Six young people and adults with special educational needs have successfully completed the Council’s Independent Travel Training programme.
Independent Travel Training is available for people who want to gain an important life skill and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. The course is aimed at young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) between the ages of 12 to 24.
An awards ceremony took place at Rockingham Professional Development Centre where the successful students were awarded with a certificate, having met the required skills to travel on public transport independently.
South Yorkshire Transport Museum provided a 1955 Leyland Bus to ensure that the successful students could travel in style back to Rotherham town centre.
Last year, the Council committed £85,000 of funding to deliver Independent Travel Training.
When a young person receives supported transport provision, it is often the case that continued support into adulthood will be required and this translates into a dependency on private hire services.
By providing this training, the Council is ensuring that more people can access public transport safely and confidently, at a time that is convenient for them.
Through the training, students undertake theoretical and practical learning before being mentored by a travel buddy. Students are encouraged to travel independently by their buddy, and they are fully supported and observed throughout the process.
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Investment was provided by the Council to launch and grow this scheme so that more young people in Rotherham can travel independently.
“Travelling independently opens up social, educational and employment opportunities for young people. I would like to congratulate the students for all of their hard work in gaining this important life skill.”
Successful travel training student Olivia Bray told us: “I feel I have started growing as a person and have become more of an adult. Now I feel as if I can do anything that I want.”
Craig Bray, Olivia’s Dad, added: “I have seen lots of improvements, she is a lot more independent and a lot more confident.
“Life is a lot better. There are times when Ol might have been at college and wanted to stay behind with her friends. Now she can do this because she knows the bus times.”
Millie Brookes was another successful student. Her mum Mala Brookes said: “She has grown in confidence and has become a lot more independent. Staff answered any questions that we had and addressed concerns.
“We are not restricted by time. Before we had to wait for transport to arrive before I could go to work. Millie can now get the bus, she knows what times they are and it has made life a lot easier for all of us.”
Further information on Independent Travel Training can be found on the SEND Local Offer website at: Transport/Getting Around – Rotherham SEND Local Offer
Photo caption: The image shows young people who successfully completed the training, alongside their family, Council staff and volunteers from the South Yorkshire Transport Museum. The group are pictured inside a 1955 Leyland Bus.