Annex 2

Transport policy statement for learners aged 16-18 in further and continuing learners aged 19 and over.

Name of Local Authority:

Department Responsible: Environment & Transport

Valid from: 1st August 2015 to 31st July 2016

1. Summary of Policy Statement and Main Objectives (this section should give an overview/statement of intent of what the LA’s transport policy is and what the subsequent desired outcomes are).

This document describes the support available to young people of Leicestershire entering or continuing with full-time Post 16 Education. It explains the support packages in place to encourage participation and prevent transport being a barrier to young learners.

This policy statement gives information from the Local Authority (LA), schools, academies and FE colleges and other relevant sources. The aim is to provide the most up to date details of the latest charges and any means testing procedures.

This statement gives advice on the support available to learners with learning/mobility difficulties and explains the commitment to encourage independent travel to and from the place of learning.

Another aim of this policy is ensure that those vulnerable to becoming not in education employment or training (NEET) at 16-17 are supported with transport needs to overcome barriers to and from the registered place of learning, this will in the main be carried out in partnership with Prospects. The same will apply to Young Parents (Care to Learn C2L) aged under 20.

The provision of subsidised Post 16 transport will support those students wishing to continue in education as part of the Raising Participation Age legislation being introduced for 17 year olds from September 2013.

2. Please provide details of all concessionary fares, discounts, subsidies, passes or travel cards available for learners aged 16–19 and who provides them. Please provide details of any costs to the learner.

2(a) Leicestershire County Council

Mainstream learners – LA provision:

Note: Leicestershire County Council’s mainstream home to school transport policy will change in September 2015. New Post 16 learners will be assessed as per the policy summary below; returning learners who had transport assistance in 2014-15 will be assessed under the 2014-15 transport policy (providing they stay on the same course and their personal circumstances do not change e.g. move address) available here.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 1

Transport assistance for a charge of £546 (exemptions apply for students entitled to free school meals or whose parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits or their maximum level Working Tax Credit) is available for those pupils above statutory school age if they live more than 3 miles from the school/college attended, if the student is aged 16, 17 or 18 when the course is started, is attending full time and:

• the school is the nearest school sixth form or nearest freestanding Post 16 Further Education/Sixth Form college.

and in addition to provide transport assistance, over the qualifying distances and ages listed above, to one of the following:

either • the nearest freestanding Leicestershire Further Education/Sixth Form college

or • the nearest Leicestershire school sixth form but to continue providing transport only to the catchment school with a sixth form in areas where there have been no changes to catchments or age range since May 2012 (frozen areas) Note: Where a student lives in a frozen area they will only be provided transport to the frozen area school sixth form or their nearest school sixth form. Where the nearest school sixth form is not the frozen school sixth form and is in another local authority area e.g. City, there will be no additional entitlement to any other Leicestershire school.

Note:

• Transport assistance is provided for the normal school/college start and finish times. We do not provide transport for evening activities or for individual timetables/courses nor work experience or work placements. • Transport assistance is assessed to the nearest campus of schools/colleges with multiple campuses.

This transport is arranged by the County Council’s Environment & Transport Department. Transport can be in the form of bus passes for closed contract vehicles or public service vehicles, train passes, or in some cases smaller buses or taxis where this is cost-effective or unavoidable. If there is no appropriate alternative then petrol costs are sometimes refunded for entitled learners.

Train passes are issued in exceptional circumstances, as bus alternatives are normally more cost effective.

Farepaying places can be sold to non-entitled learners on application where there is spare capacity on school contract vehicles on a first-come-first-served basis. The Post 16 charge for farepayers is a flat rate of £640 per student for 2015/16.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 2 Learners with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) – LA provision:

Leicestershire LA offers free home to school transport to many, though not all, pupils and learners with statements of Special Educational Needs. This is largely for pupils/learners attending their designated special schools or special units providing the desired courses. Some transport will have escorts according to the needs of the pupils/learners.

The local authority has a discretionary power to provide transport assistance to those over compulsory school age. Provision may be made to students at a subsidised level, with a contribution from the student (an annual charge). SEN transport charges will be in-line with mainstream charges for eligible students (£546 for 2015/16).

