News

Pupils at Montacute School are to benefit from a new travel-training scheme as a result of a unique partnership between the Borough's Pupil and Parent Support Services and Wilts & Dorset.

All pupils will continue to travel to and from school on minibuses and taxis. However, where possible, the school aims to support older pupils in using public transport in order to develop their personal independence. Starting next week, Wilts & Dorset will issue students with bus passes which will increase the opportunities for them to travel independently. The sessions will be agreed, as part of the children's Individual Education Plan, by their parents and teachers and will continue until they are able to travel on their own.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Chairman of Learning Policy Advisory Group, said: "This is a valuable opportunity for pupils at Montacute School and will help them build towards an independent future. The scheme is a great example of partnership working for the benefit of pupils in Poole."

Pupils will be issued with a bus pass from Wilts and Dorset, staff accompanying the children will be funded by the Borough of Poole.

Gill Biss, Teacher, Montacute School, said: "This scheme will help us to encourage the independence and self-reliance of pupils with special educational needs. As our pupils grow older, with the prospects of further education and employment ahead, it's important for them to build confidence in their ability to be independent."

Chris Harris, Marketing Officer, Wilts and Dorset, said: "We are delighted to take this opportunity to help these young people get used to travelling by bus and hope that they will continue to use public transport in the future."

Montacute School in Poole caters for children from 3 - 18 yrs old with a range of Learning Difficulties.