Request a review - SEN transport
How to request a stage 1 review
Complete the online form within 20 working days of your travel assistance being refused.
Include all relevant supporting evidence (no more than 12 months old). Letters of support without professional evidence (such as a medical report) are not enough.
We won’t usually contact schools, doctors or other professionals for extra information, so please make sure you upload everything needed before submitting the form.
You may wish to contact Staffordshire SENDIASS for help. They offer impartial and confidential advice and can be reached on 01785 356921.
If your stage 1 appeal is unsuccessful
You’ll be told how to request a stage 2 appeal. You must do this within 20 working days of receiving the stage 1 outcome.
Further appeals in the same academic year won’t be accepted unless your circumstances change significantly or you have new supporting evidence.
You are responsible for arranging and paying for travel while your case is being reviewed. We only provide travel assistance once eligibility is confirmed and arrangements are in place.
Stages of the review and appeal process
Stage 1: Review by a senior officer
You have 20 working days from the date you receive the decision to request a review. Your written request should explain why you think the decision is wrong and include any personal or family circumstances you want us to consider.
We’ll respond within 20 working days. The decision letter will include:
- The outcome of the review
- How the review was carried out
- Any departments or agencies consulted
- What factors were considered
- The reasons for the decision
- How to request a stage 2 appeal, if needed
Stage 2: Independent appeal panel
If you’re not satisfied with the stage 1 outcome, you have 20 working days to request a stage 2 appeal.
An independent panel will consider your case within 40 working days. You can submit written evidence and speak to the panel if you wish.
You’ll receive a decision within 5 working days of the panel meeting. The decision letter will include:
- The outcome of the appeal
- How the review was carried out
- Any departments or agencies consulted
- What factors were considered
- The reasons for the decision
- Your right to contact the Local Government Ombudsman
The panel is independent of the original decision and stage 1 review. It includes representatives from SEND, Transport, and Access to Learning to ensure a fair balance between family needs and council responsibilities.
If your appeal is unsuccessful
If the stage 2 appeal is unsuccessful, you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman — but only if you believe the process wasn’t followed properly or there were other issues with how your appeal was handled.
You may also apply for a judicial review if you believe the decision was flawed under public law.
Who provides travel assistance during the review or appeal process?
During the review or appeal process you are responsible for arranging and funding any travel until your case has been considered. We only become responsible for arranging travel assistance once it has been decided the child or young person is eligible and for funding it once travel arrangements have been made.