• Travel assistance is provided for Post 16 students with a statement of SEN or Education & Health Care Plan (EHCP) who attend a school which has been designated by the LA as the appropriate school that meets the needs of the child or other nearer qualifying school and the distance between home and school is more than 3.

• Where the distance to be travelled is less than 3 miles and/or when a student has no Statement of Special Educational Needs/EHCP, travel assistance will be considered taking into account the individual circumstances and the travel needs of children with significant sensory, physical, medical or behavioural difficulties that prevent them from getting to school even when accompanied by a parent/carer.

• Travel assistance sought under the above bullet point, will be considered using supporting written evidence, within the preceding 12 months, from a range of sources, for example, Education or Health professionals, parents and school SENCO, that describes the student as having:

- long term severely restricted independent mobility, due to a physical disability;

- long term severely restricted independent mobility due to a medical condition resulting in severe persistent pain and/or extreme fatigue;

- a sensory impairment resulting in severely restricted mobility;

- severe behavioural emotional and /or social difficulties in comparison with other children of their age. This may be linked with cognitive ability or be as a result of a specific development disorder.

This is not an exhaustive list and requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

Note: “Long term” describes something that is likely to last for at least a year and in many cases for the rest of the life of the person affected.

For Post 16 learners at a Further Education College (FE), home to college transport will

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 3 be subsidised by the LA for students aged 16-25 who are attending a full time college course* and meet the following eligibility criteria for transport assistance for a maximum of 3 years not extending beyond the academic year in which they are or turn 25 if:

• the student attends a FE/free-standing Sixth Form college more than 3 miles from their home address and that is the nearest college offering the course identified by parents/students (defined by the qualification(s) gained in the case of mainstream study or by the course content in the case of SEN courses); • meet the same criteria detailed in the section above that applies to Post 16 SEN students in schools/units.

* A full-time course is defined as one of at least 540 guided learning hours in any 12- month period. Transport will only be arranged to arrive at the start of the college day and pick up will be at the end of the college day. Note: Post 16 SEN Transport may be provided to eligible students for a maximum of 6 years and not beyond the age of 25, within which a maximum of 3 years can be for a mainstream FE course.

Concessionary Fares Scheme – Leicestershire County Council

For disabled learners Leicestershire County Council operates a concessionary travel scheme which offers free bus travel throughout Leicestershire and the rest of between 9.30 am and 11 pm on Mondays to Fridays and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. See section 6 of this document for more details of the disabled persons’ scheme. This is for all disabled persons and not for just for learners.

The 16-19 Bursary Fund

Schools, colleges and training providers have funds to help students studying a full-time course and who think they might struggle with the costs for their studies. For advice speak to student support services or course tutors.

The Bursary Fund can help pay for costs like: • clothing, books and other equipment for your course • transport and lunch on days you study or train

Students must be: • under 19 at the start of the academic year they want a bursary for • studying at school or college, or on an unpaid training course

You could get up to £1,200 if at least 1 of the following applies: • you’re in or recently left local authority care • you get Income Support or Universal Credit in your name • you’re disabled and get both Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 4 (PIP) in your name If you’re a parent you’ll also need to be living away from your own parents to qualify. If you aren’t in one of these groups, you could still get a bursary depending on your personal circumstances. Ask your school, college or training provider’s student support services to see if you’re eligible. More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

Care to Learn

If you’re studying and aged under 20 at the start of your course, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare costs while you’re learning. It’s only available for courses in England that have some public funding. This can include courses in: • schools/academies • school/academy 6th forms • 6th form colleges

More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn

Traineeships and apprenticeships

For students on traineeships or apprenticeships – the learning provider is responsible for ensuring that reasonable expenses are met in full where they are needed to overcome barriers to learning. These may include the cost of travelling to or from the place of learning or work placement. Please contact your learning provider for more information. Students may also be eligible for a bursary (see Bursary Fund section above).

2(b) Transport arranged by schools and colleges

Some of Leicestershire’s larger upper schools, academies (14-19 or 11-19) and 6th Form/FE colleges have additional bus contract arrangements on which learners or their parents can purchase places. Arrangements vary from school to school: enquiries should be made of the individual school. Some schools also run "late buses” on various days of the week to enable learners to participate in extra curricular activities or additional study groups. Contact the individual schools for details.

