'Journey for Life' for special needs students

For the past three years Pathfinder funding from central Government has been used to provide travel training for special needs students in Lincolnshire. The funding is currently being used to finance a play to give students the confidence to use public transport.

Pathfinder funding is designed to encourage 16+ students to stay on in further education and not to be disadvantaged through lack of knowledge or difficulties with travel.

The play, Journey for Life was performed by the Impact Theatre Group in 15 special schools across Lincolnshire during February. The play was followed by workshop sessions with small groups of transition pupils, and is supported by a CD for use during lessons.

£35,000 has been allocated annually by the Education Directorate to spend on special need initiatives, including the Journey for Life play. Two other projects supported are:

Teaching/Learning Support Assistant Training Day: a one day course in association with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, for non-teaching support staff to have training in road safety to gain the skills to take students out on independent travel training. Delegates are taken on a two-hour travel trail, followed by afternoon workshops and discussion groups.

Teaching Resource Pack: a box of teaching materials for different ages and aimed at pupils and students with all types of special needs. The pack contains ideas for lesson plans and teaching materials such as photos, toys, games and CD/DVDs. Teacher and classroom support is provided by road safety officers from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.

Lincolnshire is hosting a Journey for Life day on 29 April to showcase all these initiatives. The day will provide an opportunity for interested parties to see the initiatives in action. For further information, or to attend the event, contact Helen Stokes, Helen.stokes@lincolnshire.gov.uk.