The Isle of Wight Council has announced that the application process for school transport ‘privilege seats’ is now open.
Parents of children who are not eligible for a local authority-funded seat on contracted school bus transport can apply for a privilege seat up until 16:00 on Friday 9th July 2021.
Privilege seats are spare seats sold to parents who choose to send their child to a school other than their nearest school.
As was the case last year, a privilege seat costs £390 — the equivalent of around £2 a day over the academic year — which can be paid in termly or in half-termly instalments.
There is also an option to apply for a privilege seat for only the morning or afternoon journey.
Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Debbie Andre, said:
“I would urge parents to apply as soon as they can for a seat as the time frame to apply for this is limited. We have also been able to keep the costs the same as last year.
“Due to fewer private services selling seats, spaces are limited and so some parents will be disappointed, which we understand. For those who are unable to buy a privilege seat, we hope that local transport services are able to accommodate them as they did last year, so that parents can plan for September.”
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Applications are for the 2021/22 academic year and must be made during the online application window and seats will be allocated after the closing date. The process will select successful applicants randomly.
Every year, the council spends more than £3 million transporting children to school under its statutory obligations.
For details on how to apply, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/privilegeseats.
Yet those on benefits get it free, and STILL can’t apparently feed their children without charity.
yep – they get free school meals, free travel to and from school, child benefit, universal credit, free prescriptions, free dental, free eye tests and much more, yet still plead poverty and expect charity handouts as well as free food for their kids in the holidays
Too busy buying their ciggies.
and don’t forget the latest mobile phones and tattoos for the parents as well…
Why cabn’t the public use these services especially towards the end of their route when they are practically empty. A case in point is St lawrence where an almose empty bus goes into Ventnor in the morning and returns practically empty in the afternoon.
Joe, becasue of the risk of drugs, se xual risks, risk of violence and foul language.
Mind not ALL the children are into all four!
they take too long to get from a to b and to boot cost more than the over priced car parks