School Transport
Background Information
North Ayrshire Council has provided free transport for many primary school pupils over and above the statutory requirement set by the Scottish Government.
However, in light of financial challenges facing the public sector, the Council has identified efficiency savings and the qualifying distance criteria for free transport to primary schools will change as a result as from 17th August 2010.
Who is Entitled to Free School Transport?
North Ayrshire Council provides free school transport in the following situations
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Where a child is enrolled in their zoned primary school, and lives two miles or more from that school by the shortest safest walking route
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Where a child is enrolled at this/her zoned secondary school, and lives three or more miles from that school by the shortest safest walking route
In determining whether or not a safe walking route exists, the Council will take expert advice from the Police or other qualified road safety practitioners.
Free school transport may be approved if:
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Your child has been recommended on health grounds by a designated medical officer
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Your child has been assessed to attend a school to meet the requirements of their additional support needs - these assessments involve education's Psychological Service who also recommend appropriate transport arrangements
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Your child has to walk a route is considered to be unsafe for children.
Transport provided
Free transport normally covers one return journey, to school in the morning and home at the end of the school day.
Pupils wishing to return home for lunch have to make their own arrangements. Parents are responsible for ensuring that your child arrives at the pick-up point on time.
The mode of transport depends on a number of factors and may include:
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A dedicated school contract bus service solely for pupils
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Bus pass on local service bus which can either be a commercial service or subsidised local service also carrying members of the public
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Train pass on a service train
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Taxi or private hire cars, minibuses and boats.
When to Apply
You should apply when your child is starting primary school when you enrol him for school using the Free School Transport Form (PDF 72Kb) When your child is going into secondary school you should apply in February of their last year at primary school.
You can apply at a later time but there could be a delay while arrangements are being made. Should you move house at any time during the year a new application for transport should be made.
For further information please refer to our School Transport Policy (PDF 53Kb)