journeys made to and from the school or college.
8.2
Approved travelling expenses will be given for one return journey at the start and end of
each full academic term and half terms. The allowance for each return journey will be a
mileage allowance by car or the most cost effective available rail fare, whichever is
cheaper.
8.3
Payment will be made only if the student attends the nearest school or college having a
place available and offering a suitable course.
8.4
Students who have statements of special educational needs which name the residential
school or college will receive assistance as set out in Part 1 section 3 of the Policy.
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PART 4: GENERAL QUALIFYING CRITERIA AND GUIDANCE
1.
Qualifying criteria for Children up to 16 years of age (Parts 1 and 2)
1.1
Age
Statutory school age is 5 to 16 years.
Confirmation of the child’s legal name and date of birth must be registered with the school.
1.2
Residence
Children must be ordinarily resident in the City of Bradford Metropolitan District. The home
address will normally be the permanent home where the pupil is habitually and normally
resident, at the date of admission to the school at which the pupil is registered.
Where a pupil is living in extended respite-care as opposed to temporary or occasional
respite care , that address may be considered to be his/her permanent home address for
the purposes of travel assistance.
1.3
Qualifying schools
• community, foundation or voluntary schools;
• community or foundation special schools;
• non-maintained special schools;
• pupil referral units;
• maintained nursery schools;
• Academies.
In relation to a child with special educational needs, an independent school will be a
“qualifying school” if it is the only school named in the child’s statement, or it is the nearest
of two or more schools named in the statement.
This Policy includes attendance at schools not in the Bradford District where that school is
the nearest available qualifying school.
1.4
Suitable School
References to the nearest qualifying school are to be taken to mean nearest qualifying
school with places available that provides education appropriate to the age ability and
aptitude of the child, and any special educational needs that the child may have.
1.5
Attending School
Pupils must be enrolled at the school and attend full-time or as advised by the Local
Authority.
1.6
Priority Areas
The existence of a priority area is to provide a basis upon which admissions may be
considered in circumstances where a school is over-subscribed. The existence or otherwise
of a priority area does not of itself determine entitlement to assistance with school travel,
which is based upon the nearest suitable qualifying school.
1.7
Nearest Available School
The nearest available school is the school nearest to the pupil’s home (measured along the
nearest available walking route) having a place available at the time a request for a place is
made, as determined by the Local Authority or other admission authority.
Where a pupil attends a school which is beyond the statutory walking distance from their
home (as measured by the shortest available walking route) and which is also geographically
the nearest school to their home (as measured by a straight line) free travel will be given
even if there is a nearer available school (as measured by shortest available walking route).
10
Where excluded pupils have been placed at a Pupil Referral Unit by Education Bradford, that
place will be taken to be the nearest available school in assessing their entitlement to free
transport.
In cases where a pupil has dual registration at two schools either school may be taken to be
the nearest available school for the purposes of assessing travel arrangements.
1.8
Statutory Walking Distance
The statutory walking distance is two miles for children aged under eight, and three miles
for children aged eight and over. It is measured according to the nearest available walking
route, which is not necessarily the shortest distance by road.
1.9
Nearest Available Walking Route
A route is available if a child, accompanied as necessary, can walk the route in reasonable
safety. Where part of the route is designated as being hazardous it will not be considered
to be available and an alternative route will be used to measure the nearest available
walking route. Appendix 1 contains a list of routes which have been deemed hazardous
and therefore unavailable. These routes are not used for measuring the distance between
home and school.
1.10
Distance
The actual qualifying distance will vary according to entitlement but the “statutory walking
distance”, is the basis for the general provision within the Policy and is measured along the
nearest available walking route. Other qualifying distances apply for families with low
incomes see Part 1.
1.11
Measurement of Distance
The distance will normally be measured along the nearest available walking route from the
pupil'
s home gate to the nearest available gate/entrance of the school/college grounds.
In the case of the following schools, which are in extensive grounds, the distance will be
measured to the entrance of the main school reception area:
- Nab Wood School
- Oakbank School
- Tong School
- Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College.
Where a road route is used, the distance will be measured to the nearest available
gate/entrance of the school/college grounds in all cases.
1.12
Assessment of eligibility
Eligibility is assessed at the time of the application as identified by information on the
Application Form and any necessary medical examination and is usually awarded for the
academic year depending on the grounds of eligibility eg temporary medical conditions or
low income grounds when a child’s circumstances may change.
1.13
Transport and Parental Preference for a Specific School
Where parents choose to send their child to a school which is not the nearest suitable
qualifying school, as determined by the qualifying distance criteria in the relevant sections
above, transport provision will not be made.
1.14
Discretionary Assistance
Where children would be entitled to free transport to their nearest suitable qualifying school
on the basis of distance but their parents have chosen to send them to a school that is
further away, free travel to the other school the pupil attends may be granted, provided that
this does not result in any additional costs being incurred.
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1.15
Newlands Unit
Provision for free travel is usually made in the form of a bus pass, although where any girl
who qualifies has a journey involving more than three buses travelling to or from the
Newlands Unit, alternative provision will be arranged, usually a taxi.
1.16
Lack of Belief
Any application made on the grounds of a parent/carers lack of religion or belief will be
required to provide a letter affirming their lack of religion or belief and their reasons for
choosing a particular school rather their nearest available qualifying school.
