Cheshire West and Chester Council are reintroducing Independent Travel Training this winter. Independent Travel Training is designed to give children and young people with Special Educational Needs/Disability the skills and confidence they need to travel independently. Take up of this offer is not mandatory but it is a great opportunity to learn lifelong skills for the future.

What is Independent Travel Training?

Independent Travel Training supports children and young people to get more out of life through learning new skills and building their confidence. The programme teaches individuals how to travel a specific route on their own in a safe and responsible way. It aims to increase their independence to enable them to access future learning, training, employment and social opportunities.

It is a free service offered to children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who are eligible for travel assistance from the Council (visit the Cheshire West and Chester website for information about travel assistance eligibility for SEN: Special Educational Needs (SEN)/Disability | Cheshire West and Chester Council) and have access to a suitable public transport route.

For more information, you can download a leaflet about Independent Travel Training for children and young people.

What are the benefits of Independent Travel Training?

• The ability for the trainee to travel on their own
• The use of sustainable forms of travel  (such as walking, cycling and public transport)
• Increased independence, confidence and self-esteem
• Access to future learning, training and future employment opportunities
• Increased opportunities to participate in social and leisure activities
• Improvement in personal health, well-being and quality of life
• Less reliance on family and friends

What does Independent Travel Training involve?

Independent Travel Training aims to increase individuals’ independence to help them access future learning, training, employment and social opportunities.Independent Travel Training is tailored to the individual and could include:

• Journey planning and how to use timetables
• Personal safety and road safety
• Public transport skills including how to buy tickets
• Using technology to support independence
• Emergency procedures

If you would like your child or young person to receive Independent Travel Training and support to enable them to travel on their own, you should discuss this with your key worker or allocated social worker. 

Further information

If you want to know more about Independent Travel Training, please contact: Independent Travel Training Team, Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Email: traveltraining@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Tel: 0300 123 7039

If you have any other questions, please email us at: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com or call 07900 840867

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