Active travel

Where possible please walk, cycle or scoot if you live a short distance (2 miles or less) from school. 

For more useful active travel tips and advice, check out 'the new you' back to school campaign.

Travelling by car

We know it isn’t always possible to walk, cycle or scoot to school so we would encourage parking a short distance from school and walking the short distance. This will reduce congestion in and around the school entrance and help keep everyone safe.

Try to give additional space and time to cyclists, scooters and pedestrians and park away from schools to respect their safety and the needs of residents close to schools and colleges.

Car sharing

When car sharing, It is recommended you wear a face covering when travelling in a private vehicle with people you do not usually meet.

On your journey, open windows to let fresh air in where possible. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands often, and always when exiting or re-entering your vehicle.

For more information visit GOV.UK.

Travelling by bus

The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport. This includes public transport and dedicated transport to school or college.

Travelling on dedicated school transport

Dedicated school transport is defined as buses, minibuses and taxis reserved exclusively for students. They are not open to the general public.

• dedicated school transport is safe, services have been COVID-19 risk assessed - transport operators, drivers and passenger assistants will be working to revised good practice guidance
• the overall risk to children from COVID-19 is low
• students will not come into contact with the general public on transport
• children and their families should now be familiar with public health guidance and how to protect themselves and others

• Face masks are recommended in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. This includes public transport and dedicated transport to school or college.

We remain under a statutory duty to provide free home to school travel for all eligible children. 

Students eligible for free home to school transport

Student eligibility for supported home to school transport will be assessed in the normal way. The application process depends on where you live:

• Bournemouth and Christchurch residents
• Poole residents
• young people with SEND.

Where travellers are dissatisfied about the mode of free transport awarded, they may appeal, however it is unlikely that an alternative mode of travel will be funded by ourselves.

Find out more and apply for help with school transport in your area.