Home-to-school travel support for reception to year 11
We may be able to help with school transport costs or arrangements if your child meets the eligibility criteria.
There are different rules for:
1. Eligibility for home-to-school travel support
When you apply, we check your application against all eligibility criteria.
A child can only get support if they go to the nearest suitable school.
Distance criteria
Children can get travel support if the walking distance to the nearest suitable school is:
- over 2 miles for children under 8
- over 3 miles for children aged 8 to 16
These distances are set in law.
2. No available walking route
Your child may be eligible even if they live within the distance limits, if all walking routes to the nearest suitable school are classed as unavailable.
A route is only classed as unavailable if it is exceptionally dangerous, even when the child is with a responsible adult. Parents or carers must accompany their child if needed.
A route will not be classed as unavailable only because it:
- is quiet or lonely
- raises personal safety concerns
- passes near water such as canals, rivers or ponds
- has a railway crossing that is safe and authorised
A lack of street lighting does not make a route unsafe on its own.
We usually consider a public right of way with a good walking surface to be available.
We assess walked routes using:
3. Financial hardship
Your child may get support if they receive free school meals, or you receive the maximum Working Tax Credit, and:
- they are aged 8–11 and the nearest school is more than 2 miles away
- they are aged 11–16, the nearest school is 2–6 miles away and there are fewer than 3 nearer suitable schools
- they are aged 11–16, the school is 2–15 miles away, and it is the nearest school that meets your religious preference
4. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Having SEND does not automatically mean a child gets travel support.
We consider their needs as part of their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
A child may be eligible if they cannot reasonably walk to school because of:
- mobility difficulties, or
- health and safety issues linked to their SEND or disability
If your child is not eligible
See options for children who are not eligible for assistance with school transport.
Apply for home-to-school travel support
You can apply at any time. The online form takes about 5 minutes.
You must live in Cheshire East unless applying for a spare seat.
Apply for school transport
Apply for school transport for under 16s with EHCP
The Education Travel Policies team checks eligibility. Some cases are reviewed by the Travel Assistance Panel .
see our privacy notice (opens in a new window) to find out how we use your information.
Parents and carers are responsible for travel while we assess an application. We do not refund travel costs.
Decision times
- Current school year: usually 5–10 days. We aim to confirm travel assistance arrangements within 14 days after approval. Times may be longer at the start of term or during busy times.”
- Next September: apply as early as possible, preferably by end of April. We confirm arrangements and send passes in July and August.
Renewing home-to-school travel support
Travel support continues until your child finishes primary or secondary school. You do not need to renew support. It continues until your child finishes primary or secondary school unless:
- your circumstances change
- your child was under 8 and eligible for a journey between 2 and 3 miles (we review this at the end of year 3 and eligibility normally ends at age 8)
You must reapply when your child moves to secondary school.
More information
Types of travel arrangements
We provide the most cost-effective travel option that gets your child to school safely, calmly and ready to learn.
We aim for:
- up to 45 minutes travel for primary children
- up to 75 minutes for secondary children
Support is only for usual school start and finish times.
You must arrange and pay for any extra journeys.
Commercial rail or bus services
If suitable commercial services are available, we usually issue a travel pass.
Taxi and minibus transport
We use taxis or minibuses when there is no reasonable alternative.
Pick-up points
Pick-up points can be up to 1 mile from home unless your child needs door-to-door support due to SEND .
Parents or carers must ensure the child is at the pick-up point. We do not arrange replacement transport if a child misses the vehicle.
Shared routes
Vehicles are usually shared with other children. Routes are planned to be cost‑effective and may include children attending different schools.
Personal Travel Budgets (PTB)
If this is the most cost-effective option, we may offer payments to help you arrange your child’s travel.
Payments cover 2 return journeys per school day for up to 190 days a year.
The current rate is 45p per mile and is reviewed yearly.
If your child already gets transport, you can ask us to consider a PTB .
See the Education travel payment policy (PDF, 879KB) for more information.
Behaviour code on school transport
We work with schools and operators to promote safe and respectful behaviour.
Poor behaviour may result in a temporary or permanent ban.
See the Educational travel behaviour code (PDF, 902KB) for detailed information.
Complaints
See School transport complaints.
Travel Assistance Panel for SEND applications
The Travel Assistance Panel (TAP) reviews applications for children with an EHCP .
The panel meets regularly and includes SEND staff to ensure each child’s needs are understood.
If you are not eligible
We will tell you about other options, which may include:
You can also download the How to apply for school transport flowchart (PDF, 109KB).
Reviews and appeals
If your application is refused, you can ask for a review or make an appeal for school transport.
Contact the school transport team
For children with an ECHP , speak to your SEND key worker or contact the Education Travel Policies team.
For all other enquiries
Email: schooltransport@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 0300 123 5012.
Page last reviewed: 23 March 2026
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