Starting primary school (reception)

15. Free home to school transport

Please see the free and partially subsidised transport to school pages or contact your area education office for more information.

When to apply

You should only apply for free transport once your child has received their school offer.

Eligibility

To qualify for free home to school transport, children of compulsory school age are required to attend the nearest suitable school on a full-time basis and meet the criteria outlined below:

Pupils under the age of 8 years old	Where a pupil, who is under 8 years old, is attending the nearest qualifying school with places available and the shortest walking distance between home and school is more than 2 miles
Pupils aged 8 years and over	Where a pupil, who is 8 years old and over, is attending their nearest qualifying school with places available and the shortest walking distance between home and school is more than 3 miles
All primary pupils aged 8 – 11 where the family is in receipt of free school meals	All primary aged pupils aged 8 – 11 years, who attend their nearest qualifying school with places available, the shortest walking distance between home and school is more than 2 miles and the family is in receipt of free school meals or the maximum level of Working Tax Credit

Unsuitable routes

We may have a duty to provide free travel where the walking route has been assessed as unsuitable by the County Council. We have an agreed policy on the criteria used when assessing whether a route is suitable. If a route can be made suitable, or an alternative suitable walking route can be identified; transport which has previously been provided, may be removed.

Suitable schools

When assessing eligibility, the County Council considers whether the nearest qualifying school has places available and provides education appropriate to the age, ability and aptitudes of your child and any Special Educational Needs your child may have.

Denominational transport

There is no longer any denominational transport assistance available for new pupils starting at either primary or secondary schools, unless the family meet the criteria above.

Season tickets

If you don't qualify for free home to school transport and there are spare places on a Lancashire County Council contracted school transport service, you may be able to purchase a season ticket. Please contact the School Traveline for advice on 0300 123 6738. Please note it might be more cost effective for your child to travel on a public bus service and for you to purchase a discounted period travel ticket direct from the operator.