National framework
Part 6 School Travel & School Food
Local authorities are mandated to enhance sustainable travel and transport options while also focusing on improving and expanding access to free transportation services.
The Future of Transport: a network for 2030
The White Paper outlines a 30-year strategy for promoting sustainable travel and enhancing local travel experiences while prioritizing environmental respect It includes various proposals aimed at fostering responsible travel planning and practices.
Promoting the use of school travel plans to encourage people to consider alternatives to using the car
Creating a culture and improved quality of local environment so that cycling and walking are seen as an alternative to car travel for short journeys, particularly for children
Department for Transport (DfT) and
Department for Education and Skills
(DfES), Travelling to School Initiative
This initiative focuses on creating a strategic and sustainable solution to school travel challenges, aiming to decrease car dependency for school journeys School travel plans are recognized as a vital strategy in this effort, with the goal of making school transport more inclusive It seeks to enhance children's independence in travel while promoting safer conditions for walking, cycling, and using public transport.
Tomorrow’s Roads – Safer for Everyone (2000)
The Government’s strategy for improving road safety during 2000 – 2010 sets new ten year targets for casualty reductions, compared to the 1994 – 98 average, of a:
40% reduction in the numbers of people killed or seriously injured
50% reduction in the numbers of children killed or seriously injured
10% reduction in the slight casualty rate, expressed as the number of people slightly injured per 100 million vehicle kilometres
This Act provides a legislative foundation for whole system reform to support a long-term and ambitious programme to improve children’s services
Every Child Matters: Change for Children, National Framework 2004
The Children Act introduces a new approach to ensuring the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19 The government's objective is to provide every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, with the necessary support to thrive.
Make a positive contribution Achieve economic well-being
The promotion of safe and sustainable modes of travel to school supports the aims of Every Child Matters
A number of educational reforms have come about due to Every Child Matters, these include Building Schools for the
The aim of these diplomas is for all 14-
19 year olds to have access to a full range of Diplomas by 2013 Diplomas will provide flexibility and choice to all learners through a mix of academic and applied learning
In rural areas, young people may face long travel times to access specialized facilities for diploma programs To address this issue, alternative solutions should be explored, such as employing peripatetic staff, offering mobile provisions, implementing residential programs, and utilizing e-learning options to ensure reasonable access to education.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) defines an extended school as one that offers various activities and services beyond regular school hours, aimed at supporting the needs of students, their families, and the broader community This approach is considered essential for implementing the Every Child Matters framework.
Matters outcomes An extended school works with the local authority, local partners and other schools to provide access to a core offer of integrated services:
A varied range of activities including study support, sport and music clubs, combined with child care in primary schools
Swift and easy access to targeted and specialist services
Community access to facilities including adult and family learning, ICT and sports grounds
Extended school services in Northumberland are expected to increase, with approximately 70% of schools currently providing full core facilities These services may be offered outside of regular school hours and not exclusively by teachers or on school premises, which could affect travel arrangements for families The goal is for all children to have access to extended school facilities by 2010.
Sustainable Schools for Pupils, Communities and the Environment:
An Action Plan for the DfES, 2007
This document emphasizes the need for schools to serve as sustainable models for youth and their communities by 2020 It advocates that all schools should exemplify sustainable travel practices, utilizing vehicles only when essential, while promoting healthier and less polluting transportation options.
Health Public Health White Paper (November
2004), Choosing Health: Making Healthy Choices Easier Chapter 3, Children and Young People – Starting on the Right Path
This White Paper sets out actions to support children and young people
School travel plans significantly promote physical activity among children, emphasizing the crucial role that the journey to school plays in enhancing their overall activity levels.
Local prospective
The Local Transport Plan (LTP)
The Local Transport Plan (LTP) outlines the objectives of the local transport authority regarding highways and transportation within a specified timeframe, serving as a strategic framework for enhancing local transport systems.
