Craig leads way in school travel

A TEENAGE special needs pupil in the Capital has become the first in Scotland to learn to travel to school on his own using satellite technology.

Craig Nibloe, from Pilrig Park School, spent five weeks learning how to use the GPS device as he got the bus from his home to school and college.

The technology has allowed him to travel by himself while being monitored by staff. It also gives him the option of calling for help if at any time he feels lost or in danger.

Previously, special needs children were taught to travel by themselves through intensive work with a teacher, who would spend up to eight weeks accompanying the pupils.

The new technology has proved to be more effective, with Craig able to travel independently within five weeks, and already a second student at Pilrig Park, Peter Ellis, 15, is learning to use the device.

For Craig, 17, the experience and confidence gained through his five weeks mean he is now able to travel by himself.

He said: "I always wanted to get the bus to school by myself but wasn't able to. I'm really pleased I can now do that."

Edinburgh is the first local authority in Scotland to use the technology in such a way and it could lead to other schools in the Capital using the system.

The SkyGuard GPS device costs 25 a month to rent and manufacturers have included a guarantee that any improved versions will be provided without any additional cost.

The pupil carries the hand-held device whilst the teacher is able to rely on the computer system to tell them their exact location, with the added reassurance of two-way communication and an SOS facility.

Pilrig Park School head-teacher Ellen Muir was full of praise for the new system.

She said: "Self-travel training is always time-consuming for our staff, but this technology means we can concentrate on those pupils who need a higher level of support and train more children to gain more confidence and become independent.

"We should have more taking up further education with career opportunities opened up."

She also praised one of the school's self-travel trainers, learning assistant Bill Lothian, who tutored Craig on his trial.

"Without Bill's support and enthusiasm, Craig wouldn't have made the remarkable progress he did," she said.

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's health and social care leader, said: "Using this technology to help pupils make their own way to school is a natural progression and the amazing progress Craig has made shows how beneficial the system is."