The LA is required to determine whether the provision of transport for pupils of statutory school age is necessary to facilitate the attendance at a designated school of the pupil concerned. If such transport is deemed necessary, then the transport must be provided free of charge.

Statutory transport provision
The LA provides free transport for children of compulsory school age (i.e. 5-16yrs) as follows:

• where a child receiving primary education lives over two miles from the nearest appropriate school
• where a child receiving secondary education lives over three miles from the nearest appropriate school.

The LA also provides free transport for pupils of statutory school age:

• where the route to school is considered to be hazardous by the LA in consultation with the Environment Directorate
• where transport to a named school is identified in a pupil’s Statement of Special Educational Needs.  This would normally be on medical or educational grounds and would be deemed essential in the context of other criteria identified in this policy
• where a child requires transport on medical grounds and no suitable public transport exists.

Other transport provision
Free transport is also provided for pupils of statutory school age:

• where a child whose parents are in receipt of Income Support or Working Tax Credit
• resides more than 2.5 miles from the nearest appropriate school
• to the nearest Welsh medium school under the criteria identified above
• to the nearest voluntary aided school where the admission to the school is on denominational grounds, subject to the distance criteria.  Consultation with individual schools will take place to confirm the oversubscription criteria under which pupils are admitted.  Suitable evidence of adherence to the faith of the school such as a baptismal certificate or a letter from a priest may be requested

Post-16 Transport
Free transport will be provided for post 16 students living in Flintshire attending a first course of full time study at a school, subject to meeting the 3 mile distance criteria and providing the student is attending the nearest educational establishment offering the courses they wish to study.

Free transport will be provided to specified sites only.  These sites are:

• All Secondary School sites within Flintshire offering post-16 courses
• Chester Catholic High School, Prestatyn High School, Rhyl 6, St Brigid’s School, Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St. Asaph.

Transport will only be provided to an educational establishment which is not the nearest if, in the judgement of the LA, there is a considerable variation between the student’s course and the course on offer at the nearer institution. The courses should be at a higher level than the previous one: for example GCSE retakes would not normally qualify for assistance.

Free transport after the age of 19
Free transport is provided to eligible students who have reached 16 years of age and have not yet reached the age of 19 on 1st September of the academic year.  The free transport will be maintained for students for the length of their initial course even if they reach their 19th birthday before the end of that course.

Pupils/students with learning difficulties/disabilities
Specialised transport will be provided for pupils/students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities when specified in the statement of SEN.  The LA will consider a pupil’s special educational needs or disability, irrespective of whether the pupil has a SEN statement, when deciding which is the nearest suitable school.  The transport requirements will depend on individual circumstances and each application will be considered on its own merits.

When other factors are identified in the statement, e.g. specialist provision, transport may be provided for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to travel beyond their nearest school/college.  Young people who have severe medical conditions that seriously affect their mobility may be provided with free transport even though they do not meet the distance criteria. In all cases, the request must be supported by medical evidence. 

Travelling expenses for parents of pupils placed by a Statement of SEN in schools outside Flintshire
Where such pupils are placed in boarding schools more than 100 miles from home, the LA will assist with travelling expenses for parents to attend the statutory Annual Review meeting, by the most cost effective means of:

• arranging transport or,
• making a cash payment (currently 20p per mile) or,
• providing a ticket (or cash equivalent) for one or both parents on public transport

Such assistance will also be given when a pupil who normally travels in a vehicle provided for a group, is unable to travel at the same time as the group because of his/her ill-health.  Medical certification will be required.  The LA will not normally assist with travelling expenses for other functions or meetings.

Definition of criteria

Appropriate school criteria
An appropriate school is deemed to be the nearest school which provides education for the relevant age and ability of a pupil, the nearest Welsh medium school or the nearest Voluntary school. 

The LA is not responsible for the cost of transport:

• where parental preference results in a pupil being placed in a school or facility other than the nearest appropriate school
• to schools maintained by other Authorities where admission to those schools is a result of parental preference, unless that school is the nearest school.  The Authority operates arrangements with neighbouring authorities for Flintshire pupils whose nearest appropriate school is outside the Flintshire County boundary
• of pupils who reside outside Flintshire but who receive their education in Flintshire schools.

Age Criteria
The LA has no legal responsibility to those not deemed entitled to free transport.

• the LA does not provide transport for pupils attending nursery school or nursery classes at the age of three.  Transport is provided from the commencement of the school year in which the child attains the age of five
• the LA currently makes provision for pupils above compulsory school age, who qualify, to be transported free of charge to the nearest appropriate school or college as detailed in the Transport Policy.

