Travel training helps young people with SEND become comfortable with travelling independently. Our experienced Travel Trainers give the young person all the encouragement, information and support they need, and work with them on a one to one basis.
Travel Training is an AQA accredited programme which is planned and structured and agreed with the young person, their school/college and family.
Young people can build their confidence and independence using buses, trains and walking routes with travel training that covers:
- road and personal safety
- how to use timetables and buy tickets
- what to do when things go wrong (for example, if the bus is late or cancelled)
- how and where to ask for help.
Personal 1 on 1 training
A trainer will give the young person 1 to 1 training and will continue to be their contact afterwards. Together, they'll take public transport from home to school or college. Training will take as long as the young person needs, at a pace that suits them. Our trainers work during the school and college holidays.
Do you meet the criteria?
You must meet all 4 of the following:
- Have a current EHCP
- Use transport provided by Hertfordshire County Council
- Be aged 16-18
- Live in Hertfordshire or have already finished the Travel Training programme, but need to learn a new route to help your education/employment chances, change of campus or college course.
(Travel training is for home to college travel only - we don't provide this for work experience placement journeys)
Everyone who takes part in the programme must be eligible and suitable. The aim is to support young people with needs to become independent, so we focus on those young people who will be able to develop their skills to a level where they can travel independently on public transport.
If too many have signed up to the programme, those with a journey that can be done entirely on public transport or are currently travelling in a small vehicle or taxi provided by us will get priority.
Apply for travel training
If you are interested in Travel Training for your young person, please speak to your college tutor. Travel training is free for students who live in Hertfordshire, and are receiving transport provided by Hertfordshire County Council.
Travel Training your young person
If your young person does not meet the eligibility criteria and you are interested in doing some travel training with them, we have produced a toolkit you can use. It contains the areas you should cover, strategies you can use, and a useful resources section. There are 2 versions, one which is an interactive, online copy and the other which is printer friendly, so you can print it off and use it in the way that best suits you.
Contact us
Email us at traveltraining@hertfordshire.gov.uk to chat through and see how travel training could help your child. Take a look at our home to school transport policies.
Sean's experience
I began travel training in the summer holidays. I was keen to start travelling, but also nervous.
I need not have worried. My travel trainer showed me everything, including how to speak to transport staff. The bus drivers have been very friendly and helpful.
I felt proud when I went on the bus by myself. My parents were proud too!
If you like the idea of travel training, but you're feeling nervous, then I would say give it a go. Be positive and you can do it!"
Page was last updated on: 15/08/2023 11:45:51