About the independent travel scheme
The aim of the independent travel scheme is to help Plymouth students with special needs to travel on their own to their school or college.
It introduces the idea of independent travel and explores the positive effects it can have on their lives. Students will:
- learn what independent travel means
- explore how travelling independently can have a positive effect on their lives
- understand the skills needed to travel independently and practise them
- explore an emergency plan - talk about any worries and take steps to address them
Why students should become independent travellers
There are many benefits to being an independent traveller. They include:
- creating opportunities for learning
- better job prospects
- more independence and use of initiative
- greater freedom – less reliant on friends and family
- raising self-confidence and developing social skills
- practising essential life skills in a secure and positive environment
- promoting the use of public transport (helping the environment)
- reducing the cost of providing special needs transport
To carry out the training safely, students also need some basic travel skills including:
- pedestrian skills and knowledge of road safety
- knowledge of telling the time
- knowledge of using money
How students can join the scheme
You may be able to get help if you fulfil the following criteria:
- You live in Plymouth
- In full time education
- You have a special educational or medical need
- You are currently travelling on transport arranged via the School Transport Team
Speak to the school senco or email school.transport@plymouth.gov.uk for further information