2.
Qualifying Criteria for students over the age of 16 (Part 3).
These qualifying criteria and conditions apply to all provision made for post-16 students
except paragraphs 2.3, LSC, 2.6 Distance and 2.7 Financial Hardship below and the
Conditions in paragraph 3 below which do not apply to students with special educational
needs who qualify under Part 3 paragraphs 6, 7 and 8.
2.1
Age
Applicants must be above the statutory school leaving age of 16 years and be attending
school post 16 or a further education college. Students will be eligible for support for a
maximum of three years up to and including the age of 19. Students with special
educational needs will be eligible for support up to age 25 or, if the 25th birthday occurs
when on the course, up to age 26 years, subject to a maximum of three years’ support
while at college.
2.2
Residence
Students must be, or have been, ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom on the first day
of the academic year of the course and must be ordinarily resident in the City of Bradford
Metropolitan District.
2.3
Enrolled on a Learning and Skills Council funded course.
Applicants for additional support must be enrolled on a Learning and Skills Council funded
post 16 or Further Education course, which has access to Learner Support Funding that
includes provision for transport.
2.4
Attending school or college full time.
Students must be enrolled on, and attend, a full-time course that comprises at least 12
hours per week scheduled tuition each week within the academic year. Evidence of
attendance may be required.
2.5
Attending a suitable course at the nearest school or college.
Support will only be approved in relation to the student’s travel to the nearest school or
college having a place available and offering a suitable course. Post 16 students who have
stayed on at the school they attended while of compulsory school age will be deemed to
meet these criteria.
2.6
Living such a distance from the school or college attended that a journey by public
transport would be necessary to attend the course.
Students must demonstrate the need for assistance with their journey from home to school
or college, based upon the length of journey, measured from immediately outside the
student’s home to immediately outside the nearest entrance to the school or college
premises, based upon the nearest available walking route. Assistance would not normally
be given where a pupil lives less than a mile from the school or college attended.
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2.7
Able to prove financial hardship.
This will be demonstrated by the student being in receipt of an Education Maintenance
Allowance or having been in receipt of an EMA prior to having reached the age of 19.
Students no longer in receipt of EMA will need to demonstrate that their household income is
£30,810 or below per year.
3.
Conditions for post 16 students
3.1
Once a student has been granted assistance with travel under Part 3 of this Policy
continuation of assistance is subject to the following conditions (except for students with
special educational needs who qualify under Part 3 paragraphs 6, 7 and 8.)
(i)
Progression
Support will continue, subject to the student’s satisfactory conduct, and only if there is
reasonable progression in the student’s studies. This will be established by staff at
the school or college who may determine whether satisfactory attendance and
conduct is being maintained in the context of a student’s individual circumstances,
and with reference to any Student Learning Agreements which may be in place.
(ii)
Attendance.
Students who are in receipt of an award and who subsequently fail to attend school or
college without valid reason or who terminate their attendance before completing their
course must pay back to the Partnership any financial support provided.
(iii)
Change of Circumstances.
Students must inform the provider of the assistance provided if any circumstances
change which would affect their entitlement to support. Any monies paid to the
student may be reclaimed where not so notified.
(iv)
Appropriate use of the Award.
With the exception of awards given for transport expenditure to residential schools
and colleges, transport awards must be spent on an appropriate pass to take
advantage of any available concessionary fares schemes on public transport.
4.
Qualifying Criteria for pupils and students who qualify for assistance with SEN
Disability and Temporary Medical Needs
4.1
Where a pupil or student meets the criteria for assistance under the Policy, provision of
transport appropriate to the needs of the pupil, will be made based upon: •
•
•
•
4.2
An assessment of the needs of the pupil, including the ability or potential ability of the
pupil to travel accompanied, and the degree of support, supervision or assistance
required.
Whether it is reasonable for the pupil to travel the distance required given the ability of
the pupil and the nature of his or her special educational needs,
Whether it is reasonable for the parent/carer to accompany the pupil to school, given
the distance to be travelled, the availability of the route and the complexity of the
journey.
The potential of the pupil to travel independently given appropriate travel training and
support.
The nature of needs that may mean that a pupil or student with a statement of special
educational needs, or undergoing statutory assessment might require provision of transport
include any or a combination of: 13
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Whether the pupil has a severe speech/language impediment and/or communication
problems which prevents his/her safe access to public transport.
Whether the pupil previously exhibited severe behavioural/emotional needs which are
likely to impair his/her ability to travel independently and are likely to be of a long term
nature.
Whether the pupil has significant learning difficulties of a long-term nature that might
result in limited life-skills and a low level of independence and which prevent his/her
safe access to public transport.
Whether the pupil has a physical disability that makes it difficult to access public
transport independently.
Whether the pupil has a sensory impairment that makes it difficult to access public
transport independently.
Whether the pupil has a significant medical condition which is likely to impair his/her
ability to travel independently or which may require access medical treatment en route.
Any vulnerability of the pupil to overtures, sexual or otherwise, and whether the pupil is
likely to pose a risk to others.
The distance between the pupil’s home and school or college and the nature of the
route.
Whether the route is suitable, following a risk assessment of the route in accordance
with the guidelines “Identification of Hazards and the Assessment of Risk of Walked
Routes to School” issued by the Local Authority Road Safety Officers’ Association.
