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The Downs Primary School & Nursery

The Downs Primary School & Nursery

Promoting Active Travel to School

At our school, we are committed to encouraging active travel as a means of promoting healthier lifestyles; protecting the environment and reducing local congestion. Our efforts are centred around making walking, cycling and scooting to school fun and safe for our students. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

BENEFITS OF ACTIVE TRAVEL

Children's Health

  •  Physical Fitness: Active travel provides children with regular physical activity, which is crucial for their overall fitness and helps combat childhood obesity.
  •  Mental Well-being: Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, leading to better mental health and academic performance.
  • Social Interaction: Walking or cycling to school allows children to interact with their peers, fostering a sense of community and improving social skills.

Environmental Impact

  • Reduced Emissions: Fewer car journeys mean a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
  •  Sustainable Living: Encouraging active travel instills environmentally friendly habits in children that can last a lifetime.

Local Congestion

  • Less Traffic: By reducing the number of cars during peak school hours, we help alleviate traffic congestion around the school, making the journey safer and quicker for everyone.
  • Safety Improvements: With fewer cars on the road, the areas around the school become safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS

Living Streets Travel Tracker

We use the Living Streets travel tracker to monitor and encourage active travel amongst our students. This tool allows children to log their journeys, earn rewards, and see their progress. It’s a fun and engaging way to promote walking, cycling, and scooting to school.

Walk to School Weeks

Our school participates in Walk to School Weeks, where we encourage all students and their families to leave the car at home and walk to school. These events are filled with exciting activities and competitions to motivate students and celebrate their efforts in choosing active travel.

SAFE TRAVEL EVENTS

To ensure our students are safe while travelling actively, we host a variety of training sessions:

  • Bikeability Training: This program provides students with essential cycling skills and road safety knowledge, preparing them to ride confidently and safely on the road.
  • Scooter Training: We offer scooter training sessions where children learn important skills and safety tips for scooting to school.

By fostering a culture of active travel, our school is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our students, protecting the environment, and making our community a safer place. We invite all students and their families to join us in this initiative and enjoy the many benefits of active travel to school.