Home to School Transport applications are now open and Westmorland and Furness Council are encouraging parents and carers of children to apply online.

Free school transport is available to pupils who attend their catchment or nearest qualifying school and live more than two miles away (up to 8 years old) or three miles away (aged 8 years old and over).

Applications need to be made before the deadline on the May 31.

Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “I would urge parents and carers to apply as soon as possible to get the best chance of transport arrangements being in place for their child before September.

“If your child is already receiving transport or you have already applied for transport, you do not need to re-apply. However, if you are moving address or school you will need to make a new application.” 

Children from low-income families, those receiving free school meals and uniform vouchers, or those whose families qualify for Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit at the maximum level may also qualify for transportation assistance. 

Councillor Neil Hughes, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environmental Services, said: “Home to School Transport is a vital service that ensures students can access education, irrespective of the distance.

“I would encourage eligible families to make their applications as early as possible.”   

It is important that applications be submitted by May 31, 2024, to enable each council to assess whether a child is eligible for transport, inform parents, and plan routes for the start of September 2024.

Applications received after this date may not be processed until after the start of term. 

For further information on eligibility and to apply online please visit Westmorland and Furness Council – School Transport for those in Cumberland please visit Cumberland – School Transport.