A high school in Harrow has been awarded the prestigious ‘Gold Star’ accreditation issued by TfL.
Shaftesbury High School, Harrow, have been recognised for their standard of excellence in travel training young people with SEND.
Sejal Barot, the school’s travel trainer, said: “Travel training is so important in helping young people with disabilities to become comfortable with travelling independently. We aim to give our students all the encouragement, information and support they need, and work with them on a one-to-one basis, to feel safe travelling on their own. It is such a vital life skill which starts their journey towards adulthood and employment.”
The travel training helps students build their confidence and independence waling and using public transport.
“We teach our students all about road safety, how to use timetables and buy tickets, what to do when things go wrong and how and where to ask for help”, added Sejal.
Student Inthika Sivagnanam says: “I began travel training in 2020. I was keen to start travelling, but also nervous. I need not have worried. Sejal showed me everything, including how to speak to transport staff, use a TfL map to find my journey, and how to cross the road safely and be aware of stranger danger.
“Now I feel confident to go out by myself and I don’t have to depend on my family. If you like the idea of travel training, but you’re feeling nervous, then I would say give it a go. My parents were proud too”
Deborah Stone, Shaftesbury High’s Community Engagement Manager said: “We are incredibly proud of the work Sejal has done with our young people and know how important is that all students learn how to travel safely and securely around the London transport network”.
“As a result of her work, we have successfully travel trained over 45 students over the past 3 years, who are now travelling independently to College, and work and it has enhanced their social life. I would like to encourage all parents to help their children develop this important life skill, so they become more resilient and self-confident.”