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Details of BMC dedicated routes can be found on the website www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk. If not eligible for LA subsidised transport, students should contact the college Transport Department on 01664 855211 for further advice.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Students not eligible for LA subsidised transport can apply to the means tested Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund for help with their transport costs. Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 5 and Discretionary Support Fund are available Student Services. (Leicester): Learners need to apply for bus passes directly to the County Council or the bus company for ‘15/’16. Leicester College will refund learners £100 after a six week period of attendance if they have purchased an annual bus pass themselves. Those who are ineligible for an LA bus pass are referred to the College discretionary Learner Support Fund (LSF) which may be able to help with the potential cost of travelling to and from college. To qualify for a bus pass from the discretionary LSF learners must pass a means-tested assessment based upon parents/students disposable income. Learners must live over two miles from the campus they are attending to be considered for this assistance. The discretionary LSF may also contribute to petrol costs if the learner wishes to travel by car/scooter.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): College are offering a Travel Fare Subsidy of £200 towards the cost of a travel pass to all students with a household income of £45,000 or less. To be eligible, UK students must be under 19 at the start of their full-time further education course and living outside of Loughborough (LE11).

Further information will be available on the college website www.loucoll.ac.uk or by calling 01509 618375.

Arriva ‘Midlands Student Saver Ticket’: The yearly cost for 2015/16 is not available at the time of publishing; however, the cost for the 2014/15 academic year was £475. This is an ‘unlimited use ticket’ for the midlands region for a full year, this includes weekends, evenings and bank holidays. Other tickets are available - see their website for more information: http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/student-saver-tickets-in-midlands/ Or call 0844 8004411, or visit the Travel Shop at St Margaret’s Bus Station.

Kinchbus 24/7 Network Ticket: The yearly cost for 2014/15 is £495. This is an ‘unlimited use ticket’ for the midlands region for a full year, this includes weekends, evenings and bank holidays available to students only. For more information please contact the college or Kinchbus on 01509 815637 or www.kinchbus.co.uk

Centrebus 24/7 Network Smartcard: The yearly cost for 2014/15 is £495. This is an ‘unlimited use ticket’ for a full year, for travel on any of Centrebus’ within Leicestershire (not valid beyond the county boundary) this includes weekends, evenings and bank holidays available to Loughborough College students only. For more information please contact the college or Centrebus on 0844 351 1120 or www.centrebus.info

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College: not available at time of going to press. Further information is available from the Customer Service Team Tel: 02476 243366 or from the website: http://www.nwhc.ac.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Regent College (Leicester): Learners who are ineligible for LA subsidised transport may apply for the colleges’ means tested Bursary fund to assist with their transport costs. Full details of this support available from the college website – www.regent- college.ac.uk from 20th June 2015 or by a divisional administrator available on 0116 2554629.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 6 South Leicestershire College (Wigston, Leicestershire): Learners eligible for a bus pass will be able to apply to receive help towards the cost of either an Arriva pass or a pass for the College contract buses. Learners may be eligible for further assistance with transport costs by applying through one of the means tested learner support funds.

Stephenson College (Coalville, Leicestershire): Students who are not eligible can apply for assistance with transport costs through the College’s means tested Bursary Fund. The College provides a free shuttle bus service for students between Coalville town centre and the College campus.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Students may apply to the college means-tested 16-19 Bursary Fund. If eligible, support given will usually be a contribution towards the cost of a pass bought direct from their Local Authority or a commercial service operator, or as applicable, a termly pass may be provided. Students unable to avail themselves of a travel pass due to financial hardship may apply to the college means-tested fund for help. Full details of the support available is published on the college website at: http://www.wqeic.ac.uk/transport/ Information and advice about support from the college is available from the Student Services Team whose contact details can be found in Section 11 of this document.

2(c). Bus Operators

At the time of printing for 2015/16 bus operators had not determined rates. It is advised students contact the bus-operators directly (Section 11c).

3. What times during the day can learners use their travel pass or obtain concessionary fares?

3(a) Leicestershire County Council

Learners with LA public service passes can use them in term-time only Monday-Friday between 6.00am and 10.00pm, one return journey per day.

Concessionary Fares Scheme – Leicestershire County Council

The disabled person’s travel pass offers:

Free bus travel (National Statutory Scheme) Your pass will enable you to travel free on local buses in all parts of England, between 9.30am and 11.00pm on Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays.

Further details are available at: http://www.leics.gov.uk/passenger_transport/bus_pass/concessionary_travel.htm

3(b) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire). Bus passes issued by the LA or BMC can only be used for the stated journey (home to college) and for the specified bus operator.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 7 Travel is for college days; Monday to Friday, throughout the academic year. Arriva Midlands Saver tickets can be used throughout the Arriva Midlands region including evenings and weekends. Students should check the Arriva Terms and Conditions prior to purchase.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Weekdays: Monday – Friday. Term time only.

Leicester College (Leicester): If a LA bus pass is awarded to a learner it can only be used for home to college transport, during the week and term time. If a student is awarded a bus pass from college discretionary Learner Support Funds the pass is usable all day to all destinations within the limits of the bus pass e.g. city pass will not be usable within county boundaries.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Academic Bus Passes provided by the LA can only be used for the stated journey (home to college) and for the specified company. Travel is for college hours during weekdays and term time only. Arriva Midlands’ Student Saver Ticket, KinchBus 24/7 Network Pass and Centrebus 24/7 Network Smartcard can be used all day every day including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and half terms.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): learners can use their bus pass for one journey to and from the college depending on the pass issued.

Regent College (Leicester): Arriva or First passes; there are no restrictions on these passes. For Local Authority issued passes the Council’s terms and conditions apply. Local Authority issued passes the Council’s terms and conditions apply.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): learners can use their bus pass for one journey to and from the college depending on the pass issued.

Stephenson College (Leicestershire). If an LA bus pass is awarded to a student it can only be used for home to college transport during the week and in term time.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College: (Leicester): Arriva or First passes: there are no restrictions on these passes, during the periods for which they are issued.

4. Please confirm that support will continue to be made available to learners who reach 19 whilst continuing on a course

4(a) Leicestershire County Council

Mainstream learners who begin a course at 16+, 17+ or 18+, if initially eligible, continue to receive subsidised transport until the course ends, normally two years.

For learners with statements of SEN/EHCPs, subsidised transport normally continues until the course ends. In a school this will normally not be later than the school year in which the learner becomes 19. For learners in colleges the transport assistance is available for a maximum of 3 years not extending beyond the end of the academic year in which the learner is or turns 25. Post 16 SEN Transport may be provided to eligible

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 8 students for a maximum of 6 years and not beyond the age of 25, within which a maximum of 3 years can be for a mainstream FE course.

4(b) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire). Support is available to students who become 19 whilst continuing on a course during that academic year until the end of their course provided they meet the criteria for eligibility.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Support from the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Fund will be made available to students who reach 19 whilst continuing on a course provided they meet the criteria for eligibility. Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund are available from Student Services. Leicester College (Leicester): All learners regardless of age are eligible to apply for support from the discretionary Learner Support Fund. However, the means-tested assessment will be based on the learner’s income if they are over 19 and not that of their parents/carers.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Yes, if they were 18 or under when starting their course. Support will be available from the 16-18 Bursary Fund for those eligible.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): Eligible students aged 19 and over may be apply for help with transport costs from the College Bursary and Discretionary Fund.

Regent College (Leicester): Learners who reach the age of 19 during the academic year will continue to be supported until the end of their programme of study, provided they meet the criteria for eligibility.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): Support will be made available to learners who reach 19 whilst continuing on a course.

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): Students who become 19 during the academic year are supported until the end of that academic year.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Support will be made available to students who reach 19 whilst continuing on a course, provided they meet the criteria for eligibility.

For other colleges see the list of contacts at the end of this document.

5. How will learners be assessed to see if they are eligible for support? e.g. means-testing or must they be on benefits?

5(a) Leicestershire County Council

Eligibility for mainstream transport is generally not to do with the learner or family’s means: see section 2 of this document describing the LA policies. There is a flat-rate

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 9 charge of £546 for 2015/16 for entitled learners but this charge is waived for low income families (those entitled to free school meals or are on their maximum level of working tax credit).

For learners with SEN eligibility is also determined by other means but there are the same exemptions from the charge for families on low income as outlined in section 2(a).

