Cippenham Junior School and Wexham Court Primary School have been given bronze Slough awards for promoting the use of sustainable means of travel to and from school.
The Slough awards are part of the Berkshire School Travel Excellence Programme (STEP), which was launched in October 2007 and helps to improve road safety, the environment and the health and wellbeing of pupils.
STEP is an initiative developed by the six Berkshire unitary authorities, including Slough Borough Council. STEP rewards local schools for their sustainable travel achievements and efforts to improve both pupil health and the environment.
The scheme was set up to reward schools for their continuous achievement and sustained effort in the area of School Travel Plans, and efforts are graded with a gold, silver or bronze.
Cippenham Primary School initiated a School Travel Plan steering group and arranged meetings to discuss how to improve travel to school. They also organised a Walk to School Week and held a successful Walking Bus event in June.
They also held Arrive Alive sessions on the importance of road safety and guidance for pedestrians.
Wexham Court Primary School organised a meeting with Slough MP, Fiona Mactaggart, to raise issues regarding sustainable travel.
In addition, pupils and teachers participated in this year’s Walk to School Week, produced road safety posters and promoted staff car sharing and cycling initiatives.
A special innovation award was also presented to Slough Centre Nursery for their efforts in improving health and wellbeing of pupils. They purchased wellington boots so all children have the opportunity to play outside, rain or shine.
Julie Penna, senior transport planner for Slough Borough Council, said: “These awards are a great way to recognise the hard work of pupils and teachers and celebrates their steps towards greener ways to travel.
“Travel planning emphasises not only travelling by car, but also improving the health and fitness of pupils through walking, cycling or just being active.”
Slough Borough Council
