PARENTS of children attending Lancashire County Council schools should start making travel arrangements for the next academic year.

They include financial support for transport costs where necessary and the purchase of season tickets for buses contracted by the authority.

The transport entitlement for pupils starting secondary school is assessed by the county council. Any parent receiving a letter about transport for pupils beginning Year 7 in September should return their completed application form soon.

The county council will try to issue a new pass in time for the start of the new term.

Any parent who thinks their child may be entitled to help with travel costs due to a change in circumstances, should contact the School Transport Line on 0300 123 6738.

Sixth form pupils who previously travelled on a school bus contracted by the county council may be able to continue by purchasing a travel season ticket.

Primary school pupils in years 1 to 6 and secondary school students in years 8 to 11, who received help with transport last year and whose circumstances have not changed, will receive their passes in August.

The parents of children who use taxi transport provided by the county council to primary and secondary schools will be informed of any new transport arrangements by letter.