Travel training for young people with special educational needs
Students with special educational needs can struggle to travel independently - and overcoming this can seem like a mountain to climb.
Simple journeys to see friends, go to school or college or even commuting to a job can seem really daunting. Encouraging young people to take those first steps to being confident enough to catch a bus, hand over money and navigate their own way to and from bus stops can cause anxiety, stress and concern - for students, parents and carers alike.
Help is at hand. Gloucestershire County Council is working closely with students and their families on a one to one basis to fully support them to acquire the skills and confidence needed to travel independently.
The Independent Travel Training team was introduced in January 2017 and qualified trainers have already supported 191 young people to travel independently. The support offered to young people helps them to understand the risks of independent travel and introduces them to appropriate coping strategies to help them manage their journeys.
Who is this service available for?
- You have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- You are/will be in full-time education (540 guided learning hours)
- You are/will be attending the nearest school or college that can meet your educational needs
- You live over 3 miles away from your nearest school or college
If you do not meet this criteria, please get in touch to see if we can still help.
How will travel training be delivered?
The training will include:
- using a bus pass or money and understanding information displays/timetables
- journey planning
- practical training in the community: on foot, crossing roads, using public transport with the right support from the travel trainer
- 'What if' scenarios, copying strategies, how to resolve problems, using a mobile phone safely and more.
For an informal conversation about how travel training might help you, please contact Tim, Steve or Kiernan on itt@gloucestershire.gov.uk or by phoning 01452 328751.
Who can make referrals?
Either parents or the following people can refer for travel training: schools, social workers and other practitioners or lead professionals working with children and young people with learning difficulties or disabilities.