Pioneering new satnav scheme offers ambitious students a route to college

A TEENAGER with special needs is now able to make his own way to school thanks to satnav technology.

Craig Nibloe, 17, uses a GPS device to help him on his bus journey to Pilrig Park School.

Edinburgh City Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to use the kit to train special needs pupils.

The technology ensures students do not have to rely on school transport and offers them the opportunity to continue their studies at college.

The SkyGuard hand-held device informs teachers of the exact location of pupils travelling to class and includes a two-way communication and SOS facility.

Craig 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 on my own and go to college."

Pilrig Park School headteacher Ellen Muir 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 confidence and become independent.

"One of the biggest plusses is that students need to be able to self travel so they can attend college, so now we should have more taking up further education with more career opportunities being opened up."

Craig was tutored by learning assistant Bill Lothian during a five-week trial.

Ms Muir said: "Without Bill's support and enthusiasm for the project I'm sure Craig wouldn't have made the remarkable progress he did."

Councillor Paul Edie said: "The amazing progress Craig has made shows how beneficial the system is."