Train travel training has always been an important part of our relationship with Heath Farm School, with our first trip in 2021 taking students to Maidstone East. The Elmer parade in the town was a fun addition to the serious learning.

In October 2024, five SEN students and their tutors undertook a train travel training journey to Maidstone East. At Charing station, the students were shown the various ongoing station adoption projects and the area where their school is going to create an outdoor learning garden. Whilst at Charing station the students received safety messaging concerning the yellow line, the third rail and other risks. They were fortunate to see a track cleaning train travel through the station cleaning Autumn leaf fall from the track.

On arrival at Maidstone East station, they were greeted by friendly Southeastern staff and shown their train being dispatched.  They were then taken behind the scenes to see how trains are tracked as they travel along the network. Three lucky students made public train announcements which they were very excited about for some time. The students learnt how to find their train time and platform back to Charing. 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. 

Heath Farm School students have also made trips to Hollingbourne station and the Signal Box Cafe. We have been delighted by the welcome shown to the groups by the team at the cafe, helping them to calculate the cost of their drinks and snacks, and the change they should expect when paying in cash. 

Adding opportunities to practice these life skills to train travel training sessions makes for a fuller learning experience.

 Kent CRP would like to thank Southeastern for supporting and funding these travel training sessions.