Temporary vacant seat scheme
Vacant seat update
For the Summer term:
Temporary Vacant Seats will remain free of charge for the Summer Term. Children will not be issued with a new pass and should continue to use their Spring Term pass for the Summer Term. All operators have been informed to accept expired passes. New applications for the Summer Term will still be accepted.
Please note the action to not issue pupils with passes for the Summer Term period has been taken because we are not sure when schools will open again.
Applications for the next academic year - September 2020:
You will still be required to apply for a Temporary Vacant Seat as normal. Applications will be via our webpages and will be handled in the usual way on a first come first served basis. Applications for next year are not yet open. Any applications received will presently be rejected. Information will be sent to current vacant seat holders and posted on this page when applications open for next year.
What is the scheme?
This scheme is where we have hired a vehicle and it has more seats than we need for pupils entitled to free or subsidised transport. Spare seats may be available through our application process for pupils not entitled to free transport.
The number of seats for this scheme are limited and we cannot guarantee a place. There is no guarantee that a seat will be available under the scheme, nor is it a statutory requirement to offer a seat. Should a seat not be available you remain responsbile for arranging and funding travel as you feel is necessary.
How do I apply?
Please ensure that you have read and understood our guide to temporary vacant seats before you apply:
The easiest way is to apply online.
Your data
Any personal data collected through your application for a temporary vacant seat is handled securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
We will use the information to process your application for a temporary vacant seat.
The county council uses personal information about children and families to enable it to provide relevant services to them and to carry out specific functions for which it is responsible.
For more detailed information please see our data information pages.
When does transport start?
Mainstream schools
At the beginning of the autumn term where available.
Special educational needs schools
This is allocated after October half-term.
This is due to the late notification of entitled special educational needs pupils requirements. It will also reduce the possibility of the seat being withdrawn after allocation.
Contact
Mainstream applications
School Transport Team: 01785 895024
Email: Student Transport
Special Educational Needs (SEN) application
North Area (Newcastle Borough and Staffordshire Moorlands District areas)
Tel: 01785 854118
East Area (Burton, Uttoxeter, East Staffs Borough and Tamworth Borough areas)
Tel: 01785 895742
South and West Areas (Stafford Borough, and South Staffs District areas)
Tel: 01785 895680
Lichfield and Cannock areas
Tel:01785 895594
Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Email: SEN transport request