Primary education information for parents Travel to school

Published: 2 September 2024

Under Section 508 (B) of the Education Act 1996 the Council must provide free transport to and from school for a child if they are aged 5 to 16 between home and their nearest suitable school under certain conditions.

A ‘suitable’ school for transport purposes is the nearest school to the child’s home.

There is no general legislative requirement for the Council to transport pupils to the nearest school of a particular type e.g. faith school, ability (grammar or non grammar), single sex or Mixed, academy or free school.

Assistance with public transport costs will be provided for Wirral resident pupils who qualify under the following circumstances*:

  1. Pupils are between age 5 and 16 and go to their nearest suitable school and live at least:
    • 2 miles from the school if they’re under 8
    • 3 miles from the school if they’re 8 or older.
  2. Pupils are registered at their nearest suitable school and are unable to walk to school, even if they were accompanied by their parent, due to a route which the Council has assessed as hazardous.
  3. Pupils are from a low income family who are entitled to free school meals or maximum Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit with an income below £16,190, if they are:
    • aged 8 or over but under 11, attend their nearest suitable school and it is more than 2 miles away from their home ; or
    • aged 11 to 16 years, and attend one of their three nearest suitable schools provided it is more than 2 miles but not more than 6 miles from their home; or
    • aged 11 to 16 years, attend a school that is more than 2 but not more than 15 miles from their home that their parents have chosen on the grounds of their religion or belief if, having regard to that religion or belief, there is no suitable school nearer to their home. 
  4. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are entitled to free transport however far they live from the school if:
    1. they have a statement of SEND or EHCP that says the local council will pay transport costs.
    2. they can’t walk because of their SEND, a disability or mobility problem.

A 'suitable' school for transport purposes is the nearest school to the child's home. There is no general legislative requirement for the Council to transport pupils to the nearest school of a particular type e.g. single or mixed sex school, faith school, ability, academy or free school.

The distance from home and the school gate nearest to home by the shortest available walking route will be measured using a computerised mapping system.

As a general guide, we will treat routes without pavements and street lighting as unsafe for children and young people. When assessing the safety of routes, the Authority will assume that the child is accompanied, as necessary, by a parent or other responsible person. Initial assessment of route safety is made by the team responsible for assessing eligibility for home to school transport. Where the safety of a route is questioned by an applicant, the Council’s Road Safety team will carry out an assessment.

*Policy updated in line with revised guidance from the Department for Education released on 29 June 2023. Further information here.

If parents believe their child is entitled to receive a free travel pass based on the criteria above then they can contact: The Council Call Centre Information and Advice Team 0151 606 2000 or email: schooladmissions@wirral.gov.uk

More information or making an enquiry about free home to school travel.

Appealing a transport decision

Where an application has been made for free home to school transport under the provisions set out in the council’s policies and that application is refused, in whole or part, applicants have the right to have their case reviewed.

There is a two stage home to school transport review and appeals process for parents who wish to challenge a transport decision about:

  • Their child’s eligibility
  • The transport arrangements offered by the local authority
  • The distance measurement
  • The safety of the route used to calculate eligibility

Stage one provides an opportunity for the local authority’s school travel team to review their decision. Parents can submit a written appeal which should explain why the parent believes the local authority should review is decision and include any information they would like to be considered as part of the review.

Stage two provides for impartial re-consideration of the case. The local authority will make arrangements for an independent panel to review the case. Parents will be given the opportunity to attend the appeal hearing, virtually or in person, to present their case. Where a parent does not wish or is unable to attend a hearing, the panel should make its decision based on the parent’s written representation.

More information about home to school travel pass appeals

Walking to school

Before you decide on your school preferences, it is worth considering how your child will get to school.

In recent years the number of children who are driven to school has steadily increased. Almost 20% of traffic on the roads during the morning rush hour is cars driving children to school. This contributes to traffic congestion and air pollution. Less walking and cycling to school is affecting children’s health and independence. Wirral Council is committed to encouraging more children to walk or cycle to school, or catch the bus for longer distances.

When deciding how your child travels to school, the following points are important to consider:

  • Research has shown that children who walk to school are fitter, have better developed social skills, are more familiar with their surroundings, have better road sense and arrive at school more relaxed and ready to learn.
  • Walking, cycling or using the bus reduces congestion on the road. In the school holidays, when the roads tend to be much quieter, it is clear how much rush hour traffic is school-run related.
  • On average, the school run costs families over £300 a year in petrol costs and general wear and tear.

Talk to your child and plan their new route to school. The right choices can increase their self confidence and independence whilst also helping to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. If you are interested in walking, cycling or bus use, you can find more information on the Road Safety Sessions in Schools webpage or you can speak to your child’s school to find out if they have a travel plan or other initiatives in place.