Leicester City Council

Education and Children’s Services

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

Valid from: 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2016

1. Summary of Policy Statement and Main Objectives

This document sets out the support available to young people of entering or continuing with full-time Post 16 Education to encourage participation and prevent transport being a barrier to young learners.

It provides the most up to date details of charges and means testing procedures.

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

2. Details of concessionary fares.

Leicester City Council – provision for mainstream learners

A bus pass costing £425 is available for Leicester resident pupils over statutory school age if they live more than 3 miles but less than 20 miles from the school/college attended, and if the student is aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of the college year. The pass allows travel on both First and Arriva buses to get to school/college. There are alternatives to the Leicester City Council Bus Pass. If you only need to use a bus from one operator, you could get better value in terms of price and flexibility by purchasing a season ticket directly from a commercial bus operator. Before you apply for a Leicester City Council bus pass we strongly urge you to consider all of the commercially available alternatives.

Most commercially available season tickets allow you to travel at any time and on any day including weekends. In comparison the City Council bus pass can be only used for one return journey per day to and from school/college and can't be used during holidays or at weekends.

Please visit the websites listed below for more information on commercial services in your area and the range of student season tickets and multi-trip tickets that are currently available. Please check these websites regularly for any special offers.

Arriva Student Saver Student Tickets Transport arranged by schools and colleges

Some of Leicester’s schools, academies and 6th Form/FE colleges have additional bus contract arrangements on which learners or their parents can purchase places. Arrangements vary, so enquiries should be made to individual schools. 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. (): 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 and Discretionary Support Fund are available from Student Services at the college. (Leicester): Learners need to apply for bus passes directly to the bus company. 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 not eligible for an LA bus pass are referred to the College discretionary Learner Support Fund (LSF) which may be able to help with the 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, Leicester students must be under 19 at the start of their full-time further education course and living outside of Loughborough (LE11).

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

Arriva ‘Midlands Student Saver Ticket’: 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: 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 24/7 Network Smartcard: 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: 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 college’s means tested bursary fund to assist with their transport costs. Full details of this support is available from the college website – www.regent- college.ac.uk or from a divisional administrator available on 0116 2554629.

South Leicestershire College (Wigston, Leicestershire): Learners 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 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’s 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 buy 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/

Bus Operators

Contact the bus-operators directly for details of the offers available. See below for the relevant contact details.

3. Contact information.

Leicester City Council If you want information about the assistance that is provided by Leicester City Council call Education Transport on (0116) 454 1009 (Option 2).

If you need individual special needs transport call the Education Department on (0116) 454 2050.

For general advice for Leicestershire County Council residents, phone the School Transport Helpline on (0116) 305 8777 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

Bus Operators http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/ http://www.kinchbus.co.uk/ http://www.firstgroup.com/ http://www.centrebus.info/Pages/default.aspx Train Services http://www.midlandmainline.railsaver.co.uk/ http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx

General Information

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

Leicester City Council: Customer Service Centre 91 Granby Street Leicester LE1 6FB

Telephone 0116 454 1009 (Option 2) Website: http://www.leicester.gov.uk/

Bus routes and timetable information are available from:

4. Appeals and Complaints 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 customer service centres or contact the Ombudsman through the website above.

5. Other sources of support

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 (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 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).

6. Comments on this policy If you have any comments on this Policy that would assist in the policy making in including in-year changes, please contact us as follows:

Head of School Organisation and Assets Customer Service Centre York House 91 Granby Street Leicester LE1 6FB

Or email [email protected]

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.

Or go to the County Council website at www.leics.gov.uk and download the application form information leaflet.

