Catching a Train – SEN Life Skills Module

Support learners in developing the confidence and practical skills needed to plan and complete a train journey independently.

Designed for teenagers and young adults, this practical PDF resource is particularly suitable for SEN learners, alternative provision, supported learning, Functional Skills and Preparing for Adulthood programmes. Through authentic, real-world activities, learners explore every stage of travelling by train, from booking tickets and preparing for their journey to navigating the station and dealing with unexpected situations.

The resource uses realistic travel scenarios to help learners develop confidence, independence and problem-solving skills for everyday public transport.

What’s Included

• A child-friendly glossary of common train travel vocabulary
• A realistic online extract showing train times and ticket prices
• Reading comprehension activities based on booking train tickets
• Examples of both paper and digital train tickets
• A packing activity exploring what to take on a train journey
• Activities focusing on what to expect at the station
• A train seating plan with comprehension and seat-selection tasks
• Role-play scenarios and structured discussion activities based on common travel situations

Skills Developed

• Planning and preparing for a train journey
• Understanding different types of train tickets
• Reading and interpreting timetables, tickets and travel information
• Interpreting signs, maps and seating plans
• Developing problem-solving skills when travelling
• Building confidence in using public transport independently
• Applying literacy, communication and decision-making skills in real-world contexts

Accessibility

The resource is presented in a dyslexia-friendly 14pt font to support accessibility. Activities use realistic examples, clear language and structured tasks to help learners build confidence with public transport in a supportive and engaging way.

This module works particularly well alongside Network Rail’s Our Autism Friendly Guide to Travelling by Train, providing practical opportunities for learners to apply and reinforce the strategies introduced in the guide.

Ideal For

SEN, SEND, Alternative Provision, Supported Learning, Functional Skills, Functional English, Life Skills, Independent Living, Public Transport, Train Travel, Travel Training, Preparing for Adulthood, PSHE, KS3, KS4, Post-16 and learners developing independent travel skills.