Travelling to school as a wheelchair user
Get expert tips and real-life experiences on travelling to school as a wheelchair user. Advice for real wheelchair users.
We know that wheelchair users are more likely to have to travel further to school or college than others. You may find it harder to travel independently, so access to reliable and accessible school transport is critical.
Depending on your needs, there’s support available to help you travel to school. Here, we’ll outline what’s on offer and how you can access it. We’ve also included some expert tips from wheelchair users from our Youth Board.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- What travel to school support wheelchair users are entitled to
- What kind of support you might get
- How to access support
What you need to know about travelling to school as a wheelchair user
If the school is close by and easily accessible, many wheelchair users like the independence and freedom of travelling themselves. Before setting out to school on your own, you should check the route is safe, accessible and step-free.
If you use a wheelchair and can’t get to your school independently, you are entitled to free transport arranged by your local authority.
To access free school transport, you must attend one of the following types of school:
- State maintained schools
- Academies, free schools and pupil referral units
- Independent school named in section 1 of your EHCP (you won’t be eligible if you don’t have an EHCP and you’re paying for independent school yourself)
The rules are slightly different depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, so you’ll need to check your local authority website for details.
To get free school transport you’ll need to apply via your local authority. The guidance and provision can vary between areas. You can find more information on support for getting to school here.
What travel options are available?
Depending on your needs and what’s available in your area, travel options can include:
- Personal travel budget: Your local authority provides a payment so you can book your own travel to school
- Council run transport: Specialised transport like a minibus or taxi
- Independent travel training: Tailored practical support to help you build confidence using public transport
- Passes and discounts: Reduced cost or free travel on public transport
If you’re aged between 16–18, you might face a bit more of a challenge,as government-funded support only covers travel up to age of 16.
The law says that travel for 16–18-year-olds is left at the discretion of local authorities.
This means that depending on where you live, the local authority may or may not be able to help you.
Transport for under-fives isn’t a legal requirement, either, so you’ll need to check with your local authority to see whether this is something they will provide.
Expert tips from our Youth Board
It’s time to get moving. Here are some tips on travelling to school from our Youth Board:
Practice route first without the time pressure: Before setting off to school for real, practice the journey a few times (if possible) to ensure you give yourself enough time and can prepare for any potential problems. If you’re walking, check your route is step free. You can do this with both Apple Maps and Google Maps.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Check the weather, especially in icy conditions: Always be prepared for the changeable British weather and plan ahead, say our experts. Ice can be particularly tricky to manage in a chair, say our Youth Board.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Give yourself plenty of time: Give yourself enough time to deal with any potential problems and plan for delays. One common issue is another wheelchair user is on your planned bus which may mean you need to wait for the next bus.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Check buses are accessible: Not all buses are accessible, so check before setting off and don’t forget your tie-downs.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Round up
If you’re aged over 5 and need support to get to school, your local authority is legally responsible for providing it. To find out precisely what you’re entitled to, you’ll need to check your local authority’s website.
Whether you’re travelling to school on your own, through public transport, or with council assistance, always plan and ahead and give yourself plenty of time says our Youth Board.
Here’s a round up of what we’ve covered:
- Many wheelchair users prefer to travel to school independently if they can
- Wheelchair users who cannot walk to school are entitled to support with travel to school
- What kind of support you’ll receive depends on where you live, what your needs are, which school you go to, and how old you are
- Under-fives and 16 – 18 year olds aren’t automatically entitled to support, but might get it, depending on where they live
- Our Youth Board experts recommend planning ahead and preparing for all weathers
