Proposed Travel Assistance Policies for children and young people
The London Borough of Harrow is consulting on proposed new Travel Assistance Policies for children and young people who may need support to access education and training.
The consultation covers three policies: children of compulsory school age (5 to 16 years), young people of sixth form age (16 to 19 years, and certain learners with Education, Health and Care Plans up to age 25), and young adults aged 19 to 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan accessing further education or training.
The proposed policies have been developed to ensure they reflect current legislation, statutory guidance and best practice, while providing a clear, fair and transparent framework for making travel assistance decisions. They explain who may be eligible for support, how applications will be assessed, the types of travel assistance that may be available, and how decisions can be reviewed or appealed.
A key principle of the proposed policies is to support children and young people to travel as independently as possible, where it is safe and appropriate to do so. The policies promote the use of Independent Travel Training, public transport and other travel assistance options that help prepare young people for adulthood, employment and greater independence.
The Council recognises that travel assistance plays a vital role in helping children and young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, access education and training. We are therefore seeking the views of parents, carers, young people, schools, colleges and other stakeholders before the policies are finalised.
Policies included in this consultation
- Travel Assistance Policy for Children of Compulsory School Age (5 to 16 years)
- Travel Assistance Policy for Young People of Sixth Form Age (16 to 19 years)
- Travel Assistance Policy for Young Adults Aged 19 to 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan
What would change?
We have reviewed our existing travel assistance arrangements and are proposing a number of updates to make the policies clearer, more consistent and better aligned with current legislation and national guidance.
| Proposed change | What this means |
| Greater emphasis on independence | The new policies place a stronger focus on helping children and young people develop the skills needed to travel independently wherever this is safe and appropriate. This includes increased use of Independent Travel Training, greater encouragement to use public transport where suitable, and regular reviews to consider whether a child or young person could travel more independently over time. |
| Clearer eligibility criteria | The proposed policies make clear that having an Education, Health and Care Plan or attending a special school or specialist college does not automatically mean travel assistance will be provided. Every application will be considered on its individual circumstances and assessed against clear criteria. |
| A wider range of travel assistance options | Where support is agreed, the Council may provide the most appropriate option from a range of assistance, including Independent Travel Training, TfL travel concessions and Oyster cards, Personal Travel Budgets, mileage allowances, shared transport, taxi or specialist transport, and passenger assistants where required. |
| Annual reassessment of eligibility | The new policies make it clearer that travel assistance is normally agreed for one academic year at a time. Eligibility may be reviewed annually, families may be required to submit updated information each year, and changes in circumstances may require reassessment. |
| Clearer application, review and appeal processes | The proposed policies introduce a clearer and more transparent process for applying for travel assistance, understanding how decisions are made, requesting a review of a decision, and appealing to an independent panel if a family disagrees with a decision. |
| New arrangements for Post-16 and Post-19 learners | The updated policies provide clearer information about the different legal duties that apply to children of compulsory school age, young people of sixth form age, and young adults aged 19 to 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan. |
| Proposed contribution towards some Post-16 transport | For young people of sixth form age who receive Council-arranged shared transport or taxi transport, the draft policy proposes introducing an annual contribution towards transport costs: £400 per year for eligible low-income families, young people in care and care leavers, and £800 per year for all other eligible young people. No contribution would apply where assistance is provided through Independent Travel Training, a Personal Transport Budget or mileage reimbursement. |
| More consistency across all age groups | The proposed policies introduce a more consistent approach across school-age, post-16 and post-19 transport, including common principles, similar application processes, consistent decision-making criteria, standard review and appeal arrangements, and a greater focus on independence and preparation for adulthood. |
Why are we proposing these changes?
- To reflect current legislation and national guidance.
- To make the policies clearer and easier for families to understand.
- To promote independence and preparation for adulthood.
- To ensure support is targeted to those who need it most.
- To make best use of public resources while continuing to meet statutory duties.
How to respond
We encourage all interested residents, parents, carers, young people and professionals to take part in the consultation.
- Complete the online consultation questionnaire.
- Read the consultation summary and supporting documents before submitting your views.
- Provide comments on any aspect of the proposed policies, including eligibility criteria, travel assistance options, review and appeal processes, and proposed Post-16 transport contributions.
Alternative formats
If you require this consultation in an alternative format, such as large print, Easy Read or another language, please email SENtravelassistance@harrow.gov.uk
What happens next?
Once the consultation closes, all responses will be reviewed and analysed. The feedback received will help inform the final version of the policies.
Have your say
Thank you for taking the time to read about the proposed Travel Assistance Policies and consider how they may affect children, young people and families in Harrow.
We recognise that travel assistance is essential in enabling many children and young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, to access education, develop independence and participate fully in their communities. The views and experiences of parents, carers, young people, schools, colleges and other stakeholders are therefore an important part of this consultation.
All responses received during the consultation period will be carefully reviewed and considered before the policies are finalised. Feedback will help us understand the potential impact of the proposals, identify any areas that may require further clarification or amendment, and ensure that the final policies are fair, transparent and responsive to the needs of Harrow residents.
We encourage you to complete the consultation questionnaire and share your views before the closing date.
Join the conversation
If you would like to discuss the draft policies you can come along to a coffee morning we are holding jointly with the Parent Carer Forum. This will take place on 11 September at 10am to noon at Old Lyonians, 74 Pinner View, Harrow HA1 7QF. Parking is available on-site.
Consultation closes: 18 September 2026
Thank you for helping us shape the future of Travel Assistance services in Harrow. Your feedback will play an important role in informing the Council’s final decisions and ensuring that children and young people can continue to access education and training with the support they need.
