Independent Travel Training for children and young people with SEND (Soft Market Test)

Description

We would like to take the opportunity to do some `soft market testing’ as outlined in the attached project document, to determine current interest levels in the market. The aim of an Independent Travel Training Service is to work with young people, parents, carers, schools and colleges to develop the ability of young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to travel independently to school or college. The service will enable the trainee to plan a journey, work out timetables and learn how to use public transport, helping them to stay safe now and in the future, allowing them to access work and job opportunities as well as increased access to social and leisure activities. Section 598B of the Education Act 1996 describes the duty of Local Authorities to make such travel arrangements as they consider necessary to facilitate attendance at school for eligible children. Independent travel training is provided within the scope of the Council’s Travel Assistance policy. Children deemed eligible under this Policy may be offered training to enable them to develop the skills to travel to school/college on their own or with friends. Evidence from other Local Authorities, and good practice guidance produced by the Department for Education (DfE) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have all established the benefits of independent travel training. Young people with SEND may need extra help or support because of a range of needs, such as cognition and learning, physical or sensory needs, emotional or behavioural difficulties or difficulties with speech and language. For a number of years, Stockport’s Independent Travel Training service has successfully trained around 40 individuals each year to become independent travellers. We anticipate that from September 2024, we may wish to increase the capacity of the training to a minimum of 50 individuals in the year, but we may also wish to increase that capacity from time to time. Keywords: travel, transport, young people, social care, training, send