School Transport for Pupils
Information for parents – starting September 2026
Luminous Oak Academy (LOA) does not arrange or manage school transport.
All school transport for children with Special Educational Needs and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is managed by Hampshire County Council (HCC).
If your child is starting at Luminous Oak Academy in September 2026, it is important that you understand how transport works and what you need to do.
Who decides about school transport?
Hampshire County Council makes all decisions about:
- who gets school transport
- what type of transport is provided
- whether a passenger assistant is needed
LOA cannot approve, change or organise transport.
Which pupils may get free transport?
Your child may be able to get free school transport from Hampshire County Council if:
- they are of compulsory school age, and
- they cannot walk to school safely because of their SEND or health needs, even with an adult, or
- the school is too far away to walk, or
- the walking route is not safe.
Each request is looked at individually, using your child’s EHCP and medical information. Applications for transport should only be made when a child’s school has been confirmed, and you can only apply once in an academic year unless there is a change of circumstances.
Does having an EHCP mean transport is automatic?
No.
Having an EHCP does not automatically mean transport will be provided.
Hampshire County Council decides based on:
- your child’s needs
- distance to Luminous Oak Academy
- safety of the route
What transport might be offered?
If transport is agreed, Hampshire County Council may provide:
- a taxi or minibus
- shared transport with other pupils
- a passenger assistant, if needed for safety
The transport provided must meet your child’s needs, not the school’s timetable.
How and when do parents apply?
Parents must:
- apply directly to Hampshire County Council
- apply online via the HCC school transport website: Apply for school transport | Education and learning | Hampshire County Council
- apply by the deadline before September. When checked, the HCC website noted that the deadline for SEND Applications is 30 June.
- If your child is moving to Luminous Oak Academy from another school, you must reapply, even if transport was provided before.
What if transport is not agreed?
If Hampshire County Council decides your child is not eligible:
- parents are expected to arrange the school journey
- you can ask for a review or appeal if you disagree with the decision
Over 90% of families in Hampshire make their own travel arrangements.
Important things to remember
- Transport is usually only provided to the nearest suitable school
- Transport arrangements can change each year
- Parents must tell Hampshire County Council if their address or school changes
- Luminous Oak Academy cannot organise temporary or emergency transport