Appealing a travel support decision

Stage 1 appeal

You have 20 days to make an appeal after being told our decision. You can do this by sending a letter or email to our SEND Travel Support Team. 

In your letter or email, you should:

• explain why you believe that we should review the decision
• include any information you want us to consider when reviewing the decision

A senior officer will look at your appeal. They will then write to you and explain:

• whether or not the decision will be changed
• the reason for changing or upholding a decision

This will be done within 20 days of receiving your letter or email.

Stage 2 appeal

A stage 2 appeal can only be made when a stage 1 appeal is unsuccessful. You must send a letter or email our SEND Transport Team within 20 days of being told. 

An independent panel will review your case. You will be invited to attend this stage two panel meeting. You can say why you believe the original decision and the stage one appeal decision were incorrect.

The panel members will not have been involved with the original decision. They will ensure that:

• we comply with our statutory duties
• a balance is achieved between meeting the needs of parents and of Newcastle City Council
• that no child is placed at unnecessary risk

The Chair of the panel will write to you about the outcome. They will clearly explain:

• whether or not they have upheld the local authority’s home to school transport decision
• why they reached that decision
• the information used that led to that decision.

Stage 2 appeals can take up to 40 working days. 

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

You can complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if a stage 2 appeal is unsuccessful.

Parents may complain to the Ombudsman if they believe the local authority has:

• refused help unfairly
• made a mistake
• not handled their application for home to school transport correctly.