Independent Travel Training

Independent Travel Training (ITT) is the delivery of training by staff in schools, colleges, voluntary services and day care services for people who are currently unable, or restricted in their ability, to travel unassisted on public transport because of learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

ITT is tailored to your needs and circumstances and once established can be 'topped up' to take account of changes in routes or needs. Successful delivery of training allows you to enjoy independence and access services and facilities you wish to use.

ITT is complementary to the Government's Independent Living Strategy. The aims of the Independent Living Strategy are for individuals to have choice and control over the assistance and/or equipment needed to go about their daily life and have equal access to housing, transport and mobility, health, employment and education and training opportunities.

About the training programme

ITT is for people of any age who have learning difficulties or physical disabilities which mean they are unable, or are restricted in their ability, to travel unassisted on public transport.

The aim of ITT is for people to gain total travel independence, following positive safe travel practice with the assistance of an adult.

The objectives are:

gain an understanding of safe practice, leading to a reduction of road accidents
gain increased self-esteem
have an enhanced quality of social life
have raised aspirations for job prospects.

On completion of the programme, participants should be able to travel independently to local and more widespread landmarks, work, day centres, work experience, school/college and back home.

Who the programme is for

The ITT programme and resources are provided free to schools, colleges and other providers in Nottinghamshire. It can fit into the curriculum in:

PSHE
specific 'take out' lessons for students who are vulnerable or with learning difficulties
geography
nurture groups
lunch time groups.

Everyone can benefit from the programme, but especially students with learning difficulties and others of a nervous nature. Where a school/college is taking part, letters and information leaflets will be sent home to parents.

The programme is regarded as a 'Category A' visit in terms of risk assessment, which is a 'run of the mill' outing. This puts it in the same category as an outing to the library to access resources there or to the local church to do a history project.

Get the programme

adults: if you wish to access this scheme, please fill out the referral form [Excel]. Please return the form to itt@nottscc.gov.uk
children and young people: get the programme for your school/service (information below).

Get the programme for your school/service

Our ITT staff will contact schools and colleges and develop training resource packs for each specific establishment. If we haven’t contacted you, please get in touch with us using the information at the bottom of the page. Our travel training staff will then:

train 'in-house' trainers
provide support and advice on an ongoing basis
monitor the progress at each establishment
review the scheme continually to reflect feedback.

All resources are free for Nottinghamshire educational establishments and other service providers.

We reward schools/colleges who are running the programme and have made really good progress with an Excellent School Award. Accreditation is in the form of an A4 award certificate. Contact us for more information about the award.