Independent travel training (ITT) represents one of the most empowering opportunities available to young people with SEND across London. As councils increasingly prioritise this approach, families are discovering how travel training transforms not just daily journeys, but opens doors to education, employment, and social opportunities that extend far beyond the school gates.

UNDERSTANDING INDEPENDENT TRAVEL TRAINING

Independent travel training is a personalised, intensive support programme designed to help young people with SEND develop the skills and confidence needed to travel safely on their own. Unlike traditional transport provision, ITT focuses on building life-long capabilities rather than providing ongoing support services.

The programme recognises that every young person’s needs are different. While some participants may achieve complete independence using public transport, others might develop skills for specific routes or learn to travel with reduced supervision. The goal isn’t one-size-fits-all independence, but rather maximising each individual’s potential for safe, confident travel.

WHAT ITT PROGRAMMES INCLUDE

    London boroughs offer comprehensive training covering multiple essential skills:

    • Journey Planning and Route Familiarisation:
      • Learning to read timetables, understand maps, identify alternative routes, and plan journeys using apps and traditional methods. Camden Council’s programme emphasises practical navigation skills, helping young people understand how to get from point A to point B reliably.
    • Road and Personal Safety:
      • Comprehensive safety training covers pedestrian skills, road crossing techniques, awareness of surroundings, and understanding traffic patterns. Hackney Council’s cycling skills programme complements ITT with bike safety training for those ready to cycle independently.
    • Public Transport Confidence:
      • Practical experience using buses, trains, and underground systems. This includes ticket purchasing, oyster card management, understanding announcements, and knowing how to ask for help when needed.
    • Emergency Strategies:
      • Problem-solving skills for unexpected situations like service disruptions, getting lost, or missing transport. Training includes knowing when and how to contact parents, schools, or emergency services.
    • Time Management:
      • Understanding journey times, building in buffer periods, and developing routines that ensure punctual arrival at school or college.
    • Communication and Social Skills:
      • Building confidence to interact with transport staff, ask for directions, and handle social situations that arise during travel.

    AGE GROUPS AND ELIGIBILITY

    Most London boroughs offer ITT programmes for young people aged 10-25, with specific eligibility criteria:

    • Primary Age (10-11 years):
      • Early introduction to road safety and local area familiarisation, typically focusing on walking routes and basic public transport awareness.
    • Secondary Age (11-16 years):
      • Core ITT programmes covering comprehensive travel skills. Camden offers training for young people aged 10-25 who currently access supported transport and have EHC Plans.
    • Post-16 and Beyond:
      • Enhanced programmes supporting transition to further education, training, or employment. Many councils extend support up to age 25 for young people with EHC Plans.

    To be eligible, young people typically need to:

    • Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or be undergoing assessment
    • Currently receive or be eligible for transport assistance
    • Demonstrate readiness for independence training
    • Show motivation to develop travel skills

    THE TRAINING PROCESS

    ITT follows a structured, personalised approach designed around individual needs and circumstances:

    • Initial Assessment:
      • Travel trainers meet with families to understand the young person’s needs, current abilities, concerns, and goals. This includes discussing routes, identifying potential challenges, and setting realistic objectives.
    • Personalised Planning:
      • Development of individualised training programmes with clear milestones and success criteria. Plans consider cognitive abilities, physical needs, sensory requirements, and family preferences.
    • Graduated Training:
      • Beginning in safe, controlled environments before progressing to real-world situations. Training might start with off-road route familiarisation before moving to quiet roads and eventually busy transport hubs.
    • One-to-One Support:
      • Dedicated trainers provide intensive, personalised instruction tailored to learning styles and pace. Lewisham Council emphasises this personalised approach, ensuring each young person receives support matched to their individual requirements.
    • Regular Reviews:
      • Ongoing assessment of progress with families and schools, adjusting approaches as needed and celebrating achievements along the way.
    • Graduated Independence:
      • Systematic reduction of support as confidence and competence develop, moving from direct supervision to shadowing to complete independence.

    BENEFITS BEYOND TRANSPORTATION

    Successful ITT participation creates positive impacts extending well beyond daily school journeys:

    • Enhanced Self-Esteem:
      • Mastering independent travel builds confidence that transfers to other life areas. Young people report feeling more capable and self-reliant after completing ITT programmes.
    • Social Opportunities:
      • Independent travel enables participation in after-school activities, social events, and community programmes previously inaccessible due to transport dependence.
    • Educational Advantages:
      • Ability to attend educational opportunities, work experience placements, and college courses that might not be covered by traditional transport arrangements.
    • Employment Preparation:
      • Travel skills are essential for employment access. ITT participants often demonstrate improved employment readiness and have greater job opportunities available to them.
    • Family Benefits:
      • Parents and carers experience reduced caring responsibilities, enabling greater participation in their own employment, education, and leisure activities.
    • Long-term Independence:
      • Skills learnt through ITT provide foundations for adult independence, reducing long-term support needs and enhancing quality of life.

    SPECIALIZED TRAINING OPTIONS

    London councils increasingly offer specialised ITT programmes addressing diverse needs:

    • Cycling Confidence:
      • Hackney Council’s extensive cycle training programme offers free, bespoke sessions for people with SEND. Training covers basic skills through to advanced cycling techniques, promoting healthy, environmentally-friendly transport options.
    • Sensory Support:
      • Programmes adapted for young people with visual or hearing impairments, incorporating assistive technologies and specialised safety techniques.
    • Autism-Specific Training:
      • Approaches designed around autism spectrum needs, including sensory considerations, routine development, and communication strategies.
    • Physical Disability Adaptations:
      • Training incorporating wheelchair use, mobility aid navigation, and accessible transport options.

    GETTING STARTED WITH ITT

    Families interested in ITT should:

    • Speak with Schools:
      • SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) are excellent starting points for ITT discussions and referrals.
    • Contact Council Teams:
      • Most boroughs have dedicated ITT coordinators who can provide information and assess suitability.
    • Consider Readiness:
      • ITT requires commitment from young people and families. Consider whether your child shows interest in increased independence and readiness for skill development.
    • Plan Timing:
      • ITT programmes typically take several months to complete. Starting well before transport needs change ensures smooth transitions.

    Independent travel training represents investment in long-term independence and quality of life. While the transition from supported transport might feel daunting initially, ITT programmes provide structured, safe pathways to greater freedom and opportunity.

    As London councils continue expanding and refining these services, more young people with SEND are discovering the transformative potential of confident, independent travel.

    Jimac Cars proudly manages SEND transport across all these boroughs, ensuring children receive safe, reliable, and compassionate service in Hackney, Islington, H&F, Waltham Forest, Camden, and Haringey.