Bury Council makes provision for assistance with travel between home and school for pupils attending mainstream and special schools and for eligible students with additional special educational needs attending college.
Following the recent consultation regarding the policy for travel arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disability a report was presented to the Council’s Cabinet members on 17 April 2024.
Elected members approved the introduction of the new policy and this will be implemented from 1 June 2024.
Home to school travel pass
Some children are eligible for a free school travel pass that can be used between home and school on the bus, train or tram within Greater Manchester.
How do I apply?
Check the Flowchart of Eligibility for a Free School Travel Pass [51kb] to determine if you think you are eligible, before completing the online application form below Please ensure that you attach all supporting documents requested, unfortunately your application cannot be processed if information is missing from your application.
If your application for a travel pass is successful you will be contacted at a later date to provide a passport sized photograph. If you require a paper application posting to you please contact the team on 0161 253 6968.
Application and guidance for assistance with travel to and from school
Application for travel assistance between home and school for pupils with special educational needs
Home to School SEN travel application form
- Downloaddoc file
Application for travel assistance between home and college
Students aged 16 to 18
Bury Council does not have to provide any free or subsidised post 16 travel assistance however, we do have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement outlining the arrangements for the provision of travel or assistance that the Council considers necessary to facilitate the attendance of young people attending sixth form education or training.
Bury Council has a duty to facilitate access to full-time education for all young people aged 16 to 18 and those continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their nineteenth birthday.
Please see the Post 16 Travel Policy Statement for details of the support that may be available.
Students aged 19 or over
Bury Council has a statutory duty with regard to travel assistance for adult learners.
The overall intention of the adult transport duty is to ensure that those with the most severe disabilities with no other means of transportation are able to undertake further education and training after their nineteenth birthday to help them move towards more independent living.
An adult learner is a student who starts a course of study after their nineteenth birthday. Students must have an Education, Health and Care plan and be able to evidence why you feel the Council should make the travel arrangements rather than yourself of your family.
Home to College travel application form
- Downloaddoc file
Travel strategy and policies
In making provision to meet the travel needs of those deemed to be eligible, the Council will seek to reach agreement with parents or carers on the use of sustainable modes of travel. Providing a number of options based on choice and independence including assisted use of public transport, financial assistance for parent providing transport, and the introduction of pick up points, wherever possible promoting independent travel as part of the core offer.