The complexity of the route from home to the bus stop/railway station and the
directness of the bus/rail route, including the number of changes.
Any other relevant factors.
4.3
Over time, the needs of the child may change and transport support will be reviewed, at
least on an annual basis, so that the child’s needs continue to be met. Provided the child’s
needs continue to be met, the nature of the arrangement may be changed in order to make
more efficient use of resources.
4.4
Subject to their needs, age and ability, students will be expected to progress towards more
independent travel. Where students previously in receipt of specialist transport
arrangements are able to progress towards more independent travel assistance provision
may be made by way of a bus pass.
4.5
Students previously in receipt of transport provision while at school will have their transport
arrangements reviewed on transferring to college. Requests for transport for students with
special needs under this part of the Policy will normally need to be supported by medical
evidence provided by a doctor, consultant.
4.6
Definition of Disability
The Disability Discrimination Act defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment
which has a substantial long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal
day to day activities”.
14
PART 5: APPLICATIONS, TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND APPEALS
1.
How to Apply
For all pupils and students, an application form for free or assisted transport should be made as
shown below.
Where a pupil has particular transport needs parents/carers must provide details of those needs,
prior to the child travelling, in order that the pupil’s needs can be assessed.
Confirmation or otherwise of entitlement to transport provision will only be given by letter following
completion and submission of an application form. A telephone or verbal communication is not
sufficient.
All contact details are listed Appendix 4.
•
Pre-statutory school age children from age two to five with special educational needs.
- Contact the School Travel Team, Education Bradford for an Application Form or obtain one
from www.educationbradford.com
•
Children of statutory school age.
- An Application Form for those applying for the first time is available from schools or from
the School Travel Team, Education Bradford or from www.educationbradford.com
- A supply of the forms is sent out to schools each year after the Spring Bank Holiday for the
next academic year.
- For those who have qualified previously, a Renewal Form will be sent via schools each
year by the School Travel Team, Education Bradford.
•
Children of statutory school age with a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
- An Application Form is available from the School Travel Team, Education Bradford or from
www.educationbradford.com
•
Post-16 students.
- An Application Form is available from the School Travel Team, Education Bradford or from
www.educationbradford.com
- Applicants to further education colleges in the Bradford District should contact individual
colleges.
- Applicants to further education colleges outside the Bradford District should contact the
Student Finance Service, Bradford Council.
•
Post-16 students with special educational needs.
- Applicants to schools should contact the School Travel Team, Education Bradford for an
Application Form or obtain one from www.educationbradford.com Applicants to further
education colleges should contact the Student Finance Service, Bradford Council.
•
Pupils not entitled to free transport.
- Information and details of concessionary fares are on the Metro’s web-site www.metro.com
and on leaflets available from bus station travel centres and some train stations. A
summary is shown in Appendix 3.
2.
How Entitlement is Assessed and Determined
Applications for assistance will be considered against the criteria set in this Policy and a decision
will be made as to whether or not the pupil is eligible for support.
15
•
If the pupil is eligible the Local Authority or further education college will write to the parent/carer
with details of the travel arrangements (pick up and set down points and times etc). and, if
appropriate, issue a pass. If pupils are to be re-imbursed travel costs they will be given a form to
complete.
•
If the pupil is not eligible the Local Authority or Further Education College will write to the
parent/carer giving the reason(s) why and send information on how to appeal against the
decision.
3.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
The most appropriate and cost effective arrangements will be decided by the Local Authority
provided that the qualifying criteria are met. The arrangements made for pupils will be reviewed
and, provided their needs continue to be met, may be changed in order to make efficient use of
resources.
Assistance with travel may take the form of the following arrangements: •
School Cards for journeys on local bus and rail services.
•
Bus Boarding Cards for travel on school buses and minibuses provided under contract.
•
Taxis provided under contract e.g. where there is no suitable public transport or school bus
available, or where advised because of the medical needs of the pupil.
•
Provision or re-imbursement of the cost of equipment, e.g. booster seat for a car
•
Reimbursement of the cost or a proportion of the additional cost of travel e.g. where the parent
/carer provides the service under statutory entitlement.
•
Escorted walking journey e.g. where there are medical or psychological needs.
•
Travel Training to enable independent travel.
•
Payment in lieu to parents e.g. where there is no suitable and cost effective transport contract
that can be made available.
•
Specialist transport, escorted as necessary e.g. where access to public transport is not
possible.
Assistance is effective from date of receipt of the application or as soon thereafter as practicable;
assistance will not normally be provided retrospectively.
4.
FREE TRAVEL GRANTED IN ERROR TO NON-ENTITLED PUPILS, AND
ROUTES RE-CLASSIFIED AS BEING AVAILABLE.
The Local Authority will carry out periodic reviews of provision made under this Policy. Where, for
any reason, transport provision has been granted in error, or where a pupil ceases to be entitled to
free travel because a route that was previously classed as non-available is now designated as
available, the Local Authority and members of the Post-16 Transport Partnership reserve the right
to withdraw that provision at any time convenient to the Council (or the College as the case may
be) and will normally do so, as follows:
16
•
Where the pupil has been receiving the transport for more than a term - at the end of the
academic year;
•
Where the pupil has been receiving the transport for less than a term - until the end of that half
term.