What times during the day can learners use their travel pass or obtain What support is available to learners who reach 19 concessionary fares? whilst continuing on a course? Leicester City Council A bus pass purchased through the City Council is valid during term time only and limited Students who commence a course in a school or FE to one return journey per weekday. The pick-up and destination points stated on any bus college before their pass document must be adhered to and operators have the right to confiscate any 19th birthday are eligible for the same level of support documents that are misused. until they complete the end of the academic year. Brooksby Melton Bus passes issued by the LA or BMC can only be used for the stated journey (home to Support is available to students who become 19 whilst College college) and for the specified bus operator. Travel is for college days; Monday to Friday, continuing on a course during that academic year until the throughout the academic year. Saver tickets can be used throughout the end of their course provided they meet the criteria for Arriva Midlands region including evenings and weekends. Students should check the eligibility. Arriva Terms and Conditions prior to purchase. Gateway Sixth Form Weekdays: Monday – Friday. Term time only. Support from the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary College 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 If a LA bus pass is awarded to a learner it can only be used for home to college transport, All learners regardless of age are eligible to apply for during the week and term time. If a student is awarded a bus pass from college support from the discretionary Learner Support Fund. discretionary Learner Support Funds the pass is usable all day to all destinations within However, the means-tested assessment will be based on the limits of the bus pass e.g. city pass will not be usable within county boundaries. the learner’s income if they are over 19 and not that of their parents/carers. Loughborough College Academic Bus Passes provided by the LA can only be used for the stated journey (home Yes, if they were 18 or under when starting their course. to college) and for the specified company. Travel is for college hours during weekdays and Support will be available from the 16-18 Bursary Fund for term time only. Arriva Midlands’ Student Saver Ticket, KinchBus 24/7 Network Pass and those eligible. Centrebus 24/7 Network Smartcard can be used all day every day including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and half terms. North Warwickshire & Learners can use their bus pass for one journey to and from the college depending on the Eligible students aged 19 and over may be apply for help Hinckley College pass issued. with transport costs from the College Bursary and Discretionary Fund. Regent College Arriva or First passes; there are no restrictions on these passes. For Local Authority Learners who reach the age of 19 during the academic issued passes the Council’s terms and conditions apply. year will continue to be supported until the end of their programme of study, provided they meet the criteria for eligibility. South Leicestershire Learners can use their bus pass for one journey to and from the college depending on the Support will be made available to learners who reach 19 College pass issued. whilst continuing on a course.

Stephenson College If an LA bus pass is awarded to a student it can only be used for home to college transport Students who become 19 during the academic year are during the week and in term time. supported until the end of that academic year. Wyggeston & QE Arriva or First passes: there are no restrictions on these passes, during the periods for Support will be made available to students who reach 19 College which they are issued. whilst continuing on a course, provided they meet the criteria for eligibility. How will learners be assessed to see if they are eligible for What help is provided for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities? support? Is means testing used? Leicester City The L.A. does not provide free or subsidised transport for Post 16 Please contact the Special Education Service on 0116 454 2050 to discuss the support Council students. However, if a student wishes to purchase a pass from the that is available. LA, they must live more than three miles but less than 20 miles walking distance from the college boundary and be in the 16, 17 or 18 age group when the course begins. Brooksby Melton Learners can apply to the College 16-18 Bursary Fund if the family Special transport is arranged by direct application to the LA, as appropriate, for students College income, including benefits, is below £30,000. Proof of income will with learning difficulties/disabilities which are identified at time of application and be required and proof of payment for their bus pass in order to interview. Please contact the college Transport Department or LA Transport Team for qualify. further details. Gateway Sixth Means tested applications can be made to the Guaranteed Bursary Students not eligible for LA subsidised transport can apply to the means tested Form College and Discretionary Fund, any financial allocations are based on Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund for help with their transport costs. meeting the financial criteria and individual circumstances. Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Support Fund are Application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary available from Student Services. Support Fund are available from Student Services. Leicester College All applications are means tested based on the disposable income If a learner requires alternative travel i.e. taxis, we advise all learners to discuss their of parents/carers and/or learner. Learners are automatically needs during their course interview. At this point the College will investigate the individual considered for the discretionary LSF if they or parents/carers are in needs for alternative travel and establish arrangements accordingly. Learners will need to receipt of a means-tested benefit. Distance from campus may also apply to the appropriate Support Fund. Travel cards; journey cards; taxi fares will be paid affect the type of bus pass provided. for if appropriate. Learners will need to make a contribution towards taxi costs. Loughborough Applicants with a family income of £45,000 p.a. or less are invited Students with SEN may have free passes if they are under 19 or fit the eligibility criteria at College to apply to the college’s Learner Support Funds for help with part the start of their further education course. If students are over 19 we invite them to apply of their travel costs. The fund would only be able to contribute for help through the Learner Support funds if they meet the eligibility criteria. Those towards the cost of one bus pass. unable to use public transport should contact their Local Education Authority for information on Specialist Transport. North Please refer to the College Guide on the College website Eligible students aged over 19 who cannot be supported through the Local Authority may Warwickshire & www.nwhc.ac.uk or by contacting Customer Services on 024 7624 apply for help with transport costs from the College Bursary and Discretionary funds. Hinckley College 3000, or e mail [email protected]. Regent College All applications are means tested based upon the income of Learners in this category who are not eligible for LA assistance will be directed to parents/carers and/or student; full details of policy and eligibility are information about the college’s general bursary fund. Learners meeting the relevant available from the college’s website or in person from the divisional household income criterion, as outlined in the college’s general bursary guidelines, may administrators in the ‘Hub’. 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 Learners must be 3 miles or more from the college and on a full- Please contact the college directly. Leicestershire time course. Stephenson Means tested applications can be made for support through the Help may be available from the Bursary Fund, to those who do not fit the eligibility College Bursary Fund and Discretionary Learner Support Fund; any criteria. Over 19 year old students following a course designed for those with Special financial allocations are based on meeting the financial criteria and Educational Needs may be eligible for financial support through the Discretionary Learner individual circumstances. Support Fund. Wyggeston & QE Application to the means-tested 16-19 Bursary Fund can be made; Learners not eligible for LA assisted SEN travel support may apply to the college means- College any financial allocations are based on individual circumstances. tested 16-19 Bursary Fund for help with their transport costs as outlined in Section 2 of Full details of the support available is published on the college this document. Learners eligible for such support from the Bursary Fund, but whose website at: complex needs would prevent them from accessing public transport may be supported to http://www.wqeic.ac.uk/support/financial-support/ use their eligibility to access a relevant level of bursary funding as a contribution towards the cost an alternative mode of transport.

