Introduction
You can find information in this section about how children and young people can learn to travel independently, support for transport, and Disability Living Allowance.
Independent travel training
Learning to travel independently can be a key step on the pathway to adulthood. The benefits of travel training for young people can be far reaching:
- increasing independence and confidence,
- improving self-esteem
- enhancing life skills and employability.
Independent Travel Programme for Young People in Education
North Tyneside Council provide Independent Travel Training to those who are able and confident and would like to travel to school independently. The programme is about giving children the skills and confidence to travel safely using public transport. It's about expanding their knowledge of road safety and learning how to plan journeys. The training usually happens when children reaches an age that they are ready to benefit from the opportunities provided by the Independent Travel Programme. It can begin as early as Year 6.
Who is the training aimed at? The training is aimed at children and young people with additional needs, who receive support from the local authority to get to school. Many pupils can learn to travel independently. Each pupil is assessed to see if they can benefit from training. The needs of a small number of pupils may be so great that they would not benefit from training.
What are the benefits of travel training? Travel training focuses on using public transport to school. It can help to build your child's confidence, social and independence skills, which could reduce their reliance on you. You may also be eligible for a free or discounted bus pass. The travel trainer will be happy to advise you on this.
For further information please email hometoschooltransport@northtyneside.gov.uk
School and post 16 transport
See school transport for further information on free school travel, pre-school age children, children under 16, post 16 student travel support.
Public transport
Children and young people with specific special educational needs could be entitled to public transport concessions.
See Nexus for more information.
Disabled parking (Blue Badge)
Children and young people with specific special educational needs could be entitled to a Blue Badge.
Changing Places toilets
Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability.
People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by Changing Places toilets.
We have facilities at:
Whitley Bay Customer First Centre (library)
Whitley Bay Waves Leisure Centre
North Shields Customer First Centre (library)
Wallsend Customer First Centre (library)
Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend
Howdon Library in Wallsend
A map and guide to all Changing Places toilets in the UK is available on the Changing Places website, under the Find a Toilet section.
Radar key for accessible toilets
A RADAR Key (NKS key) is a skeleton key that opens more than 9,000 accessible toilets in the UK.
The RADAR Key or National Key Scheme (NKS) provides independent access to locked accessible toilets throughout the country. Toilets fitted with RADAR or NKS locks can be found in shopping centres, restaurants, department stores, bus and train stations in most parts of the UK. The RADAR Key Scheme enables these accessible toilets to be locked to prevent vandalism and misuse.
The RADAR Key can be purchased from:
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child.
Contact provide helpful information about DLA for families of disabled children.
Disabled Student's Allowance
Students at College may be able to access extra funding.
Find out more: see Disabled Student's Allowance
Organisations offering support
Organisations offering support to parents and carers
Throughout the SEND Local Offer we have included links to other websites, which are run by outside providers, organisations and charities. While every attempt to ensure all information held here is accurate, we cannot accept any responsibility for third party websites. Their inclusion here is for your information only and does not represent endorsement or recommendation by us.
Local (North East)
North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum - The parent led forum in North Tyneside for those caring for a child or young person aged 0-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities.
North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum SEND Family Support Sessions. One to one sessions offering information, advice and guidance sessions to parent carers in North Tyneside. Delivered in person at the Oxford Centre, Longbenton and John Wille Sams Centre, Dudley. There is also the option to have an online appointment if this is easier. Sessions run during term time only. Mondays 9:30-13:00
Down's Syndrome North East - A charity supporting people with Down's Syndrome and their families. Providing families with opportunities to meet socially in person and online. The charity also provide support and training to parents.
Dads of Autistic Children Support Group - Peer support for connection, support and shared experiences. Mondays 6pm-7pm. Hosted at The Meadows Community Centre with The Life of Reily - Autism and Us.
Mams of Autistic Children Support Group - Peer support, a space to connect, share and support one another. Wednesday 12-1pm. Hosted at The Meadows Community Centre with The Life of Reily - Autism and Us.
Grandparents of Autistic Children Support Group - Peer support, listen, learn, share, talk with others who understand. Wednesdays 11-12noon. Hosted at The Meadows Community Centre with The Life of Reily - Autism and Us.
Pathways 4 All - Term time coffee morning Thursday 9:30-11:30am at Tim Lamb Centre. A great opportunity for parents/carers of children/young people with disabilities/additional needs to connect with other parents.
Support for Parents living with Autism and other Related Conditions (SPARCS) - A support group for parents/carers and families living with autism and other related conditions. Email sparcs@yahoo.com
Take 5 and chat - parenting additional needs - A cafe drop-in for parents and carers Whitley Bay Baptist Church (small hall) Whitley Bay. Surround yourself with people who get it.
The North East Autism Society - One to One Sessions for families that have questions or would like to discuss any issues in confidence. Sessions take place at Riverside, Howdon and Shiremoor Family Hubs. Appointments must be pre-booked by contacting Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk
National
Cerebra - Is a charity set up to help families with children aged 16 and under withy brain conditions examples include: Autism, ADHD, Down's syndrome, Learning disabilities, Cerebral palsy, Epilepsy, Development delay.
Contact - For families with disabled children - Information and advice, workshops and events. Listening Ear 1-1 telephone appointments for parent carers looking for emotional support.
Define Fine - National parent carer led organisation which offers peer support to help parents advocate for the support their children and young people who experience school attendance difficulties need, to be able to learn and achieve.
Scope - Navigate:parent mentoring - Is designed for parents who have a child on the pathway to diagnosis, or who have a child diagnosed with a disability or impairment within the last 12 months.
Family Fund - Supporting families raising a disabled or seriously ill child on a low oncome. Grants, family experiences, information, resources and workshops.
Support for siblings
Local (North East)
North Tyneside Carer Centre - Supports Young Carers aged 5-18 who look after somebody in their family because that person has a disability, illness, mental health difficulty or misuses drugs or alcohol.
Pathways4All Just 4 Us - Weekly sessions for siblings 8-14. Thursdays 5-7pm. Session must be pre booked and a Pathways4All membership required.
National
Sibs - For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults - Sibs support those growing up with, or who have grown up with a disabled brother or sister.