Schools Programme
Safe and Sustainable Travel Programme for schools
Travelling actively to schools can be a great way for pupils to start the day, with research finding a link to improved behaviour and concentration as well as contributing to the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day for those aged 5-18. As well as this the Safe and Sustainable Travel Team at Leicestershire County Council can work with you to reduce school gate congestion and create a safer environment for pupils, staff, families and the wider community accessing your school.
Our Team can offer practical advice and support to increase levels of cycling, walking and scooting to school. There are a number of ways your school can get involved and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss the options available.
We have partnered with Betterpoints to trial Lets Go Market Harborough! This initiative is working with eight schools to give parents extra points for travelling sustainably to school. Contact your school to get the unique code to take part this half term.Schools taking part:
For guidance on signing up, visit https://www.betterpoints.uk/page/choose-how-you-move |
Modeshift STARS
Register with Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) programme. This is a national awards scheme to recognise schools demonstrating excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. You can be awarded a bronze, silver or gold star if you choose to participate. It’s completely free, and if you choose to join the 12,000 other schools taking part, your school will automatically have a brand new national standard School Travel Plan.
For further information you can view this guide for schools.
For help setting up your Modeshift STARS account, please contact us on choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk
School Gate Banner Competition
Schools will be invited to design a banner promoting safe and sustainable travel, with the winning entry being displayed outside their school gate. This is a great opportunity for your pupils to get creative and promote walking, cycling and scooting.
Street Feet
Street Feet is a role playing initiative that encourages children to act responsibly on or near roads and to also help them to choose safer routes to school, home and the park. This fun interactive initiative is designed for foundation stage children and is delivered by a road safety professional from Leicestershire County Council.
Park and Stride Campaign
A Park and Stride scheme encourages families to park away from school and walk the last part of their journey. This is a great way to add physical exercise to their school journey.
If you would like guidance on setting up a Park and Stride site for your school, you can check out this page on Living Streets.
Personalised Mapping Tool
Through the use of a mapping tool, schools can receive a personalised map which is centralised around their primary school. This map will provide walking routes and timed distances to the school and can be provided to parents, new families starting at the school and saved to the school website. For more information on a personalised map for your school please get in touch!
Bike Skills
An introductory bike skills session led by a nationally accredited Bikeability trained instructor, these bike skills sessions will aim to provide the recipients with the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling. These skills can then be out into practice to cycle to school and should cycling be incorporated into P.E lessons and active lunch and break times.
To get your school involved, please contact us on choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk
