Support for Young People with SEND travelling by public transport

Travelling by public transport allows you to become more independent. This includes travelling by bus and train. It can be a little worrying if you are not used to it, but it is an important thing to build confidence with.

Independent Travel Training

Independent travel training (ITT) can help you to become more confident with travelling on public transport. It helps to provide you with the skills that you need to travel on your own. These can include journey planning, time management and safety skills.

The training is tailored to individual needs. This means that it will help you to work on the skills you need the most. It is likely that you will begin with the journey between your home and school/college. It aims to help increase the choices you have for education and employment. This will also help you to access a range of social activities without relying on other people.

You will get to meet your trainer before you start. They will explain how the programme works and answer any questions you may have. You will be assessed throughout the training to see the progress you are making. There is no 'pass' or 'fail' as everyone is different so not everyone completes the training in the same amount of time.

In Sutton, ITT is provided by KCIL. For more information about KCIL and ITT, visit the Sutton Independent Travel Training website [External Link].

Case Study: The Benefits of Independent Travel Training with Sutton ITT

Introduction:

The Independent Travel Training (ITT) programme, delivered by Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL), has been making a meaningful impact in the London Borough of Sutton. With two dedicated trainers, Naomi and William, the programme is helping young people build the skills and confidence needed to travel independently. Through a blend of workshops, personalised sessions, and hands-on travel experience, KCIL is empowering pupils and their families by fostering independence and promoting sustainable travel options.

Programme Highlights:

The ITT programme has experienced significant progress in recent months. Key achievements include:

- Several workshops conducted across the borough, engaging both parents and children.

- A wide range of home-to-school and school-to-home training sessions delivered by Naomi and William.

- Many pupils now successfully traveling independently, demonstrating their newfound confidence and ability.

- A growing community awareness around the importance of independent travel training.

- An increasing number of young people choosing sustainable travel methods, such as buses and trains.

- Pupils improving their practical skills by using travel apps and tools to estimate bus arrival times.

- Development of problem-solving skills, with students navigating real-life challenges during training.

One notable instance involved a bus breakdown during a session, where a pupil, guided by their trainer, successfully adapted to the situation, showcasing both their growing confidence and ability to problem-solve in unexpected circumstances.

Impact on Young People and the Community:

The programme’s reach extends beyond the individuals directly involved. The wider community in Sutton is becoming more aware of the benefits of independent travel, with young people trained through the programme leading by example. They are proving that, with the right support, they can travel confidently and safely.

Furthermore, the programme supports environmental sustainability by encouraging public transportation use. As more young people become comfortable with buses and trains, their reduced reliance on cars helps decrease traffic congestion and contribute to lower carbon emissions in the area.

Service User Feedback:

Feedback from parents and pupils highlights the positive impact of the programme:

"K’s travel training is going great. K is now more confident and proud of their progress so far. We both can’t wait for the end result. Naomi is great with K and very friendly."

"The service you and the team provide is invaluable. Your experience and patience help young people gain independence in their lives."

“The support provided by the team is truly appreciated. William’s dedication and approach help young people like N gain confidence and independence."

Looking Ahead:

KCIL aims to continue expanding the programme, welcoming new referrals for upcoming terms and school holidays. With growing demand, the organisation is eager to help more young people develop the skills they need to access education and their local communities independently.

The success of the ITT programme is reflected not just in the number of sessions or workshops, but in the increased independence, confidence, and pride demonstrated by the pupils who complete the training. With each successful journey, they move one step closer to self-reliance—an important milestone in their personal growth.

Parents with children receiving Assisted Travel can self-refer or contact the Cognus Assisted Travel team for a Referral form. Contact the Sutton ITT team on 0208 5469603 or via email itt@kcil.org.uk or visit the KCIL website  for more information.