5(b) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Learners can apply to the College 16-18 Bursary Fund if the family income, including benefits, is below £30,000. Proof of income will be required and proof of payment for their bus pass in order to qualify.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Means tested applications can be made to the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Fund, any financial allocations are based on meeting the financial criteria and individual circumstances. Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund are available from Student Services.

Leicester College (Leicester): All applications are means tested based on the disposable income of parents/carers and/or learner. Learners are automatically considered for the discretionary LSF if they, or parents/carers are in receipt of a means- tested benefit. Distance from campus may also affect the type of bus pass provided.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Applicants with a family income of £45,000pa or less are invited to apply to the college’s Learner Support Funds for help with part of their travel costs. The fund would only be able to contribute towards the cost of one bus pass.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): Please refer to the College Guide on the College website www.nwhc.ac.uk or by contacting Customer Services on 024 7624 3000, or e mail [email protected].

Regent College (Leicester): All applications are means tested based upon the income of parents/carers and/or student; full details of policy and eligibility are available from the college’s website or in person from the divisional administrators in the ‘Hub’.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): Learners must be 3 miles or above from the college and be on a full-time course.

Stephenson College (Coalville, Leicestershire). Means tested applications can be made for support through the Bursary Fund and Discretionary Learner Support Fund; any financial allocations are based on meeting the financial criteria and individual circumstances.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Application to the means-tested 16-19 Bursary Fund can be made; any financial allocations are based on individual circumstances. Full details of the support available is published on the college website at: http://www.wqeic.ac.uk/support/financial-support/

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 10

Information and advice about support from the college is available from the Student Services Team whose contact details can be found in Section 11 of this document.

For other colleges see the list of contacts at the end of this document.

6. What help do you provide for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities including those over 19 or learners facing other difficulties in following their courses?

6(a) Leicestershire LA

Details of the LA’s policy for pupils/learners with SEN are given in section 2 of this document.

In addition to the provision for SEN learners described in section 2 of this document, those with particular disabilities and/or learning difficulties may receive additional support, including (but not limited to): • providing solo transport • providing wheelchair accessible transport • transporting specialist equipment/learning aids to & from college • exceptionally, providing an escort to assist with care during the journey

6(b) Leicestershire County Council

Concessionary fares: Leicestershire County Council’s concessionary fares schemes are mentioned in section 2 above. The Disabled Persons’ Scheme in all areas covers the following disabilities, which entitle the holder to a travel pass:

• Registered as blind or partially sighted with VISTA; • Registered as profoundly or severely deaf with the County Council’s Service • for Deaf People; • Without speech or with severe communication difficulty; • Without the use of both arms, as certified by a medical professional; • Having a learning disability including significant impairment of intelligence and • social functioning; • Likely to be refused a driving licence for medical reasons, otherwise than on the • ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol; • Having a permanent severe walking difficulty.

Website: www.leics.gov.uk/index/highways/passenger_transport/bus_pass

6(c) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Special transport is arranged by direct application to the LA, as appropriate, for students with learning difficulties/disabilities which are identified at time of application and interview. Please contact the college Transport Department or LA Transport Team for further details.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 11

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Students not eligible for LA subsidised transport can apply to the means tested Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund for help with their transport costs. Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund are available from Student Services.

Leicester College (Leicester): If a learner requires alternative travel i.e. taxis, we advise all learners to discuss their needs during their course interview. At this point the College will investigate the individual needs for alternative travel and establish arrangements accordingly. Learners will need to apply to the appropriate Support Fund. Travel cards; journey cards; taxi fares will be paid for if appropriate. Learners will need to make a contribution towards taxi costs.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Students with SEN may have free passes if they are under 19 or fit the eligibility criteria at the start of their further education course. If students are over 19 we invite them to apply for help through the Learner Support funds if they meet the eligibility criteria. Those unable to use public transport should contact their Local Education Authority for information on Specialist Transport.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): Eligible students aged over 19 who cannot be supported through the Local Authority may apply for help with transport costs from the College Bursary and Discretionary funds.

Regent College (Leicester): Learners in this category who are not eligible for LA assistance will be directed to information about the college’s general bursary fund. Learners meeting the relevant household income criterion, as outlined in the college’s general bursary guidelines, may be entitled to a contribution towards the cost of public transport depending on their eligibility band. In exceptional circumstances, learners who are not eligible for LA assisted SEN travel support may be assisted to use their eligibility to access the relevant level of bursary funding in order to contribute towards the cost of an agreed alternative mode of transport. If their complex needs prevent them from accessing public transport.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): please contact the college directly.

