Preparing for secondary school – travel

The transition from primary to secondary school is a very exciting but also potentially nerve-wracking time for children and families. Whilst this transition can be challenging for many, children with neurodiversity, in particular, would benefit from some additional support and preparation for this transition.

This resource focuses on travel. For many children this is the first time that they will travel independently. This can be a source of pride in their independence but also a source of anxiety for them and their families. Below are some concerns that children and their families may have about independent travel and some suggestions for how they can be addressed:

“How will I know my way?”

Multiple practice trips of the route with your child can help them to feel confident that they know the route. You can start by doing this together and then gradually reduce the support you give them. For example, you can start by traveling with them taking the lead, they can then take the lead and have you as a silent partner, they can then do the route independently but on a non-school day to reduce the time pressure. By the time they are due to travel there for school they will be a pro!

“What happens if there is a disruption on the route?”

If your child’s journey has multiple parts, it is possible that they may face a travel disruption, for example a tube line being closed. Make sure that they are aware that this is possibility and that you have discussed what to do in this situation beforehand.

It is helpful if they can check their route before leaving the house and have this as part of their morning routine. This ensures that the family would know in advance if any aspects of the journey are affected and make a plan for how this will be handled. Having a plan in place for disruptions can help your child to feel calmer when faced with the uncertainty.

If you live in an area with multiple travel options when you feel that they are ready you can develop your child’s ability to be able to take multiple routes. You can teach them how to use apps such as ‘City Planner’ to plan routes around travel disruptions when they occur. However, this is a higher level skill and many children will not be ready for this when first starting secondary school.

“How will I make sure I don’t miss my bus/train/coach?”

It is important that children understand the importance of getting to the station or pick up location in good time. Sit with them and discuss what time they need to be at that location and plan their morning routine backwards from them. For example if they need to be at the coach stop for 7.45am and it takes 15 minutes to walk there they need to leave at 7.30am. Get them to think about what else they will need to do in the morning, how long each of these tasks take and then work out what time they need to wake up at. It helps to set with them a consistent morning routine e.g. Get up, get showered, get dressed, eat breakfast, leave. It is recommended that they pack their bag the night before to minimise the chance of running late due to needing to find something.

“What happens in I miss my bus/train coach?”

Talk through with your child what happens if their miss their transport. Make sure that they know in advance what alternative transport they an get on if this is the plan. For example, if they miss the train make sure they know what time the next train they can get on would be and what the train’s final destination is. This will help to ensure that in a panic you child doesn’t just get on the next train or bus that comes which might be going to a different location. Practice reading the bus or train timetables and display screens so that you child can be confident to know which trains/buses are arriving next and which are theirs.

“How will I pay?”

Make sure your child knows how to pay for their transport and to check as part of their morning routine that they have their payment method or transport card with them each morning.

“What happens if I feel uncomfortable or need support on my journey?”

Make sure you child knows how to find transport staff if they need additional help. It is also advisable that your child travels with a mobile phone so that they can contact you if needed, make sure that they know how to work this. It is also advisable that your child has the contact number of their school on their in case they need to get in touch with the school.