Diversity to Thrive

Developing independence and confidence with Travel Training

Year 10 students at Poltair School have recently taken part in a programme known as Travel Training, which sees them learning how to travel independently to Plymouth and around Cornwall using either a bus or train.

This group of students had been identified as needing additional support to use public transport and experiences relating to post 16 providers and the world of work. They were apprehensive about using public transport independently, often reliant on family to transport them which was limiting options when seeking a work experience placement.

The aim of the Travel Training programme is to raise aspirations, develop independence, and enable informed post-16 decision making.

Boarding a Bus.Students used the opportunity to establish an understanding of local travel routes as well as build on their confidence when it comes to using public transport. They also discussed road safety and identified potential dangers when travelling independently.

Rebecca Rodgers, Learning Centre Coordinator & Deputy Pupil Premium Lead at Poltair, said: “The students had to learn to read timetables, plan their visits and buy the cheapest travel ticket, ensuring they were also able to repeat for a return journey.”

“This has highlighted the importance of delivering life skills as well as academics to children and young people to ensure they develop confidence and character (our school vision).”

“Not only has it supported with developing resilience and independence it has also stretched aspirations and provided motivation for future outcomes.”

The programme consisted of several sessions in school followed by four off-site visits to: Treliske Hospital, Truro, National Maritime Museum, Falmouth, City Bus Depot, Plymouth, First Aid Training in School (Certificate Awarded) and Newquay Orchard.

Once the students arrived at their destination they had the opportunity for guided tours, employability talks and a question-and-answer session with employers. A journal was completed, and targets set, providing the students with a broader understanding of the opportunities available when they have completed their GCSEs.

A parent of one of the Year 10 students involved said: “I would like to thank you. He has a negative outlook sometimes. These experiences have helped with his confidence.”

“I feel that these experiences have helped him to process how to use public transport and what might be out there when he finishes school.”

One student said: “I had an awesome 2 days at Hawkins. I also caught the bus home using our travel training!”

Another said: “"I feel more confident asking drivers for a ticket and have learnt how to read a timetable."

A further added: “It would be great if we could do planes next, I think I would like to travel the world now.”

Following the success of the original Travel Training program as well as this bespoke week, the team are now hoping to offer a three-year program to students who may need additional support when learning to use public transport.

Rebecca concluded: “The hope is that we can provide Travel Training in Year 9 and begin building positive relationships with employers in preparation for work experience placements, followed by the Advanced Travel Training and Employability Skills in Year 10.”

“Students are now using buses and trains independently to visit friends and family, enjoy days out and are seeking further work opportunities.”

“As a school we are incredibly proud of their achievements and how they represented not only their selves but also the school with numerous providers commenting on their behaviour, engagement and maturity shown.”

Happy Travellers.

Learning together: Newquay Orchard students Diversity to Thrive is a collaborative network of employers and education providers, driven by Cornwall Council’s commitment to improving diversity and inclusion for young people across the county.

The network is dedicated to expanding their talent pool and assisting young individuals with Special Education Needs and Disabilities in transitioning to employment, offering young people an inclusive and thriving business community in which to find inspiration and opportunities.

We spoke to one of the partners, Newquay Orchard, to find out about their unique they offer for young people. Education Manager Sarah Anthony tells us more.

What is your role with Diversity to Thrive?

My role as Education Manager means that I lead the team that provides education for young people and adults. We include employability within all courses as its important to know your rights within the workplace. As a team we link with employers to provide opportunities for our young people and adults, particularly those with SEND.

As part of the Diversity to Thrive group and one of the founding members of the group, I ensure that all the students have opportunities to link with employers and have the confidence to share their needs with an employer so that adjustments can be made. Progression to employment or long-term volunteering with a supportive employer is so important for young people and adults with SEND and I ensure this is embedded into all that we do.

What do you and Newquay Orchard offer students?

We offer young people and adults education programmes that are aligned with their needs and develop confidence and practical skills. For young people, we offer full time study programmes, either qualification based or a supported internship which is employment based. The study programme courses are individualised and include a high level of practical experiences. For adults, we offer part time courses that are designed to support people into work or further study, these are Entry Level 3, Level 1 or Level 2. All of our courses include an element of employability, but this is based on real life employment skills.

Why is the Diversity to Thrive project so important and what does it mean for NCO to be a part of it?

Diversity to thrive is vitally important as people with SEND are disadvantaged in the workplace in many ways. To be able to support employers and help improve opportunities for adults and young people in Cornwall is a privilege. It is amazing to be a part of an inspirational group of people who all have the same goal to ensure equity of opportunity for everyone.

Why should someone be a part of Newquay Orchard?

Someone should come to Newquay Orchard if they want to be a part of a community that supports each other, looks after the environment and is inclusive. Also, if they would like to meet new friends, make connections and learn new skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Work Your Way

Work Your Way is a program designed to help young adults with an EHCP prepare for working life. The program runs three days a week, providing targeted support and guidance.

Work Your Way is a tailored, small-scale provision designed for young people who need extra support to find, access, and maintain work placements that can lead to employment. We offer both a Work Experience and a Supported Internship program, focusing on helping young people secure placements with one-on-one support if needed. Collaborating with local employers, we identify opportunities that align with your unique skills and aspirations. Our programs aim to build confidence, foster independent travel, and enhance teamwork skills, giving young people the chance to thrive in the workplace.

Work Experience is designed to ease the transition from education to the workplace, offering learners the chance to engage in a flexible course within a supportive and relaxed environment.

The key components of the course include:

• Careers advice
• Volunteering opportunities
• Gaining experience and building confidence
• A diverse range of practical workplace experiences
• Developing employability skills
• Instilling workplace attitudes and behaviours

Learners will have the chance to participate in exciting community projects within their local area. The program also includes travel training, which fosters confidence and independence. Without the pressure of formal assessments, progress is measured by the achievement of personal goals. This program encourages workplace experiences, aiding learners in selecting their preferred career path and broadening their horizons.

Supported Internships.

A supported internship is a great opportunity for you to gain real work experience while being supported by a job coach. You'll spend most of your time with an external employer in an extended work placement.

To make the most of this program, it helps if you already have an idea of the kind of work you'd like to do.

You’ll start by spending some time in the classroom, where we'll help you prepare for a placement that matches your goals and ambitions.

Throughout the program, you'll work on skills like CV writing, interview techniques, building confidence, and teamwork. We're here to offer you high-quality advice and guidance every step of the way.

The aim of the Work Your Way program is to help you achieve something meaningful by the end, whether that's paid employment, volunteering, or another activity that you’re passionate about. We’ll challenge you and support you to succeed.

While we’re based in Truro, we’ll do our best to find a work placement close to where you live.

“I have been supported with my personal independence, when I started the course I needed to be escorted on the train journey from Redruth to Truro, I now have the confidence to travel alone and my next step is to be able to buy my own tickets. I have also been able to live independently and move into my own accommodation.”

A Learner.