1. Creating Independence
Travel Training
London Borough of Bromley & Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme
Maya Vadgama , SEN Transport , LB Bromley
Sandy Muse, Travel Training Manager, BATS
Every Person Matters

2. Win – Win
Collective responsibility to promote inclusive opportunities and support children & young people to fulfil their educational and social potential
Independent Travel is a valuable life skill for Education, Employment and Social independence
Empowers people to take control of their lives with increased confidence , self esteem , and social skills

3. Early start
A basic life skill , where training starts in the formative years and continues throughout their lives
Experience being out and about in the community , becoming familiar with street furniture, pedestrian crossings, people, road noise etc. from a young age
Helps prepare young people for their transition to adult roles of pedestrian, passenger and citizen
Helps the community to be more aware and inclusive

4. Benefits to Families Recognise fear factor for parents
Support parents to alleviate fears and see the changes and benefits for the young person
Parent relinquishes role of the ‘ taxi driver’ and family roles and interactions change
More respite time for families
Broadens the horizon and social activities of the learner

5. The Programme
Partnership working between Parents, Pupils, Schools, LA & BATS
Initial identification with school, LA records and discussions with parents
Build on what pupils can do, not what they cannot do
Start from a common assumption for all, a point of no knowledge
Combination of class based and ‘on the pavement’ training
Learn the basics, safe crossings, bus stops journey planning, weather , timetables, apps and mobiles
Safe places to obtain support, support cards , safe mobile phone use

6. The Programme Bus stops, Oyster cards , safe bus use
Joint responsibility and practice with family on different modes of transport is a must ; Family support and reassurance are key to success
Preparation for a journey, appropriate clothing, travel cards, mobile phone, keys ( if given), Medication,
Fully accompanied journeys, shadowed journeys , revisiting areas for further training
Unassisted shadowed journeys , sign off, Certificate & Reward
Red Bus day
Fun day with a visit to the Bus garage, meet the crew, road safety officers, local police and undertake a ‘special journey’ incorporating many stranger danger scenarios , review and group lunch,

7. Next Steps
Being out and about with children and young people, walking, scooters, bikes, to shops, parks, clubs, visiting family , to help young people acclimatise to being out and about, learn appropriate behaviours and strategies to manage noise, crowds,
Swapping the car for at least 1 public transport
Supporting the school when pupils have been identified to be suitable to participate in the travel training

8. What if ? The pupil has a hiccup – revisit if and where possible
Accepted that some pupils with debilitating needs may be ok post training but need travel support in the future
The pupil does not fully comprehend the training – discuss with school and parent
There is a difference between unable to - and not wanting to and the adult professionals have to take charge in the best interest of the young person
Children and young people only become ‘streetwise’ if they are out and about , not isolated in Home/car
Every Person Matters

9. Questions ?