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): Help may be available from the Bursary Fund, to those who do not fit the eligibility criteria. Over 19 year old students following a course designed for those with Special Educational Needs may be eligible for financial support through the Discretionary Learner Support Fund.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Learners not eligible for LA assisted SEN travel support may apply to the college means-tested 16-19 Bursary Fund for help with their transport costs as outlined in Section 2 of this document. Learners eligible for such support from the Bursary Fund, but whose complex needs would prevent them from accessing public transport may be supported to use their eligibility to access a relevant level of bursary funding as a contribution towards the cost an alternative mode of transport. Other colleges may offer assistance – see list of contacts at the end of this document.

7. Do you provide mobility/independence training for learners who face difficulty

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 12 with transport?

7(a) Leicestershire Post 16 Transport Partnership

The Leicestershire Post 16 Transport Partnership in collaboration with Leicester City is committed to promote the benefits of independent travel training. Leicestershire County Council’s Environment and Transport Department has been working with partners* in Charnwood, in the academic year 2014/15, to pilot Independent Travel Training. *Partners: Loughborough College, RNIB College and Maplewell Hall School.

7(b) Special Schools.

Learners attending one of Leicestershire’s Special schools would take part in programmes appropriate to their needs to promote mobility/independence training as part of the normal curriculum.

7(c) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Would be assessed on an individual basis. Please contact Student Services for further details.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Works jointly with LA promoting independent travel where appropriate.

Leicester College (Leicester): Yes. Individual courses may provide it through the framework of the programme or a Mobility Training package may be established through the transport arrangements as a whole. Bonus payments and college certificates are awarded to all learners who successfully complete the training.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): some students may receive mobility training, often as an integral part of their course. Those unable to use public transport should contact their Local Authority for further information on Specialist Transport.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College: (Leicestershire): Contact the college.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): Yes, for Towards Independence for Learners.

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): Yes, for Skills for work/life students during their programme of study.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Works jointly with LA promoting independent travel where appropriate. Would assess on an individual basis.

Regent College (Leicester): Works jointly with the LA promoting independent travel where appropriate.

See list of contacts at the end of this document for other colleges.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 13 8. When should learners start to apply for transport support?

8(a) Leicestershire County Council

Applications should be received online or via the standard application form by 26th June 2015 to ensure transport can be arranged prior to the start of the academic year. If applications are received after this date, there may be a delay in agreeing and arranging transport. Applications need to be made for each year of Post 16 education. Application forms are available through our website at http://www.leics.gov.uk/school_and_college_transport_application_forms or via Customer Services on 0116 3050002.

For learners with SEN, students also need to apply for transport assistance by 29th May 2015 by form or online at: http://www.leics.gov.uk/special__needs_transport_application_form.htm

For learner enquiries see the list of contacts at the end of this document.

8(b) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Transport information is sent out during April/May to all learners aged 16, 17 and 18 years on 1st September who have been offered a place on a full time course. Completed application forms should be returned to the LA by 26th June 2015 or as advised by the College. Please refer to the BMC 16-18 Travel Guide by visiting the website www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk. All queries should be directed to the Transport Department on 01664 855211 for further advice.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Students are given financial support information at interview and are sent application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Fund. Students are also signposted to information and provided with forms before they start College to apply for the LA pass if appropriate. Information on college travel is also included at interview. Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund are available from Student Services.

Leicester College (Leicester): The College will contact all under 19 learners about transport by the end of July. If any learner has not heard by this date or is uncertain of any details we recommend you contact the college Customer Information Section on 0116 2242240.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Learners should apply for their bus passes as soon as possible. A financial information pack will be sent to all students in June 2015 and will also be available on the website. If you do not have access to the internet or you do not receive a pack contact the college on 01509 618375.

The Arriva Midlands’ Student Saver Ticket, Kinchbus 24/7 Network pass and Centrebus Network Smarcard should be purchased direct from the respective companies.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): Contact the college.

