Delivering train travel training to students is a key part of Kent CRP’s work with Five Acre Wood Maidstone. 

Nine SEN students aged 16-19 years and their four tutors undertook a train travel training journey to Hollingbourne station’s Signal Box Café from Maidstone East station on 3 July and then 8 more able SEN students undertook the same journey a week later.

At the café, the students practiced life skills by ordering their own refreshments and some practiced paying for them – hot chocolate being the most popular choice even though the weather was very warm. They sat to enjoy their refreshments and practiced their socialising skills.

At Maidstone East station the students learnt about rail safety and train travel training; e.g. the importance of keeping behind the yellow line, the dangers of third rail and how to find the correct platform and train time. Whist at Hollingbourne station after their refreshments the students learnt about the information point, the available ramps and the defibrillator which some of them had learnt how to use the previous day.

Both trips were co-created with Five Acre Wood tutors to ensure the objectives, and the needs of the students were catered for.

All students said they would like to travel on a train again; however, some felt they would need someone to help them to buy their tickets and ensure they were on the correct train.

Our train travel training package can include upskilling tutors to deliver the training independently. Megan, the tutor who attended both trips is keen to receive a Southeastern travel permit to be able to undertake independent train travel training with her students.  Currently Megan is undertaking bus travel training as the students have free bus passes.  The cost of train tickets has prevented train travel training, 

After receiving our train travel training, Southeastern has agreed to provide Megan with a permit from September for train travel training purposes only.  Megan is delighted and thinks she will be able to enable the students to be confident independent rail users.