Travel Training for young people with special educational needs or disability

Wirral Independent Travel Training is one-to-one travel support for young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) to teach you the skills, knowledge and confidence to use public transport on your own.

It is all about independence. Get the skills and confidence to travel on your own using public transport to and from school or college.

The aims of Independent Travel Training are to:

  • increase independence and use of own initiative
  • raise self confidence
  • provide greater freedom
  • develop social skills
  • open opportunities for learning and work
  • reduce reliance on friends and family

How can Travel Training help you?

Independent Travel Training can help you in the following ways:

  • learn to travel on your own
  • provide greater freedom - get around and enjoy more social activities
  • new opportunities for learning and work
  • less reliance on friends and family
  • raise self confidence

Pupils who have completed the pilot scheme report feeling more confident, having more self-esteem and feeling happier about accessing further education, work, training and other opportunities.

How does Travel Training work?

A Travel Trainer will come on your journey to and from school or college until you are ready to make the journey on your own.

The Travel Trainer will:

  • meet with your parents or carer and you before any training starts
  • create a detailed journey plan, with photos and maps of your journey
  • build on your road safety skills and awareness
  • cover a wide range of ‘What If’ situations
  • once you are successful you will be presented with a ‘Independent Traveller Certificate’.

Who is eligible for Independent Travel Training?

The scheme is open to young people with Special Educational Needs and or a Disability attending Wirral special schools, education inclusion bases in mainstream schools or post 16 provision. Students currently receiving school or college transport who would like to learn to travel independently can also apply.

Some frequently asked questions are answered in the Travel Training SEND leaflet.

How can I find out more?

To register your interest in Independent Travel Training please email the Integrated Transport Unit at sendchildrenstransport@wirral.gov.uk.