Regent College (Leicester): Students are given financial support information that

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 14 includes transport at interview and are also signposted to information about accessing transport support via their local LA. Students who have accepted a place at the college are also signposted to Bursary support before they start in June. Once students have started forms can collected from and returned to the ‘Hub’. Information including application forms will also be on the college website – www.regent-college.ac.uk

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): Students are given financial support information at interview and are sent application forms for the Bursary/Discretionary Learner Support Funds. Students are also signposted to information before they start College to apply for a LA pass if appropriate.

South Leicestershire College (Wigston, Leicestershire): June onwards.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Students are given financial support information at Open Day and at the point of an offer of a place being made that includes transport and are also signposted to information about accessing transport support via their local LA. Once a place on a course has been offered, applications to the college 16-19 Bursary Fund can be made and completed and returned once enrolled at college. Priority is given to applications made by the college deadline of 30th September, but claims can be made at any stage of the course and information on travel is provided on the college website: www.wqeic.ac.uk/transport Information is sent during April and again in July to all applicants offered a place.

For other colleges, see list of contacts at the end of this document.

9. What help can learners apply for if they need to travel to a course that is beyond your LA area?

9(a) Leicestershire County Council

The LA’s policies for mainstream and special school/college transport entitlement are described in section 2 of this document. The same policies and criteria apply if the nearest suitable school/college for the learner is outside Leicestershire LA’s area.

Leicestershire County Council’s concessionary fares scheme (for details see sections 2 and 6 of this document): offers travel throughout England off peak.

9(b) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Students may be eligible for support regardless of their home address. Contact the college Transport Department for further details on 01664 855211 or refer to the 16-18 Travel Guide by visiting www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk.

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary.

Leicester College (Leicester): All learners regardless of where they live can apply to

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 15 the college Learner Support Fund for support. Application forms are available at all Student Services Desks at each main campus or can be sent to your home address – contact 0116 224 2240/4048.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): All students regardless of where they live can apply to the college Learner Support Fund. Cases will be dealt with on an individual basis.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): Not available.

Regent College (Leicester): Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): Would provide support where necessary.

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): All students can apply for support with transport costs through the Bursary/Discretionary Learner Support Funds, regardless of their home address.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary.

10. What help is available for learners who attend a further education institution which is beyond daily travelling distance and they need to stay away?

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): The college has some residential accommodation for 18+ learners. The college can also help with finding accommodation in shared houses or home-stay for under 18 learners. If you are living away from home assistance may be available to help meet the cost of accommodation, as long as the same course is not provided by a college nearer to your home from the Residential Support Scheme. Please contact Student Services for further details on 01664 855296 or email [email protected].

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary.

Leicester College (Leicester): Learners can apply to the Learner Support Fund whereupon the cost effectiveness of daily transport provision or moving into closer accommodation will be looked into. There is a residential bursary scheme, which can help with relocation costs for educational purposes. We advise all students in this predicament to contact a College Welfare Advisor for more information.

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Loughborough is a university town and therefore has a lot of rented accommodation available. The college offers halls of residence and homestay accommodation. Please note the college is not able to offer accommodation to students resident in Leicestershire [including Leicester City]. Students aged 16-18 and attending Loughborough College for a First Full Level 2 or Level 3 course which is not available locally to their home (within a reasonable daily travelling distance) may be eligible for help from the Residential Support Scheme.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 16 Please contact Loughborough College on 01509 618375 for more information.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): not available.

Regent College (Leicester): Applications to the 16-19 Bursary fund will be considered on an individual basis and full details are available on the main college website.

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): Would provide support where necessary.

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): Accommodation is only provided for students who attend the College in block patterns.

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (Leicester): Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary.

11. Please provide information about all points of contact for learners seeking transport support, e.g. LA/college, bus company contact. Please include any websites and e-mail addresses.

11(a) Leicestershire County Council

For eligibility for mainstream school/college transport: Transport Assessments Team: tel. 0116 3050255 (office hours 8.30-5.00 Monday-Thursday, 8.30-4.30 Friday). Email: [email protected]

For transport provision: Customer services: helpline 0116 3050002 (office hours 8.30- 5.00 Monday - Friday); or Traveline (see contact details below).

