Deluxe Independent Travel Training Programme provides young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) the skills and confidence to travel from home-to-school and vice versa on public transport. Independent travel training Increases opportunities both for learning, social and job prospects.
Our mission
We care about the welfare and independence of young people with any form of disability and special needs.
Our mission is to enable young people to become fully independent and confident while gaining the necessary skills to travel safely between their home and place of study.
How the programme work
This involves working 1-2-1 with the young person. A Independent Travel Trainer will be allocated to each young person who will work with them for the entire duration of the training. The programme is tailored to suit individual needs. We work with the young person at their own pace, so they do not feel pressurised. We understand that each individual has different learning needs.
On average this programme can take between 6-12 weeks to complete depending on the young person and their individual needs.
The young person completes 4 modules of training with their trainer which includes:
- Learning the journey, Road safety, and foundation travel skills
- Personal safety and problem-solving skills
- Journey practice and learning alternative routes
- Building confidence and becoming independent
What are the benefits?
The training has many benefits including: The increased independence gives people improved confidence and self-esteem. Young people become less reliant on parents and carers to take them to places. It creates more opportunities to take part in social activities
It can potentially open up new areas of social, education and employment opportunities. And it makes them a more visible part of their community, which is good for both them and society.
In summary, this programme:
- Increases independence and use of own initiative
- Provides greater freedom to eventually become less reliant of friends and family
- Raises self-confidence
- Develops social skills
We are making a difference in Barking and Dagenham Borough Council
We are major Independent Travel Training services suppliers to Barking and Dagenham Council
We are currently working with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and in talks with other councils to promote the service.
Our Success Stories
It makes me feel very good, and I like traveling to and from school with my friends. I meet up with my friends every morning and I can now find my way around.
Ellie's story
Am so happy with the outcome of this service provided by Deluxe, My Daughters life has been transformed tremendously. The professionalism and training skill exhibited by the trainer was excellent.
The trainer, first of all, built a great relationship with Ellie and gave her a great level of respect and confidence. The trainer’s timekeeping was excellent. Deluxe management team in terms of communication was excellent as well. The trainer was very sensitive to my child’s personal needs including religion and culture. I would honestly say my overall impression of their service provided is excellent. Throughout this program, this company allowed me to be involved in my child’s training plans. Although I didn’t have any complaints, however, this company always suggests I bring any matter or concerns straight to them.
The company has done very well on training my child, they have done a very good job and am so happy
Natalie S
Am so happy with my self now, I have lots of friends in school and I enjoy walking or traveling home with them. I can now travel to school and the shops by myself.
Brody
I now have a lot of confidence in me because of this training. I can now travel independently without help or guild. Thanks to Enethy, my trainer.
Paige
About our Independent Travel Trainers
Below are some of our clients’ stories about the help we offered them.
Deluxe Independent Travel Trainers are making a real difference in young people’s lives.
Employing the right travel trainer is a key element of a successful scheme. Working as an Independent Travel Trainer is a rewarding role supporting young people to learn how to travel independently.
Our travel trainers possess a range of skills. As the trainer will be working with vulnerable individuals, it is mandatory for them to have a current DBS which is registered on the update service.
Our Trainers hold or are working towards achieving a Level 2 Certificate in Independent Travel Training and NVQ in Health and Social Care. They also have training in Safeguarding of vulnerable children, Emergency First Aid, Prevent Duty, Autism Awareness, Health and Safety, Manual Handling.
There is also a range of skills that are necessary for a travel trainer to possess. However, the three most important skills required are:
- Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
- Motivational skills
- A practical, common sense approach.
- Ability to understand others needs
- Ability to work independently as well as with other team members
- Experience of working with vulnerable population groups
- Experience in using public transport
- Lots of patience.
The Independent Travel Trainers are trained to be able to see situations from the perspective of the trainee. If the trainee has a disability the trainer must be able to understand how this disability will affect the training process and adapt accordingly. They also undergo special training in BSL or Makaton when needed to accommodate our service users with auditory loss.