Changes to Home-to-School policy will support young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities in Liverpool

Liverpool City Council is set to implement updates to its Home-to-School Transport Policy and SEN Post-16 Transport Policy starting in September 2025.

These changes aim to the Home-to-School Transport Policy promote active travel, allow for greater independence for students, and align Liverpool’s policies with those of neighbouring authorities.

The changes will not affect those who currently receive a travel pass, as long as they continue to attend their current school or college.  

After a 10-week public consultation which took place last March to May, changes were agreed by Cabinet to greater reflect Liverpool City Council’s commitment to providing sustainable and fair travel options while continuing to support those who need it most.   

These changes include:  

• Families selecting a school other than the nearest deemed suitable will no longer be eligible for discretionary free travel.  
• For children aged eight and older, the minimum distance to qualify for travel support will increase from two to three miles.  

Families meeting low-income criteria, which make up 40% of travel passes issued, will continue to receive travel support as per statutory requirements.

The Council will work with schools to provide travel support for pupils who do not meet the criteria. 

Students 16 and over with SEN travel support 

Students aged 16 and over, eligible for SEN travel support, will contribute £680 per year towards the cost, if transport provided by the Council is required. Currently the average cost of transport is £5,843 per student.

This contribution will be reduced by 50% for students who qualify for free school meals. It can be paid in instalments and many post 16 students can apply for bursary funding to cover travel costs.  

Travel Training is available for young people up to the age of 18 to gain the skills needed to take journeys independently. 

Parents, carers, schools, or support workers can refer young people for travel training by contacting: itt@liverpool.gov.uk 

For detailed information about all changes, visit: Liverpool City Council – School Travel Support  

If you have any enquiries relating to the policies email: schoolbustravel@liverpool.gov.uk or sen.transport@liverpool.gov.uk 

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