What is considered to be the “nearest suitable school”?
A suitable school for school travel purposes is a qualifying school.
The school will have places available and provide education suitable to the age, ability and aptitude of your child and any special needs your child may have.
The nearest suitable school may be different for a child with SEN than for other children.
What are “Qualifying Schools”?
Community, Foundation or Voluntary schools
Academies
Alternative provision academies
Community or Foundation special schools
Non-maintained special schools
Pupil Referral Units
Maintained Nursery schools
City Technology Colleges
If your child has SEN, an independent school will also be a ‘qualifying school’ if it is the school named in your child’s Education Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).