Children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans may have to travel several miles to reach the school in which they have been placed. Their placement could be at a special or mainstream school.

Consultation underway on school transport funding proposals

The city council is proposing changes to the way it provides transport for Post-16 students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Due to rising costs and budget pressures the council is considering withdrawing transport support starting in the 2025/2026 academic year with some exceptions. 

This could have a significant impact on families. We want to hear from anyone who will be affected by these changes. Please share your views through our consultation.

Paper versions of the survey for adults or for young people are available on request. Please contact consultations@leicester.gov.uk. Paper surveys need to be returned by 31 December 2024.

Support for children less than 16 years old

Free transport will be provided for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have been offered a school placement by Leicester City Council and who meet the following criteria:

  • For a child of statutory school age under 8 years and where the child is placed in a school which is more than 2 miles from their home address
  • For a child or young person of statutory school age between 8 and 16 years and where the child is placed in a school which is more than 3 miles from their home address.

However, if a parent or carer chooses to place their child in a school which is different to that offered by Leicester City Council, and the distance to this school is further than that detailed above, then no support with transport is usually offered.