PFA developing independence: Travelling and getting out and about
As children become teenagers, they may want to travel independently. Many young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) need extra support to do this safely. In Bromley we have services and support to help them gain confidence in traveling alone.
Education Travel Assistance
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.
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
You can find out more information and eligibility at Bromley Council’s Education Travel Assistance website page.
Travel training programme through CASPA
The travel training programme delivered through CASPA, is a course designed to help young people and adults (18+) navigate streets and use public transportation independently. The course includes:
- Route planning: Learn how to read maps and schedules to plan your trips.
- Safety tips: Discover how to stay safe and recognise important landmarks.
- Communication advice: Pick up handy tips for engaging with transport staff and fellow passengers.
- Hands-on practice: Experience real-life travel scenarios with our friendly trainers.
Find out more about the new CASPA travel training.
Using public transport (buses, trains and trams)
The TfL Go app and journey planner give the best routes between stations, bus stops, places of interest, addresses or postcodes. You can also set the time you want to travel and whether you want to take the fastest route or the one with fewest changes or least walking involved. It can also tell you quieter times at your station.
TfL also produces a range of accessibility maps and guides that you can order or download.
Plan: A simple guide for safe travel
Encourage your child to use the PLAN method when traveling:
Prepare
- Plan your journey – think “How do I get there?” and “How do I get back?” before you leave.
- Tell someone where you are going, who with and when you arrive back.
- If you can, travel with friends or somebody you know.
- Think about any possible dangers.
- Have a list of phone numbers to contact if things go wrong.
Look confident
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that let you move easily.
- Remember your body language – stand tall and look like you know where you are going.
- Carry a shriek alarm (and learn how to use it), emergency phone numbers, some change in your pocket, and keep your keys in a safe pocket.
Avoid risks and be aware of what’s happening
- Keep looking at and listening to what’s happening around you.
- Keep away from odd or out-of-the-way places wherever you can.
- When you travel at night, try to wait in a brightly lit place and be aware of your surroundings.
- Try not to change plans at the last minute – or if you have to, tell someone.
- Keep your personal belongings close to you at all times.
- Only use your mobile phone if you really have to.
- Keep one hand free – not in your pocket or cluttered up with shopping.
Never take your safety for granted
Never say to yourself:
- “It only happens to other people”.
- “It’s only a short journey”.
- “They look honest”.