Before transport is withdrawn in these circumstances the Local Authority will give notice of its
intention to withdraw transport and will give the pupil'
s parents an opportunity to give their views as
to why transport should not be withdrawn.
Where, a route in Appendix 1, is re-designated as available and as a result a pupil in receipt of
free transport on grounds of distance under the previous Policy ceases to qualify on these
grounds, the pupil will continue to receive this assistance until the end of their statutory schooling
provided their circumstances are otherwise unchanged and they continue to meet the other
qualifying criteria.
5.
CHARGES FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES ON SCHOOL BUSES THAT HAVE SPACE
AVAILABLE
Where spare capacity exists on existing contract services, students who do not qualify can apply to
Metro to purchase a School Card for use on school bus services.
6.
BEHAVIOUR ON SCHOOL BUSES
Good behaviour on school buses is essential and the Local Authority, Education Bradford,
schools, pupils, parents/carers and transport operators will work together in partnership to
implement the Behaviour Policy, which is shown in Appendix 2.
Pupils will be expected to comply with the Behaviour Policy. Where a pupil does not behave in
accordance with the Policy and their behaviour does not enable transport to be safely and
reasonably provided, the Council reserves the right to place a ban (either temporary or permanent)
on a particular pupil. In placing a ban the Council acknowledges that travel arrangements are
necessary and transport should be provided, but considers the pupil’s behaviour is such that they
cannot take advantage of the arrangements made available to them.
7.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTITLEMENT
Any provision of transport under this Policy is subject to certain terms and conditions and the Local
Authority may withdraw its provision, with due notice if circumstances change and pupils no longer
meet the qualifying criteria. Pupils who are not able to demonstrate appropriate use of the award
will be required to pay back the value of the pass.
Awards are made on the understanding that School Cards and Boarding Cards remain the
property of the issuing organisation and may be requested and inspected by the issuing
organisation. All passes must be returned when requested.
Entitlement to free or assisted travel is conditional upon standards of good behaviour being
maintained on the transport provided so that the comfort, health and safety of other passengers
are not compromised. Behaviour issues on transport provided for children with special educational
needs are dealt with under risk assessment procedures.
The Behaviour Policy clarifies standards, entitlements, responsibilities and consequences/sanctions.
In accepting free transport, pupils and their parents/carers agree to abide by conditions attached to
travel arrangements and operators agree to their contractual obligations to deal with behaviour
17
issues. In the case of any pupil whose behaviour during the journey to or from school/college is not
of an acceptable standard the Council may, in partnership with schools, employ a number of
sanctions ranging from detention to exclusion in order to deal with persistent misbehaviour on
school transport.
8.
SERVICE STANDARDS
The Local Authority aims for each pupil to arrive at school or college safely in an alert and
receptive state of mind and ready to learn, thereby contributing to raising achievement. In making
travel arrangements it will provide and promote travel to school that is safe, healthy, comfortable,
reliable and free from stress.
9.
PICK-UP AND SET-DOWN ARRANGEMENTS
Where specialist provision is made, to help the Transport Unit provide the quality of service
expected, parents/carers should: •
Make sure their child is at the pick-up point at the scheduled time.
•
Check the identification badges of transport staff calling at the house.
Each pupil will be given morning and afternoon pick-up times before the journeys start. If there is
change in these arrangements, the parent/carer will be contacted and details confirmed in writing.
The transport providers aim to arrive at the scheduled times but sometimes road traffic conditions,
congestion and bad weather will affect this.
In the case of specialist transport for children with special educational needs, pick-up times may
also vary dependent on the needs of other children in the bus or taxi. Where such transport is
provided, taxis and minibuses will pick up and set down as near to the child’s home as possible,
dependent upon access restrictions and weather conditions.
10.
JOURNEY TIME
The Local Authority will not sanction arrangements under this Policy, other than to the nearest
designated establishment appropriate to the place of residence, which involve students
undertaking a journey which would, under normal circumstances, take longer than sixty minutes in
each direction.
11.
SAFETY
Transport operators have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and the
parent or guardian has legal responsibility for the behaviour of the child. It is a condition of the
provision of free transport that the child behaves in a responsible manner when waiting for and
travelling on the transport provided so as to ensure the safety and comfort of others.
12.
DAMAGE
The Local Authority requires contractors providing transport services to indemnify it against damage,
however caused. Contractors may seek recompense from parents/carers where responsibility for
damage rests with their children.
18
13.
EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS
Arrangements are in place to deal with exceptional circumstances.
•
Communications
Contract buses are equipped with two-way communications for use in an emergency. In the
event of an emergency, staff will request assistance from emergency services and notify the
school.
•
Bad weather
A bad weather procedure, particularly in times of heavy snow and requiring co-ordination
between schools, the Police, Metro and the Transport Section is in place to ensure the safety of
children.
•
Illness
The driver will summon help if a child becomes ill on the bus.
•
Accident
If the vehicle is involved in an accident, operators are required to inform the school and notify the
Transport Section.
•
Breakdown
All operators are required to have in place arrangements for attending to breakdowns within a
reasonable period, and for providing alternative transport if this is not possible. Operators are
required to inform the school and the Transport Section.
•
Unruly Behaviour
Staff are instructed never to evict a child from a vehicle anywhere on a route other than at the
normal setting down point.
14.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.
