Provision is made to collect and return pupils to their homes on a discretionary basis by Knowsley Education Authority. Each youngster’s transport needs are assessed at their annual review. Provision is then made to collect and return youngsters to their homes.
It is an expectation at Alt Bridge that when youngsters reach the upper school they make every effort to become independent travellers. An extensive training programme of social mobility has been devised and operated by special support assistants under the responsibility of Head of Upper School. Successful completion of this programme results in the award of a bus pass for the pupil to travel to and from the centre, and any linked mainstream school, independently. Again, this bus pass is provided by the Local Education Authority.
Pupils living close to the centre can make their own way to Alt Bridge by prior agreement between parents and the centre staff.
Alt Bridge has the use of 3 minibuses, which assists the integration programme, as well as making possible many of the off-site experiences offered in our programme.
SEN Home to School Transport
Many students who attend Alt Bridge School are eligible for funded SEND transport through Knowsley Transport Service. Parents and carers have to register for this travel through the Knowsley SEND transport link;
https://transport.knowsley.gov.uk/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F
If a student already receives LA transport within a different setting and the student is coming to Alt Bridge soon, Parents/carers will need to re-apply as this is a change in school placement and the agreement will not automatically continue.
Alt Bridge Learning Mentors are able to help with the application if needed.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities can also be supported through Independent Travel Training where appropriate and encouraged to develop their independence by using public transport. We work with the Local Authority travel training team to support students in developing their travel independence.
If you wish to speak with a LA transport officer, please contact them using the details below.
Travel passes
If students would like a travel pass and are in receipt of DLA payments parents/carers can apply for a travel pass through Merseytravel, which allows travel 24 hours a day 7 days a week, throughout the whole year, on buses, trains and ferries.
For further information on the Merseytravel travel pass and how to apply, please see the Merseytravel website: https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tickets-and-pricing/people-with-disabilities/
Contact Details
Call 0151 443 2440 for transport advice from the Knowsley SEND transport service.
