Camden Council has issued a clear reminder for parents and carers about the borough’s home-to-school travel assistance for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. The council’s travel policy sets out who is eligible for support, how decisions are made, and what families should do if they need help.
Key points parents should know
- Who can apply: Parents or carers can apply if a child has an EHC plan, a current statement of special educational needs, or is currently being assessed. Applications are considered under Camden’s home-to-school travel policy.
- Nearest appropriate school: Transport is generally arranged to the nearest appropriate school with availability. Each case is assessed individually, and the council may seek professional advice when needed.
- Statutory walking distances: Camden follows statutory qualifying distances – 2 miles or more for children under eight, and 3 miles or more for children aged eight and above – when deciding entitlement to free travel assistance. These distances are measured by the shortest walking route.
- Discretionary support is limited: Where families seek transport outside statutory criteria (for example, to a non-nearest school), discretionary assistance is harder to secure. The policy emphasises assessments are based on individual needs and statutory duties.
- Types of assistance available: Travel help can include bus or train passes, independent travel training, mileage reimbursement to carers, provision of minibuses/coaches, and – in extenuating circumstances – taxis or licensed private hire.
What parents can do next
- Cheque eligibility and apply: Read Camden’s travel assistance policy and make an application if your child has an EHC plan or is being assessed. Contact Camden’s Special Educational Needs team for guidance.
- Gather evidence: If you are applying because a route is unsafe or your child has mobility/SEND needs, provide supporting evidence and, where relevant, professional reports. The council may carry out a transport assessment.
- Appeals and next steps: If you disagree with a decision, the policy explains how to appeal – keep copies of correspondence and ask the council for written reasons.
Why this matters for families and operators
These reminders reinforce that Camden is prioritising statutory duties and carefully assessing individual needs. For families seeking options outside the council’s criteria, understanding the policy and the appeals route is essential. Local transport operators and private hire services may offer short-term, reliable alternatives for families during assessments or while appeals are processed – but these are separate from the council’s statutory responsibilities.
If your family needs a private-hire option for school runs, appointments, or interim travel while you wait for council decisions, Jimac Cars provides professional, licensed private-hire services across London.
Contact us for tailored transport solutions that respect children’s needs and your schedule.
