Active Travel for Children with Additional Needs
Welcome to our guide on encouraging active and safe travel for children with additional needs.
This page is designed for parents and caregivers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with practical tips to make active travel safe, inclusive and enjoyable.
The importance of active travel for children with additional needs
Regular exercise is good for everyone, both physically and mentally. However, evidence has shown that children and young people with additional needs are less likely to be active than non-disabled children, which can affect their health as they grow up (reference: University of Bristol)
Recent guidelines advocate for 20 minutes of daily exercise, or 120 to 180 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise. Active travel, such as walking or cycling, is the easiest way to incorporate exercise into daily life, and aids in tackling health disparities across the UK; helping everyone lead healthier, happier lives.
The benefits of regular physical activity for children with additional needs
Ensuring children and young people, regardless of their disability status, are as physically active as possible is crucial to their health and well-being – both now and in the future.
Scientific evidence shows physical activity is equally beneficial and safe for children with additional needs as those without. Have a read of the specific benefits:
Improved physical health - Regular exercise contributes to enhanced cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and coordination, supporting better overall physical well-being.
Enhanced motor skills - Physical activity helps develop and refine gross and fine motor skills, crucial for daily activities and tasks.
Increased confidence - Engaging in physical activities fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence in children with additional needs.
Social Interaction - Group activities and team sports are a good way to facilitate socialisation, allowing children to develop communication and interpersonal skills.
Improved concentration and focus - Physical activity has been linked to increased attention span and concentration, which can be particularly beneficial for children with attention-related challenges.
Stress reduction - Exercise releases endorphins, promoting a positive mood and helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Better sleep patterns - Regular physical activity can contribute to improved sleep quality, which is essential for overall health and cognitive functioning.
Weight management - Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of associated health issues.
Emotional regulation - Physical activities provide a constructive outlet for emotional expression, aiding in emotional regulation for children with additional needs.
Cognitive development - Exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, problem-solving skills, and academic performance.
It's important to tailor physical activities to each child, ensuring these experiences are positive as well as compatible with their unique needs.
Teaching Road Safety Skills
As your child transitions to secondary school, they may start to walk and cycle independently more often, leading to new independent travel challenges.
You can address these challenges proactively by teaching and practising road safety skills. This will help to ensure a smooth transition and foster a sense of autonomy and responsibility in your young traveller.
Tailored approach
As a parent or caregiver, your understanding of your child is invaluable. You can use teaching methods to suit their needs, utilising clear instructions, defined goals, or rewards that resonate with their interests. Remember: balancing theory-based knowledge with practical activities is essential for effective learning.
Real-life practice
While it may be daunting to take your child onto the road for practical training, it’s a crucial step in connecting road safety rules to real-life scenarios. Real-life experience will help them to:
- understand the importance of responsible behaviour, and
- become familiar with the concept of personal safety.
Here is an example activity that incorporates theory-based and practical learning, and is designed for children with additional needs:
- Practise walking to nearby parks, leisure centres, or local shops.
- Choose a very quiet road with pavements on both sides and crossings.
- When crossing the roads, articulate the rules aloud and ask your child to recite them before each crossing.
Consistency is key – follow this routine often until the practice becomes a habit.
Practical Tips for Making Active Swaps
We’re encouraging all Wokingham Borough residents to increase active travel by making active swaps: opting to ditch the car keys for an active mode of travel where feasible. Find practical tips on this here.
Navigating active travel swaps with children with additional needs requires extra thought and consideration to tailor activities to suit their unique needs.
Furthermore, incorporating independent travel training is paramount for their safety. This resource, as well as the tips we have summarised below, is designed to improve your and your child’s confidence in independent travel.
Individualised approach
Recognise and understand your child's specific needs, preferences, and abilities. Ensure that travel activities are tailored to align with your child's interests and comfort levels.
Gradual progression
Introduce active travel gradually, allowing your child to adjust and build confidence. Start with short walks or bike rides in familiar and safe environments.
Consistent routine
Establish a consistent routine for active travel, incorporating it into daily or weekly schedules.
Consistency provides predictability, promoting a sense of security for children with additional needs.
Visual supports
Use visual aids to help your child understand and prepare for upcoming travel activities. Visual supports can assist in reducing anxiety and enhancing communication.
Safety precautions
Prioritise safety by teaching and reinforcing road safety skills. Use clear, simple instructions and practice these skills in a controlled and safe environment.
Peer involvement
Encourage social interaction by involving peers in active travel. Group activities can provide a supportive and inclusive environment for your child.
Choose accessible routes
Select routes that are wheelchair accessible or have accommodations for mobility devices.
Ensure the chosen paths cater to your child's sensory needs and comfort.
Positive reinforcement
Offer positive reinforcement and rewards to motivate your child during and after active travel experiences. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to encourage continued participation.
Communication with their school
Collaborate with school staff to extend active travel initiatives into the school environment. Share strategies and successes to ensure consistency between home and school.
My Journey - Making Active Travel Easy, Convenient, and Fun
My Journey is Wokingham’s digital hub for all things active travel. It is packed with resources that will help make active swaps easier for you and your young person to achieve.
Walking groups
If you are concerned about your child’s safety and confidence in walking independently; volunteer-led walks are a great option for building their knowledge and experience around road safety, whilst getting to reap the benefits of walking with their community. You can find many of our community walking groups here.
Walking and cycling routes
Sometimes the hardest part about adopting active travel is just getting started. If you can plan more easily, it reduces the barrier to entry. Our journey planner makes deciding your next walking or cycling route easy.