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What is the transport policy for children attending denominational schools on religious grounds in September 2012From September 2012 onwards any pupil who started at a new 'denominational' school, either secondary or primary are no longer entitled to assistance with home to school transport. You will be responsible for ensuring that your child attends school.
Where possible paid permits will be available to purchase for surplus seats on the existing transport that is operating. Pupils who were attending a 'denominational' secondary school prior to September 2012 will continue to be entitled to assistance with transport to that school until the end of year 11, providing that you do not move address. Pupils who were attending a 'denominational' primary school prior to September 2012 will continue to be entitled to assistance with transport to that school until the end of year 6 providing that you do not move address. Pupils who are transferring from a primary school to a denominational school are no longer entitled to transport assistance (see exceptions) Arrangements for transporting pupils to denominational schools will remain in place until 2016 for secondary aged pupils and 2018 for primary aged pupils, at which point the network will be reviewed and all provision removed. As a result pupils starting a denominational secondary school from September 2012 onwards will not be able to purchase paid permits on existing transport from 2016 and those primary pupils starting 2012 onwards will not be able to purchase paid permits from 2018. This means that parents will be responsible for all transport arrangements and costs to denominational schools as the County Council will not arrange any transport after these dates. It is important that you do not rely on existing travel arrangements when deciding which school you wish your child to attend. ExceptionsThe exceptions are for children who receive free school meals, or whose parents receive the maximum level of working tax credit. In these cases we will provide transport to the nearest suitable school you prefer because of your religion or belief:
This will be assessed on an annual basis and may be withdrawn if your benefits change. Transport will be provided for secondary school pupils in years 7 to 11 if the preferred school is over three miles, but nearer to home than the 'normal' school. Some 'denominational' primary schools are also the 'normal' school for the home address. In cases where pupils are attending the school as it is their normal or community school they will remain entitled to free transport if they live more than two miles from the school . We check with the school to see if a child has been admitted on denominational grounds. |