Pupils and staff at Bath & North East Somerset schools have been recognised for supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.

Weston All Saints Primary School recently achieved accreditation for their School Travel Plan (STP) that aims to reduce car use and encourage more active, safer and sustainable ways to travel.

Bath & North East Somerset Council uses Modeshift STARS to help schools to create their travel plans, with schools achieving an accreditation for each level they reach starting with an Approved (Green) plan and progressing to good, very good, excellent and outstanding.

Weston All Saints Primary School achieved the first level, Approved (Green), with a plan that includes implementing a 5 to 10 minute walking zone and taking part in Brake’s Road Safety Week. The Year 6 pupils took part in Bikeability Level 2 cycle training in preparation for transition to secondary school, while other pupils have completed pedestrian skills training and scooter training.

Mr Chris Treble, deputy head at Weston All Saints Primary School, said: “We are really proud to have our commitment to encouraging healthy, sustainable and safe travel within our school community recognised. Children and staff have shown great enthusiasm for the workshops and activities that have been offered, and we look forward to working with Modeshift STARS and Bath & North East Somerset Council as we continue this journey."

Chew Stoke Church School has achieved Outstanding (Platinum) Accreditation for the last two years for its School Travel Plan initiatives and was the STARS Local Authority and South West Primary School of the Region 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Pupils recently won the STARS Regional Primary School of the Year 2023/24 and in March next year they will travel to London to represent the South West at the National STARS School Travel Awards. This will be the third time Chew Stoke have been to London for the Awards and they are already busy preparing a presentation to deliver to all the finalists, charities and organisations who work alongside Modeshift STARS. They will also write a case study which will share the details of their School Travel Plan to date.

Vicki Hennessy, deputy head at Chew Stoke Church School said, “We at Chew Stoke Church School are committed to raising the profile and teaching about the importance of safe, sustainable and active travel. We have been working hard since 2019 to educate and encourage our children and families to travel to school using an increasing number of green modes of transport. We are proud to be advocates in our local area in regards to road safety and pride ourselves on working alongside a range of organisations including our parish council to change habits for a happier and healthier future.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel said: “Congratulations to staff and pupils at both schools. Modeshift STARS is a wonderful scheme that recognises schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting sustainable and active travel in order to improve the health and well being of children and young people.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council provides support to schools to create a School Travel Plan and achieve their Modeshift STARS award. For more information, please email the council’s school travel plan officer,  [email protected]

Schools can find out more about School Travel Plans and the Modeshift STARS scheme on the council’s website.

Watch the video below to recap on Beat the Street, a 6-week interactive game which encouraged active travel in the Somer Valley in order to win points.