Getting to school
Pupils up to the age of 16
Transport assistance is available for a variety of pupils /students who live in Rotherham. The criteria for receipt of this assistance is as detailed in the:
Home to school transport policy
Pupils under the age of 5 years
Parents/Carers are required to accompany children under the age of 5 to school or pre-school. There is currently no charge for children under 5 on public transport if accompanied by a parent/carer paying full fare.
Children attending Early Years Centres with enhanced provision will have the assessment criteria relating to special educational needs applied.
Pupils aged 5 to 16 attending mainstream schools
Pupils attending their local catchment mainstream school may be eligible for a zero fare bus pass if they live beyond the statutory distances of 2 miles from school, up to the age of 8, or 3 miles if aged between 8 and 16.
In exceptional circumstances the Council may grant transport assistance to those living nearer than these distances.
Pupils attending non-catchment area schools as a parental choice will not qualify for a zero fare pass regardless of the distance involved.
Pupils aged 5 to 16 attending denominational schools
Pupils attending denominational schools may qualify for a zero fare pass where they are attending the nearest school of that denomination to their home address but beyond the statutory qualifying distance.
Parental responsibility
Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring their child's safety by making appropriate arrangements for their child to be accompanied to and from the nearest bus stop and during the journey as appropriate.
Travel south yorkshire have a website specifically designed with teachers, parents and carers in mind to help them to communicate the benefits of public transport and acceptable behaviour as a passenger.
Looked after children
Pupils in the care of Rotherham Council may become eligible for transport assistance to and from school, respite care and other destinations, as appropriate, irrespective of catchment or distances involved.
Pupils aged 5 to 16 with special educational needs
Pupils undergoing assessment of Special Educational Needs will have their transport needs assessed against set criteria under section 6 of the policy, taking into account their age, mobility and effect of their needs on their ability to travel.
Pupils assessed as not requiring special transport assistance will receive a zero fare pass according to the statutory distance criteria detailed under sections 2.03 and 2.04 of the policy.
Pupils assessed as requiring transport assistance will receive transport on a coach, mini-bus or taxi which will collect and drop off the child at a designated point nearest to their home address, having due regard to their needs and safety. A pupils home address will be regarded as the one registered for the purpose of claiming Child Benefit. Pupils will only be collected directly from their home address where this is exceptionally required. Social reasons or parents/carers work commitments will not be regarded as valid reasons for this arrangement.
If you have any questions about transport support please email the LEA Transport Link Officer.
Post 16 Transport Partnership
The Education Act 1996 (amended in 2002) requires partnerships to manage transport policy relating to further education students who start their course before their 19th birthday. The Rotherham Post 16 Transport Partnership fulfils this role locally.
The Partnership has produced the following policies and guidance:
Rotherham Post 16 Transport Policy
Further information on Post 16 legislation and what provision is available at DirectGov.
Moving on | a young learner's guide to travel support in Rotherham.
Last update: 04/04/2012