Criteria for the Provision of Escorts
An escort may be provided by the Authority for pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Need, who qualify for transport under the defined criteria. Provision of escorts will take place after consideration by relevant officers of the individual needs of the pupils or group of pupils and the nature of the transport available.

Applying for Transport
If you consider, using the above criteria, your child may qualify for free school transport you will be required to complete an application form.  An application needs to be made at entry to Reception, Secondary and Post-16 and is not retrospective.  You will also be required to re-apply should any of your circumstances alter during the period your children attend school, or if your child’s course alters.

Applications for transport to colleges should be directed to the college concerned.  Applications can be made at any time of year although students are recommended to apply at the end of the summer term prior to commencing courses in September.

Mode of Transport
In determining the mode of transport required, the following principles will apply:

• the need for specialist transport
• the Additional Needs of a pupil as defined in a pupil’s statement.

In all cases, the efficient use of resources will dictate the mode of transport (subject to the above conditions).  Transport may be provided by means of school contract transport services or existing public transport services which, together with the type of transport (bus, minibus, train, taxi, etc.) will be dictated by cost effectiveness.  In some cases, one contract bus may transport different pupils to more than one school site.  In exceptional circumstances, a cash payment (currently 20p per mile) may be available for transporting pupils who meet all the criteria, if deemed by the LA to be more cost effective.

Collection and Return
Transport will normally be to and from bus stops or pick-up points for groups of pupils.  It will only be provided from door-to-door in exceptional circumstances. The maximum distance a pupil is expected to walk to and from pick-up point will depend upon, for example, the age of the child, their individual needs and the nature of the route they are expected to walk.

Travel Behaviour Code
The Welsh Assembly Government has issued a Travel Behaviour Code which is compulsory for all learners up to the age of 19.  It applies to all modes of travel to and from education institutions.  Learners must comply with the Code whilst travelling to and from their place of learning. 

Under the Code, travel arrangements may be withdrawn from learners whose behaviour during the journey to or from school or college is not of an acceptable standard.  The driver will, in accordance with the agreed procedure, reportany incidents of misbehaviour to the LA and Headteacher of the school concerned.  Any such incidents will be investigated and appropriate action taken, if necessary, including suspension from transport.

Smoking on Buses
Smoking is not permitted on any vehicle contracted to the Council for the conveyance of school pupils to and from school.  Any pupils found smoking on school or college buses will be reported for disciplinary action to be considered.

Parents have responsibility for:

• getting their child to and from school where they do not qualify for free school transport
• applying for free transport where their child qualifies
• informing the LA and the school of changed circumstances which may affect transport
• ensuring that their child is ready and waiting for transport at the appropriate time and place.  It is the parent’s responsibility to accompany the child to and from the vehicle
• ensuring that their child’s behaviour while using school transport is acceptable.

General Transport Enquiries
School Transport, Streetscene & Transportation Tel: 01352 704532
Email: school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk

Colleges 
Coleg Cambria (Connah's Quay)
Kelsterton Road
Connah’s Quay
Flintshire
CH5 4BR
Tel: 01244 831531

Coleg Cambria (Yale)
Grove Park Road
Wrexham
LL12 7AB
Tel: 01978 311794

Coleg Llandrillo
Transport Officer
Llandudno Road
Rhos on Sea
LL28 4HZ Tel: 01492 546666

• The window for school transport applications opens with forms available 1st March – 31st May
• Applications should be completed online
• You must apply to the local authority for where you live. For example, if you have secured a school place in Flintshire and you live in Denbighshire, you must apply to Denbighshire County Council.
• You will receive an acknowledgement within 10 working days that your application has been received
• The Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) will assess your application once we have received confirmation from the school that your child has been granted a place
• When your application has been assessed, we will inform if your child is eligible or not
• We will tell you about the transport arrangements before the end of the summer term (July) and send you a bus pass for your child (if applicable) at this time.
• Please note that late applications will be considered after those received by the closing date, but we cannot guarantee that transport arrangements will be in place for September for late applicants and transport may not be available until after October half-term. All late applications will be ranked in order of priority e.g. medical grounds / special educational needs first.
• If you move house, you will need to re-apply for free school transport. This is because your eligibility depends on the distance between your home and your school. If you move to a new address, we will need to check your eligibility again.
• If you are applying for transport after moving house during the school year, please apply as soon as you can after your new address is confirmed.
• You will also be required to re-apply for transport if any of your circumstances change during the period your children attend school, or if your child’s school or course changes.
• Provided that your home address and the school attended do not change, there is no need for you to re-apply for school transport every year.
• Applications for transport to Colleges should be directed to the college concerned. Applications can be made at any time of year although students are recommended to apply at the end of the summer term prior to commencing courses in September.
• Parents will need to re-apply for school transport for sixth form.

