Introduction:
There is very little free home to school transport available in Buckinghamshire, and that which is available is determined by strict eligibility criteria. Home to school transport is available in other forms from commercial operators.
At primary school age it is expected that most children will be accompanied to school by a parent or carer. Many will live close enough to walk to school. Parents are encouraged to group together to allow children to walk to school together, reducing traffic congestion and encouraging social interaction.
At secondary school age any children who are eligible for free school transport will automatically receive an offer from Buckinghamshire if the local authority has established that the child is entitled to it. However, the list or requirements in order to be eligible for this is considerable.
There are a number of commercially operated routes serving Amersham’s secondary schools that are only available for students of that particular school. Annual tickets for seats on these buses are purchased directly from the operator. More information about this is available from this Buckinghamshire Council website.
Overall, however, the majority of secondary age school children at the secondary schools in Amersham use public transport, walk or cycle to school.
At both age groups children with particular Special Educational Needs, or families with low incomes, are those who are more likely to receive free school transport.
Conclusion
It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children attend school on time each day, and organising effective transport is part of that responsibility. There are some options available at secondary age through dedicated school buses, but the vast majority of Amersham’s children get to school by walking or using some form of public transport.
