To be eligible for the scheme you need to be:
- a Cardiff resident,
- aged 19 or under,
- have a statement, and
- be eligible for free school transport.
However, if you are not eligible for one to one training, you may still be eligible for group travel training workshops.
In the classroom
Training begins in the classroom with the pupil working on a one to one basis to set their own learning targets and goals and to develop a code of conduct for acceptable behaviour on buses and as a pedestrian.
The travel trainer and pupil will plan the journey together, looking at:
- where to get information from,
- how to decide the most appropriate mode of travel,
- time management,
- reading bus timetables and maps,
- dealing with the unexpected, and
- improving communication skills.
Travel training
The pupil and trainer then move onto the practical stages of travel training following the three steps below. The detail and time spent at each stage will be individually set to fit each trainee, in line with parental / carer agreement.
Stage 1: Accompany
The Travel Trainer accompanies the pupil to school from their home address in the morning, and from school to the pupil's home address in the afternoon.
This first stage focuses primarily on increasing confidence and familiarising the pupil with their route to school.
Stage 2: Shadow
At this stage the Travel Trainer shadows the pupil on their journey in order to assess their skill level. Whilst the trainer still accompanies the pupil at all times, they will step back and assess the pupil's behaviour and capability at certain points in the journey, i.e. crossing the roads, getting on and off the bus, communicating with the bus driver, etc.
Stage 3: Meet and Greet
The third stage of the training involves the Travel Trainer meeting the pupil at their home address in the morning to ensure they feel safe and confident to travel the route. The pupil will then be left to travel the entire route to school independently and will be met at the school gates before entering the school. The trainer will inform parents that the pupil has arrived safely.
Pupils will be accompanied to and from school over an extended period of time until they are ready to make the journey independently. Once a pupil has completed the training, they will be given an annual bus pass which they can use for school routes and journeys outside of school.
Workshops
We are also able to offer travel training for groups of pupils in both primary and secondary schools, particularly for those who are not eligible for intensive travel training.
These training sessions can take place during the school day and focus on:
- planning journeys to school,
- work experience placements,
- college and new secondary schools.
We have a range of lesson plans and resources which can be delivered to groups of between 3 and 15 pupils. For pupils with special needs, many of our lessons can be linked to the ADSAN courses, particularly the ‘Towards Independence' modules.
Training can be tailored to suit the individual group; past sessions have involved:
- journey planning,
- road safety,
- appropriate behaviour, and
- practice journeys.
Year 6 and 11 groups have found it particularly useful to plan their journeys to new secondary schools and colleges.