The LTP covering a 15 year period is currently under development, but will based around the following national goals:
Contribute to better safety, security and health
Improve quality of life and a healthy natural environment
An integrated transport programme is formed that includes schemes identified through school travel plans
This strategy sets out how the council will ensure the provision of appropriate bus and rail services for both passengers and freight
The strategy contributes to achieving the objectives in the LTP by promoting a public transport network which:
Offers accessibility through the public transport system, both in terms of physical access to transport and its availability, to the widest cross section of the population;
Gives people (including those who do not have access to cars) more travel choices to access work, services and leisure activities;
Offers affordable fares to passengers;
Provides an attractive and sustainable travel alternative to the car thereby helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution levels and improving air quality and the environment; and
Encourages integration with other modes of transport
Joint Community Transport Strategy for Northumberland 2008
A new vision to develop a high quality community transport network, which will promote social inclusion throughout the authority There are two strategic aims for community transport in
To create a strong and secure community transport sector
To ensure our customers receive the best service possible
The Northumberland authority is committed to assisting schools in their journey toward sustainability, acknowledging the significant impact that educational institutions and youth have in shaping their families' environmental practices By collaborating, we can collectively enhance our environment and foster a culture of sustainability within the community.
In 2006, the Department for Children, Schools and Families released "Sustainable Schools for Pupils, Communities and the Environment," which outlines the National Framework for Sustainable Schools This framework consists of eight key areas, including travel and traffic, and offers guidance on how schools can integrate sustainability into their curriculum, campus, and community initiatives by the year 2020.
Public Health is in a period of significant change as responsibility for key aspects of public health is being transferred from Northumberland Care Trustto the local authority
The local authority will assume statutory responsibilities for key elements from 1st
In April 2013, the public health service was comprised of a limited number of specialists dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the health of the general population Their responsibilities included assessing health and healthcare needs and implementing national, evidence-based policies and guidelines.
The local authority will have responsibilities across all three public health domains:
Health improvement and reduction in health inequalities, e.g socio- economic factors, lifestyle factors
Health Protection, e.g emergency preparedness, environmental hazards, screening, immunisations, infectious disease outbreak management
Population healthcare, e.g advice to healthcare commissioners
Although the level of funding available for new schools has decreased over recent years, the council continue to look for opportunities to create new school builds and refurbishments
The authority will prioritize the development of travel plans during the initial planning stages to address travel-related concerns throughout the construction process After the new school opens, the school travel plan must be reviewed within three months, incorporating pupil surveys to gather essential baseline travel data.
The Children and Young People’s Plan outlines key action areas for services supporting children, young people, families, and carers in Northumberland, aligning closely with the region's corporate priorities.
Community Strategy and the Corporate Plan
Although the National Healthy Schools programme ended in 2011, the authority has continued to prioritize the health and well-being of children by integrating the initiative into a dedicated health and well-being team that offers extensive support to schools This programme emphasizes a comprehensive approach to enhancing both physical and emotional well-being, centered around four key themes.
Personal, social and health education
In order for schools to achieve Healthy School criteria they must meet 43 different criteria points, this includes:
The School Travel Plan promotes safer walking and cycling to school for children, young people, staff, and parents or caregivers It is essential for schools to collaborate with representatives from the Safer Routes to School initiative to enhance safety and encourage active transportation.
Programme and School Travel Plan (STP) scheme and:
The school has a School Travel Plan in place or is working towards one being in place
Parents/carers have received information regarding the School Travel Plan via newsletter articles/ letters and so on
The school has used School Travel Plan surveys to develop the broader Physical Activity agenda
Throughout the school year there is a planned promotion of walking and cycling to school
Pedestrian and cycle skills training is available for children, young people and staff
What does sustainable travel mean in
As demonstrated in the previous chapter a number of opportunities arise from national and local policies This chapter looks at the particular problems faced in
Northumberland emphasizes the significance of sustainable travel in education, exploring current travel trends and student preferences for commuting to school This chapter addresses various issues related to educational travel provision, highlighting the need for promoting eco-friendly transportation options to enhance student well-being and environmental responsibility.
Northumberland and school travel trends
Schools and pupils within Northumberland
Northumberland, located in the northernmost part of England, is the sixth largest county, spanning nearly two thousand square miles Despite its vast area, it boasts one of the lowest populations, with just over a modest number of residents.
Over 311,300 individuals reside in the county, with more than half concentrated in less than 5% of the land area, resulting in a significant urban concentration in the southeastern corner In contrast, the rural northern and western regions experience a notably low population density.
Currently there are 198 schools in Northumberland; this is broken down into
Northumberland is home to a diverse educational landscape, featuring 112 first schools, 13 primary schools, 35 middle schools, 12 high schools, 2 secondary schools, and 2 all-age academies, along with 8 special educational needs (SEN) schools Currently, there are 44,247 pupils enrolled in education across the region, which includes 44,247 students in mainstream schools, 3,752 sixth form students, and 476 pupils with special educational needs.
