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Modeshift STARS is a nationally recognised scheme that rewards schools who encourage sustainable, active, and safe travel.
After consulting with everyone in the school, Becket Primary School have completed more than 15 initiatives like cycle confidence training (Bikeability) and walking when they are learning outside the classroom to help children travel actively and safely to school.
Aligned with national trends, a recent survey at Becket showed that despite their ongoing work during the last 2 years, the percentage of those travelling by car to school has increased.
The eco-group are already working with teachers on how to change this on a journey to do even more to improve their environment and get their silver award.
Headteacher Zoe Bembridge said: “Becket Primary school are so proud to have achieved the Modeshift Star Bronze Award for encouraging active travel to school. Lots of children at Becket already walk, ride or scoot to school and we are really keen to continue encouraging active travel and find ways to have less cars dropping off by the school gates.”
The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Cllr Sonia Russe, who presented the award said “When I asked children how they travelled to school, it was fantastic to see so many feeling positive about walking and scooting. It would be a pleasure to hear those parents who have to drive to Becket are getting involved by parking a short distance away and walking. I am sure that less cars outside the school gates would encourage more children to build on the skills they have learnt.”
Cllr Steve Hogg, Executive Member for Transport and Highways at North Somerset Council said: “North Somerset Council is keen to make active travel, such as walking, cycling and scooting, the natural choice for parents and children to get to school. This means North Somerset will be a cleaner, healthier and more active place. This year, five North Somerset schools have received an award for their school travel plan and many more have signed up to the scheme and are making good progress. Our active travel strategy sets out ambitious plans to increase walking and cycling trips by 300% by 2030. We’re really proud of all our schools who are helping to achieve this.”
For more information about North Somerset Council’s active travel strategy, please visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk and search active travel strategy.