Creating Independence

1. Creating Independence Travel Training London Borough of Bromley & Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme Maya Vadgama , SEN Transport , LB Bromley Sandy Muse, Travel Training Manager, BATS 10-3-2017 Every Person Matters Www.bexleyct.co.uk 01322 311 333

2. Win – Win • Collective responsibility to promote inclusive opportunities and support children & young people to fulfil their educational and social potential • Independent Travel is a valuable life skill for Education, Employment and Social independence • Empowers people to take control of their lives with increased confidence , self esteem , and social skills

3. Early start • A basic life skill , where training starts in the formative years and continues throughout their lives • Experience being out and about in the community , becoming familiar with street furniture, pedestrian crossings, people, road noise etc. from a young age • Helps prepare young people for their transition to adult roles of pedestrian, passenger and citizen • Helps the community to be more aware and inclusive

4. Benefits to Families • Recognise fear factor for parents • Support parents to alleviate fears and see the changes and benefits for the young person • Parent relinquishes role of the ‘ taxi driver’ and family roles and interactions change • More respite time for families • Broadens the horizon and social activities of the learner

5. The Programme • Partnership working between Parents, Pupils, Schools, LA & BATS • Initial identification with school, LA records and discussions with parents • Build on what pupils can do, not what they cannot do • Start from a common assumption for all, a point of no knowledge • Combination of class based and ‘on the pavement’ training • Learn the basics, safe crossings, bus stops journey planning, weather , timetables, apps and mobiles • Safe places to obtain support, support cards , safe mobile phone use

6. The Programme • Bus stops, Oyster cards , safe bus use • Joint responsibility and practice with family on different modes of transport is a must ; Family support and reassurance are key to success • Preparation for a journey, appropriate clothing, travel cards, mobile phone, keys ( if given), Medication, • Fully accompanied journeys, shadowed journeys , revisiting areas for further training • Unassisted shadowed journeys , sign off, Certificate & Reward Red Bus day • Fun day with a visit to the Bus garage, meet the crew, road safety officers, local police and undertake a ‘special journey’ incorporating many stranger danger scenarios , review and group lunch,

7. Next Steps Being out and about with children and young people, walking, scooters, bikes, to shops, parks, clubs, visiting family , to help young people acclimatise to being out and about, learn appropriate behaviours and strategies to manage noise, crowds, Swapping the car for at least 1 public transport Supporting the school when pupils have been identified to be suitable to participate in the travel training

8. What if ? • The pupil has a hiccup – revisit if and where possible • Accepted that some pupils with debilitating needs may be ok post training but need travel support in the future • The pupil does not fully comprehend the training – discuss with school and parent • There is a difference between unable to - and not wanting to and the adult professionals have to take charge in the best interest of the young person • Children and young people only become ‘streetwise’ if they are out and about , not isolated in Home/car Every Person Matters Www.bexleyct.co.uk 01322 311 333

9. Questions ?