Twelve young people from Nottingham were recognised at a presentation evening celebrating their achievements in learning to travel independently. The event took place on Friday 17 July at the Council House, where awards were presented by the Director of Education and Head of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

Two students who had completed the course spoke about their journeys and the difference travel training has made to their lives. One young person shared that she now attends college in Derby and commutes there independently each day.

Independent Travel Training is designed to help young people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities develop the everyday travel skills they need to use public transport safely and confidently. The scheme is available to Nottingham students with SEND, supporting them to travel independently from home to their place of education.

The training provides a wide-ranging package of support, including journey planning, building confidence in using buses, trams and trains, road safety, learning the Highway Code and developing personal safety skills.

Neil Brettell, Head of SEND at Nottingham City Council said: “The skills that the young people learn give them the confidence and ability to travel independently. They can make their own choices about what they want to do, and where and when they want to go, without the need to rely on others to escort them. The course also offers them an option to meet with friends socially, as well as accessing leisure activities and employment.”

For further information about the training, please contact Roshni Mistry, Independent Travel Training Team Leader, at [email protected].