Eligibility for travel assistance (SEND learners aged 16 to 25)

Some learners aged 16 to 25 with SEND, a disability or a medical condition may be eligible for travel assistance if:

• they are studying full time on an approved course; and
• assistance is considered necessary to enable attendance at their place of study.

Each application is assessed on the individual learner’s needs. Attendance at a special school, college or holding an EHCP does not automatically guarantee travel assistance.

Support is normally provided as a Personal Travel Budget (PTB) or travel support using public transport. Transport by taxi or specialist vehicle will only be considered where exceptional circumstances apply.

Further Education colleges

Learners with SEND attending a Further Education college have the same eligibility framework as those attending a school setting, with the following clarifications:

• Passenger Transport Assistants (escorts) may be provided where required by the learner’s disability or medical condition.
• Any assistance required to alight from a vehicle must be pre‑arranged with college staff.
• Travel assistance is normally limited to providers within Newcastle, except where exceptional circumstances apply.

Attendance expectations

Where travel assistance is agreed, learners are expected to attend regularly. If attendance falls below 80%, the council may review transport arrangements in consultation with the learner, family and provider.