Figure 3.1 High school catchment areas
Chapter Three: Assessment of Need
The size, low population density and the dispersed settlement pattern within the
County presents significant challenges in providing safe routes to school, with nearly half of compulsory school-age pupils needing to travel over 15 minutes by public transport to reach their local high school Additionally, 10% of all students face journeys exceeding 40 minutes For those aged 16 to 19, less than one-third can access further education opportunities within 30 minutes via public transport, while another third endure commutes longer than an hour These travel difficulties are largely attributed to the rural characteristics of the area.
Northumberland were highlighted by respondents of the consultation for this strategy
Figure 3.2 shows accessibility of residents to their nearest High School by journey time by walking and public transport The residential data used is the Ordnance Survey Codepoint data
The bluer the area shown the least accessible it is The map does not take into account parent choice or school catchment area boundaries
Since the early 1990s Britain has seen a steady rise in the use of cars with a corresponding fall in walking and cycling
In Northumberland, traffic congestion is limited to a few specific areas during peak hours, as shown in figure 3.3 However, with national road traffic on the rise, there is a risk that congestion in the County's towns may escalate to intolerable levels in the future unless proactive measures are implemented promptly.
Transporting children to and from school by car significantly impacts traffic, leading to congestion in school areas To mitigate future congestion and shape the travel habits of upcoming generations, authorities must encourage sustainable travel options.
Figure 3.2: Accessibility to High Schools
Figure 3.3: Areas of congestion in the County
Chapter Three: Assessment of Need
Air Quality and Climate Change
Issues within Northumberland
As demonstrated in the previous chapter a number of opportunities arise from national and local policies This chapter looks at the particular problems faced in
Northumberland emphasizes the significance of sustainable travel in education, highlighting current travel trends and student preferences for commuting to and from school This chapter is organized into sections that address various related issues, underscoring the importance of promoting eco-friendly travel options for the benefit of both students and the environment.
Northumberland and school travel trends
Schools and pupils within Northumberland
Northumberland, the northernmost county in England, is the sixth largest, spanning nearly two thousand square miles Despite its vast area, it boasts one of the lowest populations, with just over a modest number of residents.
With a population of 311,300, more than 50% of residents are concentrated in less than 5% of the land area, resulting in a high urban density in the southeastern corner of the county, while the rural northern and western regions experience very low population density.
Currently there are 198 schools in Northumberland; this is broken down into
Northumberland's education system comprises 112 first schools, 13 primary schools, 35 middle schools, 12 high schools, 2 secondary schools, and 2 all-age academies, along with 8 special educational needs (SEN) schools Currently, there are 44,247 pupils enrolled in educational institutions across the region, which includes 44,247 students in mainstream schools, 3,752 sixth form students, and 476 pupils with special educational needs.
Figure 3.1 High school catchment areas
Chapter Three: Assessment of Need
The size, low population density and the dispersed settlement pattern within the
Accessing safe routes to school poses significant challenges in the county, where nearly half of compulsory school-age pupils must travel over 15 minutes by public transport to reach their local high school, and 10% endure journeys exceeding 40 minutes Furthermore, less than one-third of 16 to 19-year-olds can access further education opportunities within 30 minutes via public transport, while another third face travel times of over an hour These travel issues are compounded by the rural characteristics of the area.
Northumberland were highlighted by respondents of the consultation for this strategy
Figure 3.2 shows accessibility of residents to their nearest High School by journey time by walking and public transport The residential data used is the Ordnance Survey Codepoint data
The bluer the area shown the least accessible it is The map does not take into account parent choice or school catchment area boundaries
Since the early 1990s Britain has seen a steady rise in the use of cars with a corresponding fall in walking and cycling
In Northumberland, traffic congestion is limited to a few specific areas during peak hours, as shown in figure 3.3 However, with the ongoing increase in national road traffic, towns in the County may face severe congestion issues in the future if proactive measures are not implemented promptly.
Driving children to and from school significantly impacts traffic and contributes to congestion near educational institutions To prevent excessive congestion in the future and shape the travel habits of upcoming generations, authorities must encourage sustainable travel options.
Figure 3.2: Accessibility to High Schools
Figure 3.3: Areas of congestion in the County
Chapter Three: Assessment of Need
Air Quality and Climate Change
Vehicular traffic significantly deteriorates air quality and increases emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, which exacerbates climate change In Northumberland, it is estimated that the school commute alone accounts for the release of 8 million kilograms of carbon dioxide annually.
