Independent Travel Training age 11 years old and above is a referral-based programme and you can also apply to this to promote independent travel for pupils who have SEN or an EHCP aged 11 to adulthood.

Each pupil would have a programme based on their individual needs to help build confidence. The training teaches individuals how to travel on a specific route, normally to and from school, safely and responsibly.

The training is done 1:1 to build a rapport that will help empower, educate, and equip you with the skills to be able to complete the journey alone. It will provide: 

  • A bespoke training programme specifically designed to meet each trainee’s individual needs. 
  • One-to-one flexible training delivered by a qualified travel trainer. 
  • Support gradually phased out until the individual (and parents/carers if appropriate) feel confident and competent to do the journey alone. 

Independent Travel Training will help you with: 

  • Planning a journey (where you want to go and how you can get there). 
  • Planning for the journey (what you need to take with you). 
  • Personal and road safety. 
  • Developing your individual coping strategies including ‘what if’ / emergency scenario’s. 
  • Developing your confidence and independence. 
  • Confidently and competently travelling using public transport; bus, tram or train. 

Benefits of Independent Travel Training 

Being able to travel independently provides greater opportunities and can play an important part in a young person’s future: 

  • Promotes independence and life skills. 
  • Increases confidence and helps young people feel safer in their communities. 
  • Have more freedom and find out more about the community they live in. 
  • Have more choice and be able to go to new places on their own. 
  • Ability to access more social/leisure activities, improving social skills and maintaining relationships. 
  • Find it easier to get to school/college and opens up more routes to further education and/or employment. 
  • Be less reliant on family or carers. 

Eligibility 

The independent travel training programme is for: 

  • young people aged 11 to adults.  
  • individuals that are ordinarily residents of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC).  
  • young people who are currently using CWC assisted transport or eligible for travel assistance.  

Is the service free 

This is a free service and if eligible, the young person will be provided with a bus pass.

How to apply

Applications for travel assistance can be made online, if you have any problems or need more support please do not hesitate to contact us.