National Star College LIFT-ing into Primary Schools

A scheme to give young people with special needs greater independence and opportunities is now being offered in Primary Schools.

LIFT* is an inclusive programme which currently supports disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable people to access their local communities, schools and colleges through the use of public transport. It has already had great success with teenagers and was recognised with a Guardian Public Service Award.

The innovative new programme is available to a range of young people to increase their skills and confidence when travelling to school, to support their transition from Primary to Secondary School. This is an exciting but often daunting time for young people. LIFT is helping Year 6 students prepare for Secondary School by planning how they will travel and ensuring they can do so safely.

Head Teacher Andy Darby at Tredworth Junior School explains how the programme has benefitted his students:

"The sessions with the LIFT team have been excellent. It has really focussed children and adults alike on their place in their community, and more crucially how they access the most appropriate transport to access the services they and their families need. It has been done in an engaging and fun way."

LIFT's Primary Programme covers all modes of transport relevant to the group, including cycle safety and road safety, and explores back up options if plans fall through. Many students will be travelling by bus, and the journey to Secondary School is often the first time in a young persons’ life that they will use transport independently. Stagecoach West has worked in partnership with LIFT to provide students with the opportunity to practise using a bus in the controlled setting of the schools’ playground.

Nathan Griffith-Williams, Marketing Manager Stagecoach West said:

“We have worked with National Star College for a number of years and are delighted to support their latest project. LIFT is a fantastic opportunity to learn and practice in a safe and comfortable environment and we are extremely proud to be involved.” 

Natalie Wadley from the National Star College said:

“We are delighted that the LIFT Programme can continue to promote greater opportunities for young people to travel independently and that our strong partnerships continue to develop.”

Cllr Jackie Hall, cabinet member for education and skills at Gloucestershire County Council said:

“This project has already proved a great success with young people and extending the training to Primary Schools is the obvious next step. Children and young people are being taught valuable skills to allow them to become independent and this will no doubt make a huge difference to children making the transition to secondary school. ”

LIFT personalises its programme according to the group’s needs, covering topics from behaving safely when travelling to dealing with any emergencies which may occur. LIFT supports the community through family workshops providing details of transport services available in Gloucestershire. Workshops also address worries and concerns around travel for both students and families.

If you would like more information about any of the LIFT programmes, please visit our website www.liftproject.co.uk  or contact the Team on 01242 527631.