Our Independent Travel Training Programme is designed to support young people who are unable, or restricted in their ability, because of learning disabilities, physical disabilities or anxiety to use public transport through obtaining knowledge and experience of a planned route and attaining a high level of road safety skills.

For schools and colleges

The programme features three confidence-building levels: Red, Amber and Green, which the young person takes part in and achieves a certificate. 

Red and Amber levels focus on activities around the school and the local community, accompanied by adults. By the time they reach Green, they will have developed the skills needed for a supported journey home or other appropriate destination.

When the Green level has been achieved and the young person has been successfully shadowed on the planned route, they will be able to travel independently.

Integration with the curriculum

The programme and resources are provided free to schools, colleges and other providers in Oxfordshire. They integrate with curriculum subjects such as:

• PSHE
• English
• Maths
• Geography
• Duke of Edinburgh
• Nurture groups
• Lunchtime groups
• Independent Living Skills                 

Training will be provided by staff at the school, college or organisation with support from our Independent Travel Trainer.

Our Travel Training Programme, materials, training and support is free for schools and colleges that implement the programme.

For parents and other organisations

If our Independent Travel Training Programme is already being taught as part of the school or college curriculum, where the young person is educated, parents or other organisations can ask for them to take part in the programme there.

Video showing the process

During training

The young person will be assessed to check their eligibility and suitability.

Training includes advice and instruction about the transport and route/s they will be using, as well as stranger awareness, ‘Safe Places’ schemes and personal safety.

We will be guided by schools, organisations, and parents on how best to support young people, particularly those who are more vulnerable or suffering from anxiety.

If currently provided, school transport can still be accessed during training. However, it is hoped the young person will transfer from taxi or fleet transport upon completion.

The travel training is free to those already eligible for free home to school transport.

Young people that are eligible for free home to school transport can receive a free bus pass instead of transport provided by Oxfordshire County Council for travelling to school or college. This pass can also be used for travel in the evenings and at weekends.

Please note if travelling independently is not suitable for the young person, their current taxi or fleet transport will still be available for them.

How to apply

 The following can apply on behalf of a young person:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Parents/carers
• Professionals supporting young people with an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

To ask for further information, contact our Independent Travel Training Team with the young person’s name and age.