Independent Travel Programme for Young People in Education
The Council can also provide Independent Travel Training to those who are able and confident and would like to travel to school independently. The programme is about giving you child the skills and confidence to travel safely using public transport. It's about expanding their knowledge of road safety and learning how to plan journeys. The training usually happens when your child reaches an age that they are ready to benefit from the opportunities provided by the Independent Travel Programme. It can begin as early as Year 6.
Who is the training aimed at? The training is aimed at children and young people with additional needs, who receive support from the local authority to get to school. Many pupils can learn to travel independently. Each pupil is assessed to see if they can benefit from training. The needs of a small number of pupils may be so great that they would not benefit from training.
What are the benefits of travel training? Travel training focuses on using public transport to school. It can help to build your child's confidence, social and independence skills, which could reduce their reliance on you. You may also be eligible for a free or discounted bus pass. The travel trainer will be happy to advise you on this.
For further information on the Programme please email hometoschooltransport@northtyneside.gov.uk