Transport and travel assistance

Programme overview

The Independent Travel Training (ITT) programme helps people learn the skills they need to travel safely on their own. This includes travelling to and from school or college. The programme builds confidence and independence by offering one‑to‑one support until each person feels ready to travel alone.

How the programme works

Each participant is supported by a trained instructor who works with them individually. The instructor stays with the participant throughout the training until they can complete their journey safely and confidently on their own.

About the programme

The ITT programme is offered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to support young people across the city. It helps them learn how to stay safe on the roads, use public transport, behave appropriately in public, and solve problems while travelling. Learning to travel independently can boost confidence and help young people take part more in their community.

Benefits of the programme

The programme helps young people to:

• Improve social skills and handle different situations
• Learn what to do in emergencies
• Manage time and money better
• Plan journeys more effectively
• Stay safe when travelling and in public places
• Rely less on others for transport
• Prepare for travelling to new places and future opportunities

Training details

Trained travel instructors provide one‑to‑one support to young people in mainstream schools, special schools, colleges, and pupil referral units. The training is tailored to suit each person’s individual needs and is delivered at a pace that works for them. There is no time limit, and training can take place during school term time or holidays.

Training is complete when the young person can safely and confidently travel to and from school using public transport. Support can continue as needed, including when moving to a new school or starting college or work.

Who can apply

To be eligible for the programme, the young person must:

• Be aged between 11 and 25 years old
• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)
• Qualify for Stoke-on-Trent City Council travel assistance for school or college

Before training begins, routes from home to school are checked to make sure they are safe, have reasonable travel times, and do not require too many changes. Each person is also assessed individually to make sure the training is suitable and safe for them.

The trainer

Once accepted, the young person is assigned a trained independent travel instructor. The instructor supports them throughout the programme and works closely with their school and parents or carers to make sure they feel comfortable and supported at every stage.

How to apply

If the young person meets the eligibility criteria and is interested in the training, a referral form should be completed. After all the necessary information is received, applicants will be contacted within ten working days with an update and possible dates for a home visit.