Earlier this year 10 schools across Norfolk received a £5,000 grant to pilot Norfolk County Council’s Active Travel Survey. The scheme which has been funded using money received from Active Travel England aims to support schools by introducing new active travel and road safety initiatives for pupils.
The initiative which was open to all schools across the county received 74 applications. Following a review by the Active Travel Team and Road Safety Team 10 applications were chosen at random to receive the funding.
Schools must have spent their money by next December 2024 and must feedback results of their plans. The aim is to help more staff, pupils, and families adopt active travel options like walking, cycling, or scooting for school journeys. It also is hoped that they will encourage schools to review their policies and safety plans to foster a lasting culture of active travel and road safety.
The successful schools are:
- St. Nicholas Priory Primary School – Great Yarmouth
- John Grant School – Caister
- East Norfolk Sixth Form College – Gorleston
- Aylsham High School – Aylsham
- Norwich High School for Girls – Norwich
- Ormiston Victory Academy – Norwich
- Springwood High School – King’s Lynn
- Bignold Primary School and Nursery – Norwich
- Greyfriars Academy – King’s Lynn
- Norwich Road Academy – Thetford
Having been awarded the money in July we’ve already seen some amazing uses which are having a positive impact on pupils within the schools.
John Grant School used their grant to build confidence in independent travel by installing a pedestrian crossing and bus stop on school grounds.
“Students in Further Education have practiced using the zebra crossing in the carpark. It is easily accessible, and we can pop out to practice and reinforce skills. We are now ready to take students out into the community and use the zebra crossing at the end of the road.
The students felt important whilst also learning about the green cross code, how to act as a pedestrian, road signs and safe places to cross. We now feel better equipped to go out into the community.”
St. Nicholas Priory Primary School, saw this grant as an opportunity to introduce students to cycling.
“The scheme has been transformative, allowing us to assess pupils’ travel habits and provide bikes, helmets, and safety gear for those without access. The funding enabled cycling proficiency lessons, additional bike and scooter racks, and Special Educations Needs and Disabilities (SEND) appropriate trikes for our special needs unit The Pod, promoting safe and inclusive travel. The pupils’ pride and excitement after achieving their cycling awards highlight the incredible impact this grant has had.”
Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: “We’re delighted to see Norfolk schools stepping forward to lead the way in encouraging active travel and road safety. This funding from Active Travel England has given us the opportunity to bring meaningful support to schools that want to promote healthier, safer travel choices and to set an example of sustainable travel and to prepare the next generation with positive habits that are good for individuals and for the environment.
Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said: “I hope that all parents will be pleased to see these grants. There is strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life, so starting this routine from a young age will really help. We know that good awareness of road safety leads to children having greater confidence to travel on foot or on two wheels and is one of the easiest ways for them to get more of the exercise they should every week.”
PIC-NORFOLK CC
