Converted bus supports neurodivergent students to travel independently
- Single decker provides real-life learning for students at Powerhouse
- Teachers able to create role play travel exercises
- Students beginning in September among the first to try out the latest installation
A specially converted bus to support students aged 16-19 with neurodivergent conditions gain confidence to travel safely and independently was unveiled at the Powerhouse FE college in Farsley, Leeds this week (Wednesday 9 July).
First Bus in Leeds has converted the single decker bus to create a ‘classroom’ area for students and redesigned the exterior to match the college’s identity.
All the interior features have been retained to create a real-life bus experience which teachers will use to develop role play and other activities to explain safer travel, driver interaction, paying fares and lessons in using the bus network.
It also supports a display in the college's interactive setting showing travel information such bus and train timetables.
The bus features alongside specially built installations at the college which support familiarity with a variety of services and aspects of daily life including a supermarket, retail, fast food, banking, hospitality and a Post Office.
Rob Lakewood, Department Lead for post-16 students, said: “Working collaboratively with First Bus we have incredibly lucky to receive such a kind donation. For our college this is learning resource and a tool to support our learners to access the world.
“Travel in the community is a complex task for students that access the Powerhouse, but through this project we have been able to develop a unique resource that empowers, builds confidence and enables our learners to practise skills in a repetitive manner before putting them into context in the wider world."
Developing life skills
First Bus has been working with Powerhouse since the spring as part of its broader support for young people in developing vital life skills and confidence to access sports, social and cultural activities and further education.
A group of 30 students have benefitted from sessions with the team at its nearby Bramley depot in west Leeds, aimed at building confidence and independence.
Mubs Mahmed, Community and Social Value Partner for First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “The idea to donate a bus to the college was the obvious next step in developing our partnership with Powerhouse. It means the teachers have a genuine environment to support students throughout the week.
“For many, independent travel will soon be an important part of daily life, so giving students the tools they need and building confidence on buses now will make a huge difference as they move forward to stay connected to education, work and their communities.”
Mick Forbes, Engineering Director of First Bus in West Yorkshire, added: “The team and our suppliers have done a brilliant job in adapting the bus. It really is a win-win: the college and students benefit from having a real bus and it enables us to re-purpose a vehicle that would have entered the scrap disposal cycle, so helping reduce the carbon emissions associated with this process.”
First Bus has been supported in converting the bus with tyres donated by manufacturer Bridgestone, engineering services from PVS Barnsley, which manages the decommissioning of vehicles, LW Graphics in Bradford and Sparrow Recovery and Repairs, which towed the bus into its new home at Powerhouse.
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