Send pupils boost confidence through travel scheme

Students have experienced a simulation of a bus journey in order to become more familiar with public transport

A virtual reality project is giving pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) the confidence to use public transport, a council has said.

Students from Billing Brook School in Northampton have experienced the simulation of a bus journey as part of the pilot scheme.

West Northamptonshire Council, which is leading the project in collaboration with Stagecoach and other partners, said it provided a "safe and supportive way" for Send pupils to learn about independent travel.

The Reform UK-controlled authority said the scheme "is helping to reduce anxiety for students".

The technology guides pupils through waiting at a bus stop to recognising landmarks, and blends classroom sessions with real-world experiences.

This includes supported journeys on a bus to Cafe Track, a local social enterprise which provides autistic people with employment skills and opportunities.

Cafe Track has also provided personal assistants on the bus route and delivered neurodiversity training to bus drivers.

'Tangible impact'

The council said that between April and July this year, 90 students successfully completed the travel training.

Councillor Kathryn Shaw, cabinet member for children, families and education at the council, said: "This collaboration is a brilliant example of how work between partners can make a tangible impact on our communities."

The pilot will be reviewed over the summer to assess lessons learned, and will explore opportunities to expand the programme in the next academic term.