When should learners start to apply for transport? Leicester City If you think you will be eligible to buy a pass from the City Council you should apply On Line as soon as possible at Council www.leicester.gov.uk/schooltransport Click on “Apply and pay (£425) for a 16-18 year old’s bus pass” .To be sure of obtaining a pass from the start of the autumn term, students MUST SEND IN APPLICATIONS BEFORE 15TH JULY. If your application is received after that date, students may not receive their pass in time for the start of their course. If a course depends on GCSE results students should apply anyway and return travel passes to the L.A. if the course is not taken up. Brooksby Melton 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 College 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 Students are given financial support information at interview and are sent application forms for the Guaranteed Bursary and Discretionary Form College 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 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 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 College 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. North Warwickshire Contact the college. & Hinckley College Regent College Students are given financial support information that 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 South June onwards. Leicestershire College Stephenson Students are given financial support information at interview and are sent application forms for the Bursary/Discretionary Learner Support College Funds. Students are also signposted to information before they start College to apply for a LA pass if appropriate. Wyggeston & QE 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 College 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

What help can learners apply for if they need to travel What help is available for learners who attend an FE institution which is beyond to a course that is outside Leicester? daily travelling distance and need to stay away? Leicester City Students can purchase a bus pass that allows travel to a Contact the colleges directly for details of available help. Council college or FE provider outside of the LA boundary if the live more than three miles but less than 20 miles walking distance from the college boundary AND be in the 16, 17 or 18 age group when the course begins. Brooksby Melton Students may be eligible for support regardless of their The college has some residential accommodation for 18+ learners. The college can also College home address. Contact the college Transport Department help with finding accommodation in shared houses or home-stay for under 18 learners. If for further details on 01664 855211 or refer to the 16-18 you are living away from home assistance may be available to help meet the cost of Travel Guide by visiting www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk. 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 Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary. Form College boundary.

Leicester College All learners regardless of where they live can apply to the Learners can apply to the Learner Support Fund whereupon the cost effectiveness of college Learner Support Fund for support. Application daily transport provision or moving into closer accommodation will be looked into. There forms are available at all Student Services Desks at each is a residential bursary scheme, which can help with relocation costs for educational main campus or can be sent to your home address – purposes. We advise all students in this predicament to contact a College Welfare contact 0116 224 2240/4048. Advisor for more information. Loughborough All students regardless of where they live can apply to the Students aged 16-18 attending Loughborough College with a First Full Level 2 or Level 3 College college Learner Support Fund. Cases will be dealt with on course which is not available within a reasonable distance from their home may be an individual basis. eligible for help from the Residential Support scheme, Contact 01509 618375 for more information. North Warwickshire Not available. Not available. & Hinckley College Regent College Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA Applications to the 16-19 Bursary fund will be considered on an individual basis and full boundary. details are available on the main college website. South Would provide support where necessary. Would provide support where necessary. Leicestershire College Stephenson All students can apply for support with transport costs Accommodation is only provided for students who attend the College in block patterns. College through the Bursary/Discretionary Learner Support Funds, regardless of their home address. Wyggeston & QE Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA Not applicable. All courses are on-site or within city LA boundary. College boundary.