Poor air quality poses significant health risks, especially for children, with research indicating that motorists and their passengers are particularly vulnerable In slow-moving traffic, car passengers encounter pollution levels that are two to three times higher than those experienced by pedestrians.
The air quality in Northumberland is generally good, with the exception of Blyth town centre, which is classified as an Air Quality Active Zone, as illustrated in figure 3.4.
The increasing traffic levels nationwide raise significant concerns, particularly in Northumberland, where the Wansbeck and Blyth districts exhibit lower car ownership than the national average Should car ownership rise in these areas, it could lead to deteriorating air quality in the future.
Figure 3.4: Map showing the extent of the Blyth Air Quality Management Area
Figure 3.5: Total child casualties to and from school
Figure 3.6: Child casualties to and from school by road user
Figure 3.7: Child casualty killed or seriously injured in the 10% most deprived wards
Ensuring the safety of children traveling to and from school is a top priority for authorities, as enhanced safety measures are believed to promote more sustainable travel habits among families.
In recent years, the authority has effectively reduced child casualties, as evidenced by the recorded rates shown in figures 3.5 - 3.7 This decline in accidents demonstrates the success of the authority's safer routes to school strategy, highlighting its positive impact on child safety.
A study revealed a correlation between road safety and the most deprived areas within the authority This finding prompted the creation of an action plan specifically aimed at schools located in the 10% most disadvantaged wards, as identified by road safety officers.
This action plan outlines essential education, training, public awareness, and engineering strategies necessary for enhancing road safety It establishes ambitious targets for reducing casualties, with a specific focus on minimizing the severity of injuries among children and other vulnerable road users.
Travel trends
How are pupils travelling now compared to how they would prefer to travel?
This section analyzes data from the school census and the school travel plan process to compare current travel methods of students with their preferred modes of transportation to and from school.
In 2011, schools with approved travel plans were mandated to report annually on their pupils' typical modes of transportation to school as part of the school census Although new government guidelines no longer necessitate this data collection method, the authority has opted to persist with annual hands-up surveys to gather this information each year.
A summary of the school travel data collected since 2007 is displayed in figure 3.11
Between 2007 and 2012, there was a nearly 4% decrease in the number of pupils driving alone to school, coinciding with changes in data collection methods during the 2011/2012 period Additionally, there has been an increase in pupils cycling and car sharing For specific mode of travel data for individual schools, requests can be made to the school travel plan team.
Regional and national data from 2010 /
2011 is given in figure 3.12, this data indicates that the number of pupils travelling by car to school in Northumberland is lower than the regional and national average
Annual data collection will persist, tracking progress against the objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan and NI 198, which focuses on children's modes of travel to school The primary modes assessed include car, car share, public transport, walking, cycling, and other alternatives.
Figure 3.11: Mode of travel data from Northumberland’s school census car car share public transport walking cycling other
Figure 3.12: Regional and national figures for all pupils aged 5 – 15, 2010/11 data
Chapter Three: Assessment of Need
Chapter Three: Assessment of Need
Preferred Mode of Travel to School
In the school travel plan process, data is gathered on both the usual and preferred modes of travel to and from school This information reflects the current travel habits of the school community prior to the implementation of an active travel plan.
Data collected for those travel plans developed in 2009/2010 is given in figure
3 13 This data shows that more children would prefer to walk and cycle to school compared to the current levels
To reduce the number of car trips to school, it is essential to understand the reasons why children are not using their preferred modes of transportation By exploring these factors and implementing necessary improvements, we can encourage more sustainable travel habits among students.
Figure 3.13: Usual mode of travel to school (%)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 walk cycle rail car school bus other bus taxi other Preferred Mode
How is sustainable travel to school supported in Northumberland?
This chapter examines the existing infrastructure and facilities that promote sustainable travel for school journeys while also identifying potential future developments and areas needing improvement.
Almost everyone is a pedestrian at some time and walking is at the heart of a sustainable, integrated transport system
As well as journeys made entirely by foot, most public transport journeys and some car journeys start and end with a walk
There are many benefits to walking It is free, environmentally friendly and improves personal health and fitness
Increased pedestrian use benefits communities by making streets safer and less vulnerable to crime and vandalism
Promoting walking is a cost-effective health intervention that enhances quality of life while lowering the risk of obesity and heart-related issues Additionally, walking improves accessibility for individuals with limited travel options and encourages a shift from car use to walking, which helps reduce congestion, enhance air quality, and increase road safety.
Main facilities and services throughout the authority are accessible by footway
Additionally, especially in rural areas, the extensive Rights of Way network can also provide valuable means of access to schools
In certain disadvantaged regions, concerns about crime have been identified as a significant obstacle to walking To tackle this issue, the local authority has collaborated with the Community Safety Partnership to implement targeted programs aimed at enhancing safety and encouraging walking in these areas.
A primary reason people avoid walking is the fear of accidents due to vehicular traffic, particularly where speed is a concern Feedback from consultations indicated that safer crossing points and traffic calming measures could promote more sustainable travel options This sentiment was echoed in surveys conducted as part of the school travel plan process, where parents and pupils identified barriers to walking to school The results from these consultations, involving 20 schools that developed travel plans in 2010, are illustrated in figures 4.1 and 4.2.
Figure 4.1: Aspects that would improve / encourage walking to school (%)
Figure 4.2: Aspects that would improve / encourage walking to school (%)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 improved pavements traffic calming safer crossing points pedestrian training
School travel plan advisors collaborate with educational institutions to address and resolve issues related to pedestrian routes Their ongoing initiative prioritizes implementing safety measures that enhance the protection of children traveling to and from school.
To enhance pedestrian safety and reduce casualties, various measures such as refuges, pedestrian crossings, dropped kerbs, tactile paving, traffic calming, and improved signage will be implemented Additionally, priority will be given to installing new or upgrading existing street lighting along routes to schools.
Pavement maintenance is crucial for enhancing accessibility and ensuring safer walking routes Well-kept footways significantly contribute to encouraging pedestrian activity The authority prioritizes the upkeep of the most frequently used footpaths, especially those that serve vulnerable groups like school children.
School crossing patrols play a vital role in safeguarding children from road traffic hazards during their commutes to and from school Currently, there are 82 designated sites throughout the County, each evaluated based on national criteria, which encompasses both vehicle and pedestrian counts.
Crossing Upgrade: Bedlington First School, Ridge Terrace
Through funding from the LTP we were able to upgrade the crossing outside of
Bedlington West End First School from a Zebra to a Pelican as outlined in their school travel plan This has benefited families, teachers and local residents.
Footway improvements: Drummonds Close, Longhorsley
A newly constructed gravel footpath now provides year-round access to Longhorsley First School, as outlined in the school's travel plan Previously, the track was often muddy in winter and overgrown in summer, making it difficult for families and residents to use The improved paved area has significantly encouraged walking, enhancing accessibility for the school community throughout the year.
Walking
Almost everyone is a pedestrian at some time and walking is at the heart of a sustainable, integrated transport system
As well as journeys made entirely by foot, most public transport journeys and some car journeys start and end with a walk
There are many benefits to walking It is free, environmentally friendly and improves personal health and fitness
Increased pedestrian use benefits communities by making streets safer and less vulnerable to crime and vandalism
Promoting walking is a cost-effective health intervention that enhances quality of life while decreasing the risk of obesity and heart-related issues Additionally, walking increases accessibility for individuals with limited travel options and encourages a shift from car usage to walking, which helps reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance road safety.
Main facilities and services throughout the authority are accessible by footway
Additionally, especially in rural areas, the extensive Rights of Way network can also provide valuable means of access to schools
In deprived areas, fear of crime often discourages walking To tackle this issue, the authority has collaborated with the Community Safety Partnership to implement targeted programs aimed at enhancing safety and encouraging walking in these communities.
A primary reason people avoid walking is the danger posed by vehicular traffic, particularly at high speeds, which raises concerns about potential accidents Feedback gathered during consultations emphasized the need for safer crossing points and traffic calming measures to promote more sustainable travel options This is further supported by surveys conducted as part of the school travel plan process, where parents and students identified barriers to walking to school The findings from these consultations, involving parents and pupils from 20 schools that developed travel plans in 2010, are illustrated in figures 4.1 and 4.2.
Figure 4.1: Aspects that would improve / encourage walking to school (%)
Figure 4.2: Aspects that would improve / encourage walking to school (%)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 improved pavements traffic calming safer crossing points pedestrian training
School travel plan advisors collaborate with educational institutions to address and resolve issues related to pedestrian routes Their ongoing program prioritizes safety enhancements for children commuting to and from school, ensuring a secure environment for young pedestrians.
To enhance pedestrian safety and reduce casualties, methods such as refuges, pedestrian crossings, dropped kerbs, tactile paving, traffic calming measures, and improved signage will be implemented Additionally, priority will be