School Bus Timetable information

If a school/college is open, in the event of bad weather it will be the transport provider’s decision as to whether transport services will operate, depending upon the conditions at the time, the forecast up to 0900 hours and for the remainder of the day, the location of the route and the Operator’s base, and conditions at the school/college. 

Parents/students should check the position with the transport provider (for contact details see Bus Timetables) or contact Flintshire’s School Transport Team on 01352 701234.

If bad weather prevents school/college transport from operating in the morning, no return service will operate in the afternoon even if the weather improves.  In such circumstances, if parents/carers undertake to transport students to school/college themselves, they are then responsible for conveying the students home again at the end of the day, or earlier if it becomes necessary to send all students home and close the school/college due to worsening weather conditions.

The decision to close a school is taken by the Headteacher, following a risk assessment that is based on a number of factors.  This decision has to be taken without knowing exactly how the weather will progress during the day.

Information on individual school/college closures due to bad weather will be posted on the Flintshire County Council website at the earliest opportunity and announcements will be made on Coast FM.  Please also see individual school websites.

For public transport, passengers should check with transport providers before travelling or contact Traveline Cymru on 0800 4640000

Can I get free school transport for my child?
Free transport to the nearest appropriate school will be provided for children aged between 5 and 16years old where they live:

• over two miles away from a primary school, or
• over three miles away from a secondary school

Free transport will also be provided for 5 to 16 year olds where:

• the route to school has been inspected and is considered to be hazardous
• a child has a Statement of Special Education Need which names a school
• transport is needed on medical grounds, but no suitable public transport is available
• a child lives 2.5 miles away and parents receive Income Support or Working Tax Credit

If you meet the above criteria and think you will qualify for free transport, you will need to apply online 

Once you have applied, we will need to assess your application in accordance with the eligibility criteria.  If your child is eligible for free school transport, the necessary travel arrangements will then be made.

When can I apply for transport for my child?
Most applications for transport are submitted by parents/carers in time for the start of the school year in September, once a school place has been confirmed for their child.  To be sure you have transport arrangements in place for September please submit your application between the dates shown at the top of this page. 

There may be times when you need to apply for transport outside of these dates, perhaps during the school year your child’s needs have changed, you have moved house or your financial situation has changed.  You can submit an application at any time.  Just remember that to guarantee transport for the start of the year in September you will need to apply between the dates shown above.

What if I’m late getting my application in?
It’s best to get your application as early as possible.  Applications received before the closing date above will be considered first.  If your application is received after the closing date we cannot guarantee that it will be considered in time to have arrangements in place for the start of the school year in September and you may need to wait as long as October half term.

Late applications will be considered in order of priority, for example where there are medical grounds or a special educational need they will be considered first.

How do I renew transport for my child?
If your child is eligible for assisted transport, received a travel pass in the previous school year and will continue to be eligible when moving up to the next school year, their details will automatically be renewed and you will not need to re-apply for their transport.

If there have been any changes to the School Transport Policy that affect the continuation of your child’s entitlement to travel assistance, you will be notified in writing at the earliest opportunity.

It is important that you inform us of any change in circumstances (such as a change of school or addressas this may affect your child’s entitlement.

My child is going to a Welsh language school, can they get free transport?
Free transport to the nearest appropriate Welsh language school will be provided for children aged between 5 and 16 years old where they live:

• over two miles away from a primary school, or
• over three miles away from a secondary school

Free transport will also be provided for 5 to 16 year olds going to a Welsh language school where:

• the route to school has been inspected and is considered to be hazardous
• a child has a Statement of Special Education Need which names a school
• transport is needed on medical grounds but no suitable public transport is available
• they live 2.5 miles away and parents receive Income Support or Working Tax Credit

My child is going to a faith school, can they get free transport?
Free transport to the nearest appropriate voluntary aided school will be provided for children aged between 5 and 16 years old where the admission to the school is on denominational grounds, subject to the distance criteria listed below:

• over two miles away from a primary faith school, or
• over three miles away from a secondary faith school

Suitable evidence of adherence to the faith of the school such as a baptismal certificate or a letter froma priest may be requested.

Free transport will also be provided for 5 to 16 year olds where:

• the route to school has been inspected and is considered to be hazardous
• a child has a Statement of Special Education Need which names a school
• transport is needed on medical grounds but no suitable public transport is available
• a child lives 2.5 miles away and parents receive Income Support, Universal Credit or Working TaxCredit

In addition to the conditions above, children attending a faith school will also need to comply with the Council’s ‘oversubscription criteria’ where proof of faith may be required. 

