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.

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.    

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.

Primary School Grants

The Choose How You Move team have grants available to schools located in the 7 districts of Leicestershire. These grants can be used to support active travel initiatives; this can include promotion, equipment and facility improvements. This grant can be used across the whole academic year and can be applied for prior to its use. For more information on what the grants can be used for please get in touch. Grants will need to be match funded (this can be match funded financially or in kind) and schools can apply for a maximum grant of £1000. Upon successful application and use of a grant, schools will need to complete a short report on what the grant was used for and the benefit it made.

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.

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.

Better Points  

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.