Independent Travel Training
Independent Travel Training (ITT) supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to develop the skills, confidence and awareness needed to travel safely within their community.
ITT focuses on learning practical travel skills, such as road safety, journey planning and personal safety. It is designed to support independence and preparation for adulthood.
Independent Travel Training may be suitable for -
- children and young people with SEND
- learners who want to build confidence and independence
- young people preparing for secondary school, college or adulthood
- learners who may currently rely on supported transport but show potential to travel more independently
An EHCP is not required to be referred for Independent Travel Training.
All referrals are reviewed individually to ensure the programme is safe and appropriate.
Independent Travel Training is delivered using a staged approach, with support gradually reduced as confidence and skills develop.Training may include -
- road safety and pedestrian skills
- personal safety and safe-stranger awareness
- journey planning and time awareness
- using public transport where appropriate
- coping with unexpected situations (“what if” scenarios)
Progress is not time-based. Learners only move forward when it is safe to do so.
Before training begins, a single home visit is carried out to -
- assess the home environment and immediate area
- identify any environmental or safety considerations
- confirm consent and understanding
- decide whether the home is suitable as a starting point for ITT
The visit is not training and does not guarantee that ITT will begin.
Travel and costs
Independent Travel Training focuses on learning skills rather than providing support.
ITT does not automatically include funded or free travel. Travel arrangements are considered on an individual basis. In most cases -
- families are responsible for travel costs during training
- existing transport entitlements or concessionary passes may continue to be used if already in place.
Independent Travel Training does not -
- guarantee independent travel
- replace statutory home-to-school transport decisions
- automatically provide bus passes
It applies only to the agreed route being trained.
Any changes to existing support or transport arrangements would be considered separately, through appropriate review processes.
Accessing Independent Travel Training
Referrals for Independent Travel Training can be made by -
- parents or carers
- schools or colleges
- professional working with the young person
To request ITT, complete the Independent Travel Training Referral Form. Completion of the referral form does not guarantee acceptance onto the programme.
If a learner successfully completes ITT they may be signed off as able to travel that specific route independently. Families and education providers will be informed
If a learner is not ready for independent travel, the skills developed through ITT can still support future independence.
