Independent travel training
Independent travel training is aimed at children and young people with additional needs, who receive support from the local authority to get to school.
Independent travel training is about giving young people the skills and confidence to travel safely on public transport, expanding their knowledge of road safety and how to plan journeys. This usually happens when your child reaches an age that they are ready to benefit from the opportunities provided by Independent Travel Training (usually around academic year 8 and 9). But it's also about giving you the reassurance that your child is moving towards a more independent life, opening up opportunities and helping them prepare for adulthood.
Travel training focuses on using public transport to school or college. However, it can help to build your child's confidence, social and independence skills, reducing their reliance on you. You may also be eligible for a free or discounted bus pass, your travel trainer will be happy to go through all the options.
Getting started with independent travel training
Our travel trainers are experienced in the use of training in systematic Instruction (TSI). They'll make an appointment with you and your child to talk through the travel training experience. The trainer will link in with school, or college to develop the training to suit your child. We'll arrange a regular appointment to travel with your child to and from school and teach them things like 'the green cross code, 'safe places', 'safe strangers' and how to solve problems when things go wrong.
Your child will be closely observed and monitored throughout the travel training process and must reach a number of key targets. We'll gradually reduce the 'one to one' support, but we will always be there to observe your child until we all feel they are ready to be 'signed off'.
If you would like your child to be considered for travel training, a member of the Travel Care Team will contact your child's school or college. Once we have established your child's training needs and whether they are able to benefit from the training, our travel trainer will get in touch with you start the process.
Success stories
This film was co-produced by Gateshead Council's SEND Involvement Worker and the Independent Travel Team. It shows some success stories of our Gateshead children and young people, and why schools strongly support the model.
To find out more please call 0191 433 7484 or email travelcare@gateshead.gov.uk.