At The Westminster School we continually promote independence and an example of this is Independent Travel. We firmly believe that if a student can travel independently to school or a place of interest this will improve their confidence, self esteem and their ability to problem solve. Being able to travel safely will enable students to access their local community and see friends and relatives. Students who have previously trained to travel independently have said that they have enjoyed having their independence and also enabled them to live a fulfilled life. Students who now travel to school independently are very proud of what they have achieved.
We also believe that Independent Travel goes a long way to achieve the Preparation for Adulthood framework:
Employment – Students gain the skills to be able to travel to their future place of work
Health – Walking and travelling leads to better physical health. Improved confidence leads to better mental health
Community Inclusion – Students gain the skills to be able to travel to places of interest in their local community (i.e. cinemas, doctors, dentists, restaurants etc)
Independence – Students gain more independence by being able to travel by themselves
Travel Training does not just mean being able to travel on a bus or train, this starts in the classroom with students being supported to locate their nearest toilet, a facility to receive first aid or get help and also to navigate around school. A big part of our curriculum is supporting students to understand how to be safe in the community, for example road safety and safe strangers. Travel training will be discussed during form times and assemblies but most commonly in a students EHCP review. If agreed with Parents and Carers then the following actions will take place:
A Travel Training referral is made to the Travel Training team at the Local Authority (Sandwell)
The Travel Training team will contact Parents and Carers to arrange a time to complete an initial assessment
The Travel Training team will inform Parents and Carers if their child is ready for a travel training programme
The Travel Training programme will start with the team giving school and Parents/Carers regular updates. The programme will gradually see support from the travel trainer reduce.
The Travel Trainer completes final assessment and the student starts to travel to school independently
The Travel training team complete 3 observations following the final assessment (the student is unaware when these will take place)
For more information on Independent Travel and the programme please visit these website links below. For more information from the school please do not hesitate to speak to Ben Taylor (Deputy Headteacher) or Leeanne Hocknull (HLTA Pathway Lead).
https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200284/roads_travel_and_parking/3145/independent_travel_training
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vGhGcEHMwXJhVcbXZ3-Mg?app=desktop
