For many families with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, getting to and from school or college can be a challenge. That’s why we offer Personal Travel Budgets.
For families who are eligible for home to school travel assistance, a Personal Travel Budget (PTB) gives you the flexibility to manage your child's travel arrangements in a way that best suits your family's unique needs.
A PTB is a direct payment you can receive to arrange your own transport for your child, instead of using a vehicle contracted by the council. This allows you to choose the transport provider, whether it's a taxi service, a relative, or even using your own car, giving you more control and a better fit for your child's specific requirements.
Real-life benefits: a case study
A mother of two, found the school run incredibly difficult to manage. Her eldest son has a complex physical disability that requires a specially adapted car seat and a flexible schedule. With a Personal Travel Budget, she was able to arrange her own travel, allowing her to drop her son off at the most convenient time for him, avoiding busy rush hours and reducing his anxiety. The PTB also gave her the flexibility to use a trusted private hire company for after-school activities, which wasn't possible with the council's arranged transport.
Is a Personal Travel Budget right for your family?
A Personal Travel Budget can be a great option for families who want more control and flexibility over their child's transport arrangements. To find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the home to school travel assistance pages or contact us directly at EducationTransport@southend.gov.uk