The Local Authority will require staff that has access to children to be vetted.
15.
QUALITY SERVICES
The Council seeks to ensure that a quality service is provided under this Policy.
The Council works with Metro to ensure quality transport provision is made through its contractual
arrangements with operators.
16.
REVIEW AND APPEALS PROCEDURES
16.1
Review
In cases where pupils do not qualify for entitlement under the Policy, and free travel or
assistance with travel is refused, parents/carers have the right to have the decision reviewed
by an officer who was not party to the original decision, if they believe that original decision is
incorrect. They should write to the organisation and section that made the arrangements,
giving the reason why they consider the decision is not correct, together with any other
information to support their case.
16.2
Appeals
In cases where pupils do not qualify under the Policy for free transport to school,
parent/carers may appeal to the Council’s Education Appeals Panel which may recommend
19
the award of free transport or assistance with transport in circumstances which fall outside
the Policy. The Appeals Panel will take into account the pupil’s age and whether it is
reasonably practicable for the pupil to be accompanied, the nature of the route or alternative
routes and other factors as to why it may be necessary for free transport to be provided in a
particular case. Where they determine a route to be dangerous it will be added to the list of
non-available routes.
Parents/carers wishing to lodge an appeal should write to Education Bradford, giving the
basis of their appeal, together with any other information to support their case. Parents may
present their case in person to the Education Appeal Panel. The Panel is made up of three
elected Council Members who determines the appeal. The decision of the Panel is notified to
Education Bradford.
Separate procedures apply to appeals against a refusal of assistance by Bradford College
and Bradford Council’s Student Finance Section under the Bradford District Post 16
Transport Partnership Post-16 Policy.
16.3
Suggestions and Complaints
Suggested improvements and lapses in service are taken very seriously. If parent/carers
have any concerns about their child’s travel arrangements they should contact the
organisation and section that made the arrangements. Any concerns or suggestions about
this Policy should be first addressed to the Council by phone, letter or e-mail.
16.4
How to Get in Touch
Contact details are listed in Appendix 4.
20
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Non-Available Walking Routes
Appendix 2
Behaviour Policy
Appendix 3
Concessionary Fares
Appendix 4
Contacts List
21
Appendix 1.
Non Available Walking Routes
The following routes have been deemed as hazardous and will not be used for measuring the
distance between home and school:
Non Available Walking Routes: 1.
Manywells Brow, Cullingworth, BD13.
Between: Keighley Road, A629
And: Howarth Road/Cullingworth Road.
2.
Cullingworth Road from Harecroft to junction of Manywells Brow, Cullingworth, BD13.
Between: T Junction, Station Road, Harecroft.
And: Manywells Brow/Halifax Road.
3.
Millhill Top, Harden BD16.
Between: Harden Lane.
And: Harden Lane.
4.
Harden Road from Harden to Bingley. BD16.
Between: Wilsden Road, Harden
And: Millgate, Bingley, BD16.
5.
Low Lane BD13, Lane Side BD13, Cockin Lane BD14, Chat Hill, BD13, between Mountain
and Thornton.
Between: Junction Pitt Lane leading to Lane Side, Cockin Lane and Chat Hill Road
And: Junction Thornton Road.
Also,
Between: Low Lane junction with Chat Hill Road
And: Town End Road, Clayton.
6.
Back Lane, Clayton BD13.
Between: Baldwin Lane.
And: Highgate Road.
7.
Pickles Lane, Pickles Hill, BD 7.
Between: Great Horton Road.
And: Poplar Grove.
8.
Oldfield Lane BD22.
Between: Scar Top Road.
And: Hob Cote Lane.
9.
Hob Lane, Stanbury, BD22.
Between: Back Lane.
And: Scar Top Road, junction Oldfield Road.
10.
Keighley Road junction A629 Silsden. (BD20).
Between: Junction A629 Silsden.
And: Kirkgate, Silsden.
11.
Grange Road, Silsden to South Craven School.
Between: Junction Skipton Road and Grange Road, Silsden.
And: South Craven School
22
12.
Street Lane, West Morton, BD20.
Between: Junction Ilkley Road.
And: Carr Lane
13.
Ebor Lane, Howarth, BD22.
Between: Mytholmes Lane.
And: Mill Hey/Lees Lane.
14.
Vale Mill Lane, Lees, Keighley, BD22.
Between: Mytholmes Lane.
And: Haworth Road.
15.
Damens Lane (Halifax Road end), Damens, BD21.
Between: Goose Cote Lane.
And: Halifax Road.
16.
Howarth Road. BD21
Between: Howarth Road junction Brow Top Road at Harrogate Lane
And: Manywells Brow/Halifax Road, Cullingworth,
17.
Halifax Road - above Flappit Springs, BD21 on Howarth Road
Between: Flappit Springs.
And: Halifax Road junction Manywells Brow.
18.
Spring Avenue (Long Lee) to Thwaites Bridge, BD21.
Between: Junction with Thwaites Brow Road.
And: Junction with Dalton Lane/Venning Street.
19.
Old Guy Road, Mountain, Queensbury BD13.
Between: Mill Lane.
And: Moor Close Lane.
20.
Roper Lane, Mountain, Queensbury BD13.
Between: Brighouse and Denholme Road.
And: Halifax Road.
21.
Prune Park Lane, junction Sandy Lane, BD15.
Between: Wilsden Road.
And: Stony Lane.
22.
Fagley Lane BD2.
Between: Harrogate Road.
And: Flinton Grove.
23.
Haworth Road, Bay of Biscay, BD15
Between: 378 and 366 Haworth Road (Bay of Biscay)
And: for 13 metres outside of Greenwood House at Ling Bob Roundabout.
24.
Area running parallel with 378 and 366 Haworth Road (Bay of Biscay), BD15
Further routes may be added as they are deemed hazardous, and therefore non available, by the
Appeals Panel. Existing routes may be re-assessed and re-classified as available. Where a pupil
ceases to qualify for free transport following the re-classification of a route, free transport will be
withdrawn in accordance with Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Policy.
23
Appendix 2
Behaviour Policy
The safety and comfort of all passengers is the prime consideration of a bus driver and most
children on school buses also want to get to and from school safely and with no fuss.
Unfortunately, a minority do not take responsibility for maintaining good standards of behaviour
and, on a moving bus, this can have serious consequences.
Where all partners involved in making travel arrangements are aware of and committed to their
entitlements and responsibilities, an effective framework will be in place to ensure that home to
school travel is safe and secure for the District’s children and young people.
This Policy demonstrates how the LEA, Schools, Metro, Bus Operators, Drivers, Escorts, Bus
Monitors, Parent/Carer’s and Pupils work together to provide a safe, comfortable and stress free
travel to and from school.
The Policy sets out: •
The legal responsibility for the behaviour of children.
•
Advice to parent/carers on how they can support safe travel.
•
What is expected of children to minimise any risks when travelling.
•
Guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of all partners.
•
Consequences and sanctions when expected standards of behaviour are not met.
1.
Legal Responsibility.
The legal responsibility for the safety and behaviour of children travelling between home and
school is that of the parent/carer. When on the bus the law states that the children themselves
must act in a reasonable manner. If an ‘incident’ does occur on the bus, the driver is expected to
take whatever action they consider appropriate – this may mean taking the children back to school
or to a Police Station.
2.
Advice to Parent/Carers.
There are a number of ways to help bus drivers do their job and to ensure the journey to school is
safe for children.
•
Children should know how to behave on the way to the bus stop, while waiting for the bus and
when travelling on the bus. The information contained in the section “What is expected when
travelling” will help children to learn the safety rules. Please make sure your children read it
and understand it. If you have young children you might like to read it with them.
•
Please ensure that young children are taken to the bus stop in plenty of time. Ideally they
should be supervised until the bus arrives. They should board the bus in an orderly manner
and have their fare and/ or pass ready.
24
•
Please try to make sure young children are met when getting off the bus in the afternoon and
wait at the stop, not on the other side of the road. Please remember this is a crucial safety
time; children often forget safety rules when they get off the bus and run to meet those waiting
for them.
•
Make sure your children know what you want them to do if the bus is late or if you are late
arriving to meet them.
•
Teach your children about safe and sensible behaviour. You may be held responsible for
vandalism or damage caused by your child on a bus.
You may also become involved if: - Your child carries onto the bus, drugs, solvents, volatile and or inflammatory substances,
offensive weapons.
- Your child smokes on a bus.
- Your child throws missiles from a vehicle.
- Your child defrauds the bus companies of money by paying the wrong fare, or not carrying
a pass or permit when one is needed.
•
If your child does cause damage or creates trouble on a bus they could: - Have their School Card or Boarding Card withdrawn.
- Be banned from the bus.
- Be prosecuted by the police.
- Be required to pay for any damage they have caused.
•
If you wish to travel on the bus, perhaps on a rota with other parents, please contact Pupil
Access. Through Metro, arrangements can often be made for an adult to travel free on a
school bus.
•
Many children never ride on buses except to and from school. Please take them with you on a
bus occasionally so that they can learn about consideration for other passengers and how to
use the service safely.
•
Encourage your children to stand only when there are no seats available or to let an elderly
person sit down. There are places on a bus where passengers may not stand, especially
alongside the driver, on the stairs and upstairs. Ensure your child knows the importance of not
standing in these areas.
•
Incidents have occurred where clothing has got caught in bus doors. Please discourage your
child from wearing hanging belts or bags with loose straps.
•
Certain types of vehicles operating schools transport are required by law to be fitted with
seatbelts. Where a seatbelt is provided, please encourage your child to act responsibly and
wear it. Many vehicles used as school buses, however, do not fall within the scope of this
legislation and will continue to operate without seatbelts being provided.
•
Please ensure that bus passes are not left in the pockets of clothes which are going to be
washed.
•
If your child’s bus does not run, or is regularly late, or if you have any comments about the
service, please contact Metro. See Appendix 7 for contact details.
•
If bad weather occurs overnight you may decide not to send your child to school. In some
areas, particularly those that are quite isolated, the bus might not be able to operate. They may
also have problems operating around estates. However, in most cases they are able to run on
the main roads. If it snows heavily when your child is at school please be reassured that
25
drivers will do everything possible to get your children home. Please be patient. Local radio will
advertise on traffic difficulties, school closures and weather conditions.
3. What Is Expected When Travelling?
Pupils should follow these simple rules to ensure the journey to school is safe and trouble free.
•
Before the bus comes
- Always arrive at the bus stop in good time and make sure you have your bus pass and/ or
fare with you.
- Wait on the pavement, well away from the road.
- Don’t play about near the road while you wait for the bus.
- Don’t chew, fold or deface your bus pass.
•
When the bus arrives
- If you are at the front of the queue put your arm out to signal for the bus to stop.
- Wait for the bus to stop before trying to get on.
- Do not push or rush for the door, even when the bus has stopped.
- Make sure you get on the correct bus, especially if you have a Boarding Card for a
particular service number.
•
Getting on the bus
- Show your bus pass or pay your fare then find a seat quickly and quietly without pushing.
Bags should not be put on the seats.
- Only stand if there are no seats left.
- Listen to the driver and do as they say.
•
Travelling on the bus
- Stay in your seat all the time when the bus is moving, unless you have to stand.
- If the bus is fitted with seatbelts, please make sure that you wear yours.
- Do not stand next to the driver, on the stairs or upstairs.
- Do not talk to the driver while the bus is being driven.
- Misbehaving on the bus can be dangerous and may cause an accident. You could also be
banned from the bus, made to pay for any damage or prosecuted by the police.
- Do not eat or drink or smoke on the bus.
- Bags should be placed on the floor, not on the seat, it is very important that you don’t block
the bus gangway with your bags.
- Do not do anything that compromises the safety of the bus and other passengers.
- Please consider other passengers at all times.
•
Getting off the bus
- Tell the driver when the bus is approaching your stop or ring the bell once. Do not get off
the bus until it has stopped.
- Do not use the emergency exit except in emergency.
- If you travel on a bus which is not allowed to carry standing passengers, please don’t leave
your seat until the bus has stopped.
- Take care that your coat, scarf or bag is not caught in the door as you get off.
- Make sure you take everything with you when you get off.
•
When you’ve got off the bus
- Do not go back to the bus after you have got off. If you think you have left something
behind you will need to contact the bus company.
- Do not cross the road close behind or in front of the bus. You need to be able to see clearly
both ways. Where possible, use a pedestrian crossing.
- When walking to or from the bus stop remember the Green Cross Code. Whenever you
can, use a pedestrian crossing or a school crossing patrol.
26
4. Consequences and Sanctions
It is important that there are predictable consequences which will arise, or sanctions that can be
taken, where any of the partners fails to meet their responsibilities. However, there are particularly
important principles which must underpin the use of any sanctions, and factors which must be
taken into consideration when applying sanctions to pupils.
The Use of Sanctions
Notification
• The LEA will place a high priority on publicizing to all partners, clearly and accessibly, their
relevant entitlements and responsibilities, and outline to them the consequences of failures to
comply with their responsibilities.
• There is the highest possible degree of predictability in the application of sanctions, and that
those pupils who breach their responsibilities are clearly aware of the consequences of such
breaches;
• Where a pupil’s behaviour on transport is causing concern, they will be advised of the
consequences of a failure to improve behaviour. The parent/carer should also be kept
informed.
Sanctions
• Sanctions should be fair and appropriate to the seriousness of the incident(s)/behaviour(s)
which led to the application;
• The procedure by which a sanction is applied should ensure that the pupil is informed about
the reasons for its imposition. The parent/carer should also be informed;
• The most serious sanctions will not be applied until all other sanctions have been tried and
have demonstrably failed, unless the incident is so serious that it would be appropriate to apply
a more serious sanction immediately, including withdrawal of a bus pass;
• All long term sanctions should be subject to regular review;
• The LEA should be informed where long term sanctions are applied;
Factors which need to be considered in the applying of sanctions
•
•
•
The seriousness of the incident/behaviour, and its impact on others;
The frequency of such incidents/behaviours by the pupil;
Consideration should be also given to the:
- Age and understanding of the pupil,
- Any Special Educational Needs the pupil may have,
- The degree of peer or other pressure,
- Whether the incident/behaviour was perpetrated alone, or as a part of a group,
- The intention of the pupil,
- The pupil’s emotional history on school transport,
- The antecedents to the situation,
- The impact of the behaviour on others and/or property,
- The interventions/strategies used by the school and/or others to manage/change the
pupil’s behaviour.
Appeal
• Where a sanction has been applied parents/carers have access to an appropriate form of
complaint, representation or appeal procedure;
27
Appendix 3.
Concessionary Fares (Commercial and Concessionary Passes available to students in the
Bradford District for use on Public Transport.
Metro offers a range of concessionary fares and the major bus operators First Bus and Arriva offer
a range of commercially discounted fares.
Details are available on “Metroline” (0113) 245 7676 or visit www.wymetro.com
Scheme
User group
Concession
Scholar’s
Permit (1)
Available to any
student aged 16 to
18 years who is
permanently
resident in West
Yorkshire and in
full time education
up to “A” level
standard up to
their 19th birthday.
Valid from the start
of the
school/college year
to the following
15th September.
Available to any
pupil who qualifies
on a statutory
basis by living
more than three
miles from school,
up to the child’s
19th birthday.
Travel on
buses and
trains at half
price
anywhere in
West
Yorkshire.
School
Card
School
Plus
Metrocard
PRICE
FROM
SEP 07
Student
Plus
Can also be
bought directly by
parents by
application to
Metro. Offers a
15% discount on a
specific fare.
Available to school
aged children
under 16 and 1618 in full time
further
education(16 hours
or more
Available to any
young person
under the age of
22 or mature
students in full time
education.
Times
available
Any time of
day.
Registration
cost
£2
Journey
cost/concession
Half price on all
fares.
Travel on
buses and
trains free of
charge.
One journey
to and from
school each
day.
Journeys to
school have
to take
place up to
12.00 hours
and
journeys
home
between
12.00 and
19.00 hours.
None
Free.
Unlimited
travel on
buses
throughout
West
Yorkshire.
Any time of
day, 7 days
a week.
None
£7.00 per week
or £25.50 per
month.
Any time of
Gives
day, 7 days
unlimited bus
and train travel a week.
throughout
West
Yorkshire
None
£13.70 per week
or £51.50 per
month.
28
Disabled
Person’s
Permit
Available to those
with a designated
disability.
Blind
Person’s
Permit
Available to those
with a designated
high degree of
vision loss.
Available also for a
travelling
companion.
First Day
Available to all.
First Day
Off-Peak
Available to all.
First
Week
Available to all.
First
Monthly
Available to all.
First
Student
Saver
Students attending
Sixth Form
Colleges in full
time education (but
not available to
Sixth Formers at
schools)
Arriva
Value
West
Yorkshire.
Available to all.
Anywhere in
West
Yorkshire, free
travel on
buses and a
reduced rate
on trains
related to the
times of offpeak travel.
Anywhere in
West
Yorkshire
After 09.30
Monday –
Friday, all
day
Saturday,
Sunday and
Bank
Holidays
None
Any time of
day. Bus
and rail.
None
Bus Travel – Full
Fare before
09.30, free travel
for the rest of the
day.
Rail Travel – Full
fare before
09.30, 35p for
the rest of the
day.
Free.
Unlimited
travel in South
and West
Yorkshire on
any First Bus
service.
Unlimited
travel on First
Bus services
within West
Yorkshire.
Unlimited
travel on First
Bus services
within West
Yorkshire.
Unlimited
travel on First
Bus services
within West
Yorkshire.
Unlimited
travel on First
Bus services
within Halifax
and
Huddersfield
operating
area.
All Arriva
buses in West
Yorkshire.
Any time of
day.
None
Buy on bus
Daily.
£3.50
After 0930
None
Buy on bus
Daily.
£2.50
Any time of
day.
None
Buy on bus
Valid for 7 days
£14.00
Any time of
day.
None
On line.
Travel
centre
£48.00
Any time of
day.
None
Buy on bus
Valid for 7 days
£11.00
Any time of
day.
Bought on
bus.(daily)
Pay-Point
Outlets
(Weekly /
Monthly)
Daily
Adult £3.50
Child £1.75
Weekly £14.00
Monthly £52.00
(1) This concession does not apply to those earning a salary, wage or major award. Nor to parttime students, apprentices, people in youth training or similar schemes and those in further
education
29
Appendix 4.
Contacts List
1.
Pupils attending School.
For advice about the Policy, application forms for support under the policy, and concerns about
transport arrangements contact: Education Bradford
School Travel Team
Future House
Bolling Road
Bradford
BD4 7EB
(01274) 385581
email: [email protected]
Office open: Monday to Friday 09.00–17.00 hours
2.
Students attending Colleges of Further Education.
For advice about the Policy, application forms for support under the policy, and concerns about
transport arrangements contact: Learner Services
Bradford College
Great Horton Road
Bradford
BD7 1AY
(01274) - 433042
[email protected]
Student Services
Shipley College
Exhibition Road
Saltaire
Shipley BD18 3JW
(01274) - 327281
[email protected]
Information, Advice & Guidance Centre
Park Lane College Keighley
Cavendish Street
Keighley
BD21 3DF
(01535) - 618600
[email protected]
3.
Students with Special Educational Needs attending Colleges of Further Education.
For advice about the Policy, application forms for support under the policy, and concerns about
transport arrangements contact: Department of Customer Services
Student Finance
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
2nd Floor, Jacobs Well
Manchester Road
Bradford
BD1 5RW
(01274) - 436793
[email protected]
30
4.
The following organisations can give advice about the policy.
Learning and Skills Council
Mercury House
4 Manchester Road
Bradford
BD5 0QL
(01274) - 444000
[email protected]
5.
Careersdirect
Onward House
Baptist Place
Westgate
Bradford
BD1 2PS
(01274) - 829400
[email protected]
Bus and Train Times
Up to date information on all public transport services within West Yorkshire is available through
Metro.
School Buses
For school bus times and ticketing in West Yorkshire, visit www.generationm.co.uk
Metro Travel Information
For bus and train times in West Yorkshire phone METROLINE: 0113 245 7676, or visit
their web site at www.metro.com
To receive timetables in large print or Braille, audio tape or disc, phone 0113 245 7676.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing: Text phone 0113 242 8888. Typetalk
friendly.
Metro Travel Centres
Located at Bradford Interchange and at Keighley Bus Station - for bus and train
enquiries, prepaid tickets and concessionary permits.
Information on bus services into Lancashire and North Yorkshire are also
available through
Keighley and District Travel Ltd
Details of bus services and pre-paid tickets from Keighley Bus Station, phone 01535 603
284, visit www.keighleyanddistrict.co.uk
31