Councillors set to discuss SEND transport plans
Building independence and confidence through training and help is a key focus of work to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) prepare for a bright future.
Article date: March 11 2025
Councillors will be asked to vote on plans put forward that will support young people build their confidence through travel training, along with advice, as one of the ways that St Helens Borough Council is looking to support families create strong foundations for young people to prepare for adult life.
Jamaila Hussain Deputy Director of People and NHS Place said: "Supporting Young People to travel independently is an important part of a young person's development. It maximises opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to learn and develop safe travel skills, become more independent promotes confidence and self-esteem, improves access to social activities, supports engagement in education and training and is essential preparation for adult life."
The promotion of independent travel training aligns with the council's SEND Strategy This strategy was co-produced by partners parents' carers and young people. As part of the SEND strategy development young people made it clear that they wished to be supported with a variety of flexible options to enable them to be more independent with travel and better prepare them for adulthood.
The proposals also include:
· Approving the introduction of parent/carer financial contributions equivalent to a term time bus pass for young people between the ages of 16-19 years
· Approving the introduction of a pilot programme providing centralised pick-up points for able bodied children and young people with SEND.
· Approving the introduction of personalised travel budgets where it is the most cost-effective transport option.
The additional changes would help to support the council in keeping SEND travel services in place for those most in need of support, while addressing what would see a demand to transport services as the number of children and young people with SEND is rising rapidly over the last 10 years.
Councillors will discuss the plans at Cabinet on Wednesday 19th March. Find out more: St Helens Borough Council Committee Report SEND
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