Yes, we looked into it. There’s no space on the school bus for my daughter, and for my son it would cost £10 a day. As we also drop off my disabled son at his local school, we’ve ended up driving them both. Unfortunately we’re apparently over the income threshold for any help towards transport costs.
I would get independant advice from your local welfare rights or citizens advice, because there are 2 ways to qualify and are not necessarily linked. Also, if you qualify for a grant, it means your income isn’t sufficient. From my own experience LA’s will try to get out of spending where they can, especially if they are aware you have a Motability vehicle and give a hoot if you go over the mileage allowance. Like your daughter mine severe learning difficulties amongs’t others.
1: Children of compulsory school age qualify for free school transport if they go to their nearest suitable school and any of the following apply:
the school is more than 2 miles away and the child is under 8
the school is more than 3 miles away and the child is 8 or over
there’s no safe walking route between their home and school
and or 2: If your child is eligible for free school meals
Your child may also qualify for free school transport if they’re eligible for free school meals. They may be eligible for free school meals if you get certain benefits, for example Income Support.
Your child must also be:
aged 8 to 11, go to their nearest school and it’s at least 2 miles away
aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 6 miles away – if it’s one of their 3 nearest suitable schools
aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 15 miles away – if it’s one you chose because of your religion or belief
3: Children who cannot walk due to a disability, mobility issue, or special educational needs are eligible, regardless of distance.
Definately worth looking into