Introduction
This policy sets out our arrangements for home to school travel support for children of compulsory school age living in the City of York area. It has been reviewed for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, taking account of current Department for Education statutory guidance while retaining City of York Council's more generous local distance criteria.
We are under statutory duties to promote sustainable travel and transport and, where necessary, to make free travel arrangements to facilitate an eligible child's attendance at school. These duties arise principally under sections 508A and 508B of the Education Act 1996 and Schedule 35B to that Act. We must also have regard to statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are assessed under the same statutory framework as other children, with eligibility determined by the individual child's circumstances and needs.
We would like as many children and young people as possible to be able to travel independently to and from school. Travelling independently develops key life skills and leads to increased educational, social and employment opportunities in adulthood, as well as improving health outcomes and contributing to sustainable travel in the city.