For learners with statements of Special Educational Needs: Eligibility enquiries: Transport Assessments Team: tel. 0116 3050255 (office hours 8.30-5.00 Monday-Thursday, 8.30-4.30 Friday). Email: [email protected]

For further information about concessionary travel for disabled learners: Customer Service Centre on 0116 305 0002 or e-mail [email protected]

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 17 11(b) Individual colleges

Brooksby Melton College (Leicestershire): Contact Transport Department on 01664 855211 Email: [email protected] Information available at interview and in 16-18 Travel Guide by visiting www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk

Gateway Sixth Form College (Leicester): 0116 2744500 Student Services - email: [email protected] Website: www.gateway.ac.uk

Leicester College (Leicester): 0116 2242240 or 2244048 to discuss any travel queries with a member of the Student Advice and Guidance Team. For information regarding transport provision for students with learning difficulties contact Ragini Patel on 0116 2242240 extension 2138. For information regarding LA transport provision contact Leicestershire County Council. For any other transport queries email: [email protected]

Loughborough College (Leicestershire): Website: www.loucoll.ac.uk Student Finance Officer, Student Support, Loughborough College, Radmoor Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3BT Telephone: 01509 618375 E-Mail: [email protected]

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College (Leicestershire): Customer Service Team 024 7624 3000 or email [email protected] Website: www.nwhc.ac.uk

Regent College (Leicester): Divisional administrators ‘The Hub’. Tel: (0116) 255 4629 Email: via website Website: www.regent-college.ac.uk

South Leicestershire College (Leicestershire): 0116 2643535. Transport assistance is discussed and forms distributed on interview. College website: www.slcollege.ac.uk

Stephenson College (Leicestershire): Telephone: 01530 836136 Fax: 01530 814253 Website: www.stephensoncoll.ac.uk

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth 1 College (Leicester): Further details and application forms are available from the Student Services Office: Tel: (0116) 247 2963 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wqeic.ac.uk

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 18 11(c) Bus Operators http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/ http://www.kinchbus.co.uk/ http://www.firstgroup.com/ http://www.centrebus.info/Pages/default.aspx

11(d) Train Services http://www.midlandmainline.railsaver.co.uk/ http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx

11(e) General Information

Department for Education: https://www.gov.uk/subsidised-college-transport-16-19

Leicestershire County Council:

County Hall Glenfield Leicester LE3 8RF Telephone 0116 232 3232 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.leics.gov.uk/

Bus routes and timetable information are available from:

Prospects If you are aged 16-18* and live in Leicestershire you can now use the careers advice service for young people provided by Prospects. If you live in South Leicestershire contact a Prospects adviser in Hinckley on:

01455 632 719

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 19 If you live in North Leicestershire contact a Prospects adviser in Loughborough on: 01509 214 002 *up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities. Website: http://prospects.co.uk/ContactUs/CorporateHeadOffice/ProspectsinLeicestershire.aspx

Learner Support Service:

Residential Support Scheme Website: https://www.gov.uk/residential-support-scheme Learner Support Helpline - Tel: 0800 121 8989

The Jitty

Information for young people aged 13-21 in Leicestershire. Web: http://www.thejitty.com/ Email: [email protected]

12. Appeals and Complaints

12(a) The process to Appeal against a decision or to Complain may be made on behalf of the learner or by the learner in the first instance to the local authority. If learners or their families are not satisfied with the outcome they may complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Local Government Ombudsman Anyone can take his or her complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman at any stage. However, it is hoped that Leicestershire County Council's complaints procedure will quickly resolve any problems you may have and that you will use it first.

You can contact the Local Government Ombudsman by writing to him at:

The Local Government Ombudsman PO Box 4771 Coventry CV4 0EH

Telephone: 0300 061 0614 Fax: 0247 602 0001 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.lgo.oug.uk/contactus/

Pick up a copy of the leaflet ‘How to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman’ from any of the council’s main reception points or contact the Ombudsman through the website above.

If you have any comments on this Policy that would assist in the policy making in

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 20 including in-year changes, please contact us as follows:

Transport Assessments Sustainable Travel Group Environment & Transport Department Leicestershire County Council County Hall Glenfield Leicester LE3 8RJ Tel: 0116 3050002 Email: [email protected]

Updated May 2015: This information is correct at time of publication but is subject to change. Please check with individual establishments for the most up to date details.

Leicestershire County Council - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement May 2015 21