[P]arents and carers of school pupils who are starting primary or secondary school in September 2018 are being encouraged to apply online for home to school transport.
Cumbria County Council arranges free school transport to pupils who are attending their catchment or nearest qualifying school and live more than two miles away (up to the age of 8) or more than three miles away (aged 8 and over).
Children from low income groups (i.e. those who are entitled to free school meals and uniform vouchers, or whose families are in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit) may also be entitled to assistance with transport.
Further information on eligibility, an online application form and Frequently Asked Questions are available via the council’s website www.cumbria.gov.uk/schooltransport. The School Transport team can also be contacted by telephone on 01228 226427 if anyone would like to discuss their application in more detail.
Applications should preferably be submitted by 31 May 2018 to enable the council to assess whether a child has an entitlement to transport, inform parents of the outcome and plan routes before the start of term in September 2018. If applications are received after this date, transport may not be in place until after term starts.