Parents and carers have the right to appeal if they are refused free school transport. Bedford Borough Council offer a two stage appeal process which is explained in full in our school transport policy documents. Please read the relevant mainstream school transport policy or the relevant SEND school transport policy before submitting an appeal form.
School transport entitlement appeal
Parents and carers may also wish to consider the Council’s formal complaints procedure, which is available at Be heard
Please note where an appeals process exists this should always be exhausted before making a complaint. Once these procedures are concluded then it may be possible to use the complaints procedure to investigate the issues, however in most cases this is unlikely to reverse any decisions made as part of these separate processes.
The appeal panel’s decision is final and binding, they cannot review their decision. However, an appellant may make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman if they feel there has been any administrative fault in the way the Panel has reached its decision.
If you require any further information about the appeal process please contact the school transport appeals clerk on (01234) 228905.