Local Education Authorities have a legal duty to provide free school transport for certain pupils and to all pupils when the nearest suitable school to the child’s home is more than the ‘defined’ walking distance. It’s important to bear in mind that the walking route may take into account footpaths and crossing points and may differ significantly from the distance recorded in a car.
The LEA may have refused to:
- Provide full and free transport for your child;
- Provide an escort for your child who has special educational needs; or
- Provide any form of transport (or equivalent support) for your child.
The law and guidance relating to transport is complex – we can help cut this down for you into manageable chunks.
We help parents to prepare detailed complaints to the LEA and provide constant (or ad-hoc) support throughout the dilemma. For those who are fed up with the process and wish to appeal against the LEA’s decision we can provide numerous forms of support, such as:
Representation at appeal hearings.
- Drafting documents on your behalf, such as your formal complaint to the LEA.
- Guidance as to how to go about preparing your appeal.
- Explaining the hurdles you will have the pass in your case (the technical bits put in clear layman’s terms.)
- Advice as to the strengths and weaknesses of your appeal.
- Advice as to what evidence to gather to strengthen your appeal.
- Clear and honest advice as to the chances of successfully obtaining the outcome you want (i.e. a taxi for your child, or fairer transport arrangements.)
The recently updated guidance by the government as to transport provision has made requests for transport and appeals quite complicated for parents and carers. Rest assured we are here to help so if you have a possible transport-related query, complaint, or appeal please do not hesitate to contact us for a free no obligation discussion and we will explore what your options are.
No obligation free discussion
We are happy to have a no obligation discussion with you about your difficulties, so feel free to call us on 0208 523 0887.
Specific and tailored support
Unlike most solicitors or barristers, and other consultancies, we do not work on a ‘9 to 5’ basis. We will regularly be talking with parents at times that are convenient for you (such as 9pm in the evening) and at weekends.
We offer a family friendly approach – we always call our clients by their first names and write in plain English, in order to make a stressful experience as pleasant and informal as possible.
Again our aim is to provide a top quality legal service in a manner that is customer and parent focused to meet your needs.
