Nursery under 5s

There isn't a statutory duty to provide transport for nursery aged children, although we currently offer a contribution scheme for nursery age children with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) attending the associated assessment nursery designated to them.

The agreed level of contribution for the 2024/25 academic year is £933. Payment can be split into three termly payments, payable prior to the start of each term. No refunds are issued for reduced or cancelled travel.

For families on defined benefits, a contribution towards the cost of the transport assistance will be £299 for the academic year. This can also be split into three termly payments and no refunds are issued for reduced or cancelled travel. Those benefits are defined as follows:

• Income-based jobseekers allowance
• Income support
• Free school meals – as authorised by the council, not the school that your child is attending
• Child tax credit with annual income, as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs, of less than £16,190 on 1 September 2024 or subsequently on the date of application
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Universal credit – provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods
• The guaranteed element of pension credit

Parents' travelling expenses

Can I claim?

Only parents of nursery (Under 5s) and post-16 (16 to 19) children can claim parents' travelling expenses. As these age groups aren't statutory there's a financial contribution required, and as such parents will need to consider whether having expenses will be enough to cover the contribution as well.

What can I claim?

Entitled students are eligible to claim back the inwards and return mileage on a pre-agreed daily mileage rate. For example if you live eight miles away from school or college you'll be able to claim 16 miles per day.
We're able to pay 40p per mile.

How do I claim?

Once you've agreed with the Specialist Travel Team that travelling expenses are payable you'll need to complete a payment form to ensure our finance system holds your bank account details. Every month you'll need to complete a claim form by ticking the days that you've provided inwards and return transport. Deliver the form to your school/college where attendance is then assessed. The school/college will then send on the form to us for payment.

Please take a look at our ‘How to apply’ page or email special.transport.team@shropshire.gov.uk should you have any queries or require further assistance.