Education and Social Care
Council Office
High Street
Elgin
IV30 1BX
Tel: 01343 563374
Fax: 01343 563478
Email: educationalservices@moray.gov.uk
Information for Parents and Carers - Pupil Transport
Who is entitled to free school transport?
Free school transport is provided under the terms of existing legislation and Council policy. This means that all primary and secondary pupils who live more than two miles from their local school will be provided with free transport to and from that school.
In certain exceptional circumstances - for example medical reasons - a pupil living closer than two miles may be allocated transport for a fixed period of time.
I chose a school other than the local one for my child - does this still apply?
No, if you make a Placing Request and your child attends a school other than the one in whose catchment area (delineated zone) you live, you are fully responsible for making transport arrangements and meeting the costs involved. The only exception to this may be where there are medical/psychological reasons for attending a particular school or where there is no room at the local school for your child.
What sort of transport is provided?
Some children will receive season tickets for public service buses, others will be transported by the direct provision of contract buses and taxis or by the Council’s own minibuses. Occasionally, payment may be made to parents to transport their own children, but only where other more normal methods of transport are impossible.
Where will my child catch his/her bus?
“Door to door” transport is not guaranteed. Pick up points for contract and Council buses are made as convenient as possible. Those using public service buses will simply use their nearest bus stop. In either case, your child may be required to walk up to two miles to a pick up point.
How long should they wait if the school bus is late?
Your child is not expected to wait longer than 15-20 minutes beyond the normal pick up time. Please note that in severe weather conditions, morning buses may be cancelled especially if the severe weather is expected to continue or worsen. If this is the case and you decide to transport your child to school that day anyway, it will be your responsibility to arrange to transport them home again. Wherever possible, announcements regarding school transport provision during severe weather will be made on Moray Firth Radio.
What time will my child get to school?
Your child should arrive at school between the school’s start time and 20 minutes before that time.
How will the bus driver know my child is entitled to get on the bus?
Your child will be given a season ticket if they are to travel by public service bus, or a special pass with his/her name on it for other buses. He/she should always carry this when travelling to and from school.
What if they lose their ticket or pass?
They must have it replaced and a charge is made for the administrative costs of doing this.
What is “Privilege Transport”?
There are sometimes spare seats on school transport buses which may be allocated at the discretion of the Headteacher to pupils living less than two miles from the school or outwith the immediate catchment area. The transport will not cost anything, but may be withdrawn at any time if another pupil entitled to free transport starts at the school.
What transport arrangements are there for children with additional support needs?
If your child has additional support needs the normal rules do not necessarily apply. Arrangements for free transport will be made in line with your child’s needs.
What happens with transport if the school closes early unexpectedly?
The school will try to contact parents to let them know the school is closing, and where it is safe to do so, pupils will be transported to their regular drop off point. This may not always be possible or safe in storm conditions and it is particularly important therefore that you supply the requested “storm warning procedures” contact information to the school.
