Reminder on free school transport seats

Parents of children in Carmarthenshire who do not qualify for free school transport are being reminded that some spare seats will become available from half term.
Pupils who cannot have free transport because they live within the statutory walking distance of schools may be able to use any spare seats which may become available on some vehicles.
Free home to school transport is usually provided for children attending their nearest or designated catchment school.

Those living within the statutory walking distance of the school, however, are not entitled to it unless there is no safe walking route available for a child (and if necessary an accompanying parent).
In some areas of Carmarthenshire, public transport is available for school journeys.

Where there is no suitable public transport bus the council has a small number of spare seats available on some contract vehicles which can be made available free of charge temporarily on a concessionary basis, providing the distance to school exceeds one mile and the learner is attending the designated or nearest school.
The council will prioritise the allocation of spare seats initially to those in receipt of free school meals. Any surplus seats available thereafter will be made available to other pupils according to age, with youngest children prioritised. Should the spare seats subsequently become needed for those eligible for free transport, the concession can be withdrawn with seven days notice.
Applications for spare seats are available now from the relevant schools or online at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk and must be submitted by October 15.