In the interests of safety, if you travel to
and from school by car, we would be
grateful if you would use the village hall
car park near to the school.
We have an active travel policy and like to
encourage pupils to walk or cycle to school
where possible.
School Travel Plan
A recent study shows that more pupils are now walking and cycling to get to and from school. Car use has dropped in comparison to previous years and pupils’ awareness of road safety and environmental issues has also improved. Barrow Primary School has become the third school in Suffolk to achieve a Bronze Modeshift STARS award – a national scheme which recognises schools which have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. The award scheme encourages schools across England to implement their own travel plans to increase levels of sustainable and active travel in order to improve the health and well-being of children and young people.
The primary school’s journey to achieve the Bronze accreditation began when pupils and teachers decided to implement a Travel Plan to encourage sustainable travel. Following the implementation of the plan, 36% of pupils now usually travel to school by active travel (walk, bike and scooter) with a further 23% using the park and stride option (being driven to a location away from the school and walking the rest of the distance). The school worked with colleagues from Suffolk County Council and the local community to develop the travel plan.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council and Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: “It is fantastic to see the measures that Barrow Primary School has put in place to encourage more parents/carers and children to consider sustainable transport on the school run".
“As more children are aware of the current climate emergency the Modeshift STARS awards are an ideal way for schools, pupils and parents to join forces and reduce the impact of the school run and make active travel an attractive alternative, even if it’s just a few days a week".
“Keep up the good work Barrow Primary School.”
Headteacher Helen Ashe from Barrow Primary School who led on the initiative and worked with parents, staff, the School Council and the Junior Road Safety Officers, was delighted to receive the STARS accreditation as a reward for all their work throughout the year.
'We are delighted to be part of the Modeshift Stars awards scheme and proud to have gained our Bronze Award this year. The scheme has enabled us to use our active travel drive to improve individual wellbeing as well as benefiting the whole community through reducing traffic pollution and congestion. As Barrow Primary School grows and expands over the coming years, we will continue to focus on encouraging sustainable ways of travelling to and from school as well as educating our children on important issues such as road safety and looking after our environment.'
