Terms & Conditions
Staffordshire County Council Post 16 transport scheme
Following a period of consultation, a new scheme is being introduced from September 2012 for students moving into year 12. Students who will be year 13 and above will have the old scheme still applied. For more information on these schemes please see our page 'Can I get help with travel?'|
The following terms and conditions will apply for the academic year beginning September 2012 and cover both the old and new scheme.
This scheme may not be the cheapest or best option for you – always check out your other options| before applying.
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For students in year 13 and above in September 2012, support is offered to Staffordshire resident students whose 19th birthday is on or after the 31 August 2012, studying a named full time course of at least 12 hours timetabled study per week. The course can be at entry level or at level 1, 2 or 3. Transport assistance is not given to higher education courses (level 4 and above, such as Foundation Degrees or Higher National Diplomas). For a further explanation of qualification levels see the Directgov website.
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For students in year 12 in September 2012, support is offered to Staffordshire residents studying a full time course at level 3 or below with at least 16 hours of timetabled study per week. The low income criteria must also be met.
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For students with learning difficulties and disabilities, we will continue to offer support until a course is completed providing the course was begun on or before the day of their 19th birthday
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The course must be funded by the local authority - transport support is not given to students paying fees for their tuition, or attending a course as part of a paid apprenticeship.
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Transport support is given to your catchment school or the nearest training provider with places available for the course/courses you wish to study.
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For those in year 12, this must also be between 3 and 15 miles away. The distance will be measured by Staffordshire County Council using their Geographic Information System to measure the shortest walking route for up to the 3 mile distance. Distances above 3 miles will be measured using the shortest driving route as calculated by Transport Direct. The distance criteria will be waived for students where their learning difficulty or disability prevents them from walking to school or college or using public transport to complete their journey.
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When considering if a course is available, we take into account - the end qualification awarded, not the individual units taken;the school or college having a place available to offer to you on that course;you meet the entry requirements demanded by that school/college;that the location meets any requirements you have as a result of any learning difficulty or disability you may have
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Suitability of transport will be determined by Staffordshire County Council - this will be based upon balancing reasonable costs and reasonable travel/waiting times, and enables you to access your learning place during school/college days at the school or college general start/finish times. This could mean that you may not receive transport assistance for the quickest or most convenient transport.
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For students with a learning difficulty or a disability, the need for specialised transport and the type of transport required due to an inability to walk or use public transport will be based upon information obtained from the school, college and any other appropriate professional(s).
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Students using this transport scheme are expected to make their own way to the nearest pick up point/bus stop/train station up to 1 mile away from the home address or destination if required. However, this distance may increase dependent on transport availability.
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Any public bus pass issued under the scheme will provide travel at a minimum during term time only between home and your place of learning
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Transport assistance is not given to attend work placements or work experience.
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We will provide transport to your registered base only, to enable attendance for the general start/finish times of the academic day. Transport to other sites or work placements, is not covered by this scheme. Transport to your registered base outside standard hours to attend activities that are not essential to passing your course is not covered by this scheme.
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Any travel pass issued under the scheme remains the property of Staffordshire County Council and must be returned if a student leaves school or college. Should you lose your pass a charge will be made for a replacement.
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Should you leave your course and require a refund you must return your pass to the Integrated Transport and Planning Unit. Refunds will not be made until the pass has been received. An administration fee of £10 may be deducted.
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Please be aware should payment required not be made per your agreed payment method (in full, termly or instalments), transport support will be withdrawn following a notice period, and the same payment method will not be offered the following year.
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Unacceptable behaviour such as fighting, bullying or foul language whilst using transport may result in the pass being withdrawn. Parents will be held responsible for any damage caused and may be charged for it.
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It can take up to 20 working days for the pass to be issued. Claims for payment of travel costs before 20 working days after receipt of your payment and photographs where applicable will not be accepted. No back dated claims for payment will be accepted. If a travel/petrol allowance is being paid we will confirm to you in writing the date that payment will commentce.
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However long your course is, you must make a new application for transport assistance each year.
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You must notify the Authority if you change address or your course of study.
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If you have any dispute regarding our decisions, please put your complaint in writing to the County Commissioner for School Organisation and Planning, Tipping Street, Stafford ST16 2DH.
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