Notes of Guidance for School Transport to Non-Faith Secondary Schools

Transcription

1 Notes of Guidance for School Transport to Non-Faith Secondary Schools

2 You can apply online at Notes of Guidance for School Transport to Non-Faith Secondary Schools Please read these notes carefully before completing the application form. These Notes of Guidance are issued with the home to secondary school transport application form for free transport for pupils of statutory school age (year 7 to year 11). Is your child entitled to free home to school transport? If your child has been offered a place at a Non-Faith Secondary School you will be entitled to transport provided you reside three miles or more from the school, measured by the shortest available walking route and one of the following applies: n The chosen school is your designated school, or a school that is closer than your designated school. n You have been refused at your designated school and the place you have been offered is the nearest space available for your child. If you think you may be entitled to home to school transport assistance you can apply online at schooltransport or complete the application form at the back of this booklet. 1 School Transport for Pupils of Secondary Age

3 Are you in receipt of a low income? In addition, if you have been offered a place at one of the three nearest schools to your home address, and your Secondary age child is eligible for free school meals, or you have a household income which is below 16,190, you may also be entitled to receive transport assistance from the County Council. Transport assistance will be available to any one of the three nearest schools, providing they are between 2 and 6 miles from your home by the shortest available route. If you have a school that is below 2 miles from your home address then this would be considered as one of your three nearest schools. For example: School 1 School 2 School miles 3.2 miles 5.4 miles Transport would be provided to School 2 or School 3, but not to School 1. You will need to provide us evidence of your benefit/ Tax Credit entitlement for the current tax year in order to qualify. Transport will be awarded on an academic year basis for one year only. You will be required to provide us with up to date evidence of your benefit entitlement at the end of every academic year. School Transport for Pupils of Secondary Age 2

4 You can apply online at What type of transport is provided? The transport provided will be either contract or public transport. There are other options available in lieu of transport being provided by Essex County Council: Fuel Reimbursement Essex County Council is able to offer parents/carers a payment in advance in order for them to take their children to school when the cost of the payment is less than the cost of Essex County Council providing transport. The mileage rate is paid at 45p to cover fuel costs for return journeys at the start and end of the standard school day. Please tick the box on the application form if you would like to be considered for advanced fuel reimbursement. If 45p is in excess of the cost of Essex County Council providing transport, an alternative rate of 17p can be considered should this be cost effective for Essex County Council. No ticket No ride If a pupil does not produce their travel pass they will be unable to board contract buses and will have to pay full fare on public transport. This is non-refundable. This policy was introduced to prevent over-crowding and provide safe, seated transport for children with a legitimate place on the bus. When can a student travel? n Parents/Carers are responsible for ensuring that an application has been made to Essex County Council for their child to be provided with transport. Students will not be able to travel until Essex County Council has sent their written confirmation of the transport arrangements. 3 School Transport for Pupils of Secondary Age

5 How should students get to and from the pick up point drop off point? n Parents/Carers are responsible for the safety and behaviour of their children and therefore must ensure that students know how to get to and from the bus safely and in time for the arrival of the vehicle. This may include accompanying them. n Students should wait for the vehicle sensibly without inconveniencing local residents or businesses. n Students should aim to be at the stop 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Change of address If you move address, or your child leaves school, you must inform us in writing immediately. If you move and wish your child to remain at their existing school, your application will be re-assessed from your new address. If you require transport from your new address to a different school you will need to complete a new application form. Changes of address cannot be taken over the telephone, for security reasons we must receive notification in writing. This is for your child s protection. School Transport for Pupils of Secondary Age 4

6 You can apply online at Please note the following important information before completing this form Essex County Council is collecting your personal information in order to process your claim for home to school transport. This information will not be shared with any other third party unless the law requires us to do so. In completing this form you will be agreeing that: n The personal information you have provided will be used to decide whether home to school transport will be provided for your child and to administer that service. If Essex County Council is made aware that transport has been entitled using false information, then transport will be withdrawn immediately. n The information you have supplied will be shared with other parts of ECC who are involved in providing school transport and also companies and organisations outside ECC who provide school transport services. This could include your child s school and transport operator. n Your supplied information will be kept by us for up to 25 years after your child leaves school. Additional Notes of Guidance are provided to Students and Parents/ Carers entitled to transport, once transport has been awarded. 5 School Transport for Pupils of Secondary Age

7 PLEASE NOTE: OUR BUSIEST TIME IS BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER. IF YOU WANT TRANSPORT TO START IN SEPTEMBER, PLEASE APPLY EARLY AS IT MAY TAKE UP TO 6 WEEKS THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD. Your application will be acknowledged within two weeks of receipt. Please contact us if you have not received an acknowledgement after this time. Is transport available if I am not entitled? Some school service operators have seats available to sell to parents on request. Please contact the relevant operator for details and prices. If you do not know the operator, please contact Passenger Transport on or your child s school. Essex County Council do not administer spare seats. These must be arranged via the operator as above. School Transport for Pupils of Secondary Age 6

8 Home to Secondary School Transport Application Form Data Protection Act 1998 please see Notes of Guidance 1. School to be attended: 2. Pupil details: OFFICE USE ONLY Surname School address: First Name Date of birth: Day Month Year Gender: Male Female Postcode Home address: If you have other children attending this school, please state their full names: Date transport required: Postcode Day Month Year Which borough/district council do you pay Council Tax to? Telephone: Mobile: Continued overleaf

9 3. Agreement I understand: n I am applying for Home to School Transport on the terms and conditions as set out in the Notes of Guidance for parents. n If my child leaves school or moves address I will notify Essex County Council and return any ticket issued to me immediately. n I accept responsibility for my child while he/ she travels to and from school on the transport provided. I also realise that any instances of bad behaviour may result in transport facilities being withdrawn for a set period or permanently. Signed: Full name and title of parent/guardian: Date: 4. Checklist Have you provided evidence of income? My child is receiving free school meals (If you applied to the school, please provide evidence) I enclose a full copy of my current TC602 Tax Credits Awards letter I wish to apply for fuel allowance Return to: Education Transport & Awards PO BOX 4261 Chelmsford, CM1 1GS OFFICE USE ONLY Assessment Date and initial DC

10 This information is issued by Essex County Council, Education Transport & Awards. You can contact us in the following ways: By By telephone: By post: Essex County Council, Transport & Awards PO Box 4261, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1GS Read our online magazine at essex.gov.uk/youressex Follow us on Find us on Essex_CC facebook.com/essexcountycouncil The information contained in this document can be translated, and/or made available in alternative formats, on request. Published April 2014 CDS