The Department has published updated statutory guidance on home-to-school transport. The updates include:

• no change to eligibility for extended rights transport support for low-income families
• from 2026/27, free school meals (FSM) will be split into targeted FSM and expanded FSM
• extended rights eligibility will continue to be based on targeted FSM
• updated safeguarding requirements under the Bus Services Act 2025, including enhanced checks for drivers on closed-door school services
• additional guidance on DBS checks for taxi and private hire drivers.

Home-to-school travel - GOV.UK