Free school transport

North Ayrshire Council provides free school transport when your child is enrolled in their catchment school but:

• for primary pupils - lives 2 miles or more from their school (by the shortest available walking route)
• for secondary pupils - lives 3 miles or more from their school (by the shortest available walking route)

Enter your postcode in YourLocation to find your catchment school.

We may approve free school transport if circumstances meet one of the requirements of our School transport policy document for example: medical suitability or transport for additional support needs.

If your child doesn't qualify, you may be able to apply for a privilege seat if there is space.

Free school transport normally covers one return journey a day (at the start and the end of a normal school day). Transport can be:

• a dedicated school bus
• a bus or train pass on a local service (timetabled and carrying members of the public)
• taxi, private hire, minibus, or ferry
• parent/carer contract - in certain circumstances, the council will support parents/carers to transport their own child(ren) to and from school with the parent/carer submitting a monthly travel expenses claim form

Apply for free school transport at the following times:

• Primary school pupils - apply at enrolment
• Secondary school pupils - apply during transition in Primary 7 to secondary
• changes in circumstance, for example, moving house - at least 2 weeks notice

Late applications may delay provision of free school transport.

On successful completion you will receive an email with a reference number.

Parents or carers may make an application for free transport to a mainstream establishment. This is if the criteria for transport noted in the School transport policy is met.

If a child attends a mainstream education establishment and has additional support needs, temporary medical condition, or requires a split placement which requires transport, the application should be submitted by the child’s education establishment.

Until a decision is made, parents/carers will be responsible for making arrangements for transport of their child. We will notify you, in writing, of the outcome of your application, either:

• two weeks before the start of the school year, or
• within two weeks of application for mid-session applications

We may need to ask you for more information, or carry out a Suitability Assessment of the available route. These may delay the outcome.

Pick up and drop off points and times will be emailed to you by Strathclyde Passenger for Transport (SPT) only if approved and upon allocation to a contract. You must provide an active email address and check your emails for updates.

Make sure your child is aware of the safety and acceptable behaviour terms included in the terms and conditions.

If required, bus passes are normally issued, through the school, at the start of the school year.

Contact SPT if your child has lost their bus pass. There may be a charge for a replacement.

For queries on any of the above, get in touch only using the Transport Hub contact details at the end of the page.

If you are unhappy about a decision email the Education Transport Panel or write to:

Education Transport Panel Communities and Education Directorate 5th floor, Cunninghame House Irvine KA12 8EE

SPT monitors school contracts and checks that drivers are performing within their Code of Conduct.

If you have concerns or complaints about the provision of free school transport, contact your child's school. The school will email SPT to investigate. Parent/carers may complain directly to SPT in writing or by emailing School Transport at SPT.