St Peter’s Infant School in Rochester and Miers Court Primary School in Gillingham have achieved ‘Good Accreditation’ through the Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) programme.

The programme – supported by 80 local authorities across the country – aims to help schools encourage healthier, safer and more active everyday journeys through school travel plans.

School Travel Plans set out how schools aim to reduce private vehicle journeys to and from school by encouraging more sustainable forms of travel, such as walking and wheeling, cycling, public transport and Park and Stride.

As two of the first schools in Medway to take part in the School Streets scheme, St Peter’s and Miers Court have continued to promote active and sustainable travel through a range of initiatives. These include the national Living Streets WOW challenge, as well as local initiatives such as Little Trekkers and the Walkin’ N Wheelin’ challenge, all of which have contributed towards the schools’ accreditation achievements.

Whilst both schools’ commitment outside of the classroom has been impressive, students have also been putting in the work inside the classroom, developing their road safety knowledge through lessons delivered by our Road Safety Team.

Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, said:

“Congratulations to both schools on their fantastic achievement, which promotes healthy and sustainable travel habits, as well as supporting our ambitions as a council to reduce congestion, improve air quality and make school travel safer.

“I hope this inspires other schools in the area to further develop their active travel plans, with the aim of achieving their own Modeshift STARS Accreditation. Once again, congratulations to St Peter’s Infant School and Miers Court Primary School on their fantastic achievements, making sure that every day is a safe school day.”

(Picture: Chris Snape)