Does my child qualify for parents’ income-assessed transport?
Generally your child will be entitled to free school transport if they're of secondary school age (11-16,school year 7 to 11) and you are either:

• Entitled to free school meals or
• Receiving the maximum level of working tax credit and can provide a copy of the latest tax credit award notice (form TC602), or a recent letter from the Benefits Agency, confirming receipt of maximum working tax credit

I am over 16 and go to school, can I get free transport?
Students who are aged over 16 and attending school are eligible for free transport to specified sites only where:

• they live over three miles away from the nearest specified school offering the courses they wish to study
• it is their first course of full time study after leaving school
• the course being studied is at least one level higher than was studied in school, for example GCSE retakes would not normally qualify
• the course is being offered at one of the following specified locations:
  
  - a Flintshire secondary school offering post-16 courses
  - Chester Catholic High School
  - Prestatyn High School
  - Rhyl 6
  - St Brigid’s School, Denbigh
  - Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph
  (For the locations listed above please apply to Flintshire County Council)

If an application is made for transport to one of the specified schools listed above, which is not the nearest to the students home, the Council will compare the courses at both locations.  The application will only be approved where it is judged that there is a considerable difference in the course on offer.

I am over 19, can I get free transport to college?
No. Free transport is provided to eligible students who have reached 16 years of age, are attending post-16 studies in a secondary school setting, and have not yet reached the age of 19 on 1st September of the academic year.

Free transport will be maintained for students for the length of their initial course even if they reach their 19th birthday before the end of that course.

My child goes to school in Flintshire but we don’t live in Flintshire, where do I apply?
You will need to apply to the Council where you live, for example:

• if your child is going to school in Flintshire and you live in Denbighshire, you must apply to Denbighshire County Council

We live in Flintshire but my child goes to school in another County, where do I apply?
You will need to apply to the Council where you live, for example:

• if you live in Flintshire but your child goes to school in Denbighshire, you must apply to FlintshireCounty Council.

When will I find out if my child’s application has been successful?
Please see the dates at the top of the page.

When will I find out the details of the transport arrangements?
On or around 19 July you will receive an email giving you the details of the transport arrangementsfor your child.

What type of transport will be provided?
We will write to you in advance, advising you of the arrangements we have put in place.  Your child may be allocated a taxi, minibus, coach or public bus service bus, depending on various factors such asavailable capacity on existing services.

Am I able to choose the transport operator?
Transport can only be provided by operators on the Council’s approved Framework list.  Each transport contract is awarded following a competitive tendering exercise.

When will I receive my school bus pass?
We aim to send out travel passes to your home address before the end of July ready for the start of the school term in September.

If you haven’t received the bus pass before this time and you had applied by the deadline, please contact the Integrated Transport Unit by emailing school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk

If your application was made after the start of term or part way through the academic year and your child is eligible, we will aim to issue a pass within 14 days.

Please note that applications made during peak times may be delayed and parents/carers are ultimately responsible for making any interim travel arrangements.  When you receive the travel pass, please ensure that you keep it in a safe place.  If you pay towards the cost of your child's transport, passes will not be dispatched until the payment due has been received.

What do I do if the details are wrong on the bus pass?
Please contact the Integrated Transport Unit by emailing school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk, and we will endeavour to arrange a replacement without delay.

Do pupils need to carry their pass every day?
It is important that all pupils carry their pass and be ready to show it to the driver each time the vehicle is boarded.  Passes should be kept safe and in good condition.  To ensure that only those pupils who are eligible to travel do so, bus operators are instructed to enforce a ‘no pass, no travel’ policy.

When and for what journeys can the travel pass be used?
Unless otherwise stated, passes are valid for a return journey to/from school/college, Monday to Friday only.  The misuse and/or fraudulent use of a travel pass is treated seriously and can result in transport being withdrawn.

Any of the following may lead to confiscation:

• Use by anyone other than the named pass holder
• Attempted use for unauthorised journeys
• Using a damaged or defaced travel pass
• Using a pass that has expired and is no longer valid

What happens if the travel pass is lost or damaged?
Lost/damaged passes should be replaced immediately.  There is currently no charge for a replacement bus pass if the pass has been issued by the Council.  Please contact the Integrated Transport Unit by emailing school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk

Pupils travelling on commercial bus services will be expected to pay the appropriate fare until a replacement pass is received and no refunds will be paid for any expenses incurred.

Can my child travel without a bus pass?
No.  All secondary pupils who are eligible for free school transport are provided with bus passes, which must be used to access school transport at all times.

What happens if we change our address or move to a different school?
A change of address or school must be reported so that we can reassess your details and update our records.  Please contact us by emailing school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk 

You will be required to provide proof of address if you have moved address e.g. Copy of Council Tax bill or utility bill.

What if I need to cancel my child's transport?
If your child is unable to attend school or transport is no longer required you will need to contact the Integrated Transport Unit as soon as possible by email: school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk

Can my child eat and drink on school transport?
No.  Eating and drinking is not permitted on vehicles.  If your child has a medical condition which means they must eat regularly you must notify the Integrated Transport Unit of this in advance of the journey.

Can my child take equipment on the school transport?
Additional equipment and bags will only be permitted if:

• There is enough room on the vehicle
• They can be stored safely and securely
• It does not incur any additional cost
• It does not inconvenience other passengers

Other options should be considered, for example is the equipment available at school?

What if my child needs to take medication to school?
Medication should be stored in a sealed container and placed inside your child's school bag.

Whose responsibility is it to get my child to school?
It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to ensure that their children get to and from school at the appropriate time each day.  Travel arrangements are an important consideration when parent/carersare making preferences.  You should think about how practical it is to choose a school which is not within walking distance, unless it is designated as your nearest appropriate school.

It is your responsibility as a parent/carer, to ensure that school travel arrangements are in place.

How does parental preference of a school affect entitlement to free home to school transport?
If you choose to place your child in a school other than the nearest suitable school then you are totally liable to organise, and pay for the cost of transport to the chosen school.

Who can I contact if there are problems or I have a complaint?
We are committed to providing a high standard of service, however, there may be times when your child is experiencing problems with the bus or taxi service on which they travel. 

In the event of a problem arising or if you have any concerns, you can report them to us by emailing: school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk

We will then investigate the problem and take the appropriate course of action.

What standards are expected of home to school transport contractors and drivers?
Only companies who have qualified on our framework of approved suppliers are allowed to bid for home to school transport contracts.  To qualify they must be able to show that they meet standards regarding health and safety, financial security, vehicle safety, insurance and driver regulations.

A driver's guide is also issued regarding standards of driver behaviour and customer awareness.

If the transport is late or does not arrive, what should I do?
Though we make every effort to minimise it, you may occasionally experience unexpected delays or problems.  Please wait for 15 minutes after the scheduled pick up time.  If the transport has still not arrived, please contact the Integrated Transport Unit on telephone number 01352 701234.

Please also call the Integrated Transport Unit if there is persistent lateness of transport by emailing school.transport@flintshire.gov.uk

Lost property - what if my child leaves something behind on school transport?
You can either contact the transport company directly or you can contact Integrated Transport Unit and we will give you the name and telephone number of the vehicle operator so that you can contact them directly and make arrangements to collect the property.

Who should I contact if I have any concerns regarding my child's transport?
Please contact the Integrated Transport Unit if you are worried or concerned about any aspect of your child's journey, including the behaviour of the other passengers or the safety or reliability of the vehicle.

The sooner we are made aware of a problem, the quicker we can act to rectify it.

What happens in the event of a road closure?
We generally receive advance warning of scheduled road closures.  Where school transport is affected, we may need to organise alternative pick-up/drop-off points with the operator.  We would then arrange for parents/carers to be notified of the temporary travel arrangements.

In the event of an emergency, roads may be closed without notice possibly causing delays to school transport, where possible we will publish emergency closures on the Flintshire website.

Please contact the Integrated Transport Unit if you are concerned at any time about the late arrival of your child/children.

If my child is being bullied on transport, what should I do?
Schools have responsibility for the behaviour of their children on the way to and from school, including while travelling on home to school transport.  Please report the incident(s) to the school in the first instance and then contact Integrated Transport Unit.

Can friends or parents travel on school transport?
No.  Only eligible pupils are permitted to travel on the school transport vehicle.  All seats have been allocated to eligible pupils.  If additional children travel then this may lead to the vehicle becoming overcrowded.

Parents are not allowed to travel on school transport unless there were special circumstances and prior agreement has been given by the Integrated Transport Unit.

Are changes ever made to school transport?
To ensure transport routes remain efficient and cost effective, it is necessary to carry out periodic reviews.  As a result, changes may occasionally be made to your child’s transport, but we will always try to give you advance notice.

What other conditions do I need to know?
Parents, students and children need to be aware of the Welsh Government Travel Code of Behaviour which sets the standards to be followed by everyone to make sure that journeys to and from school are safe and protects the wellbeing of all passengers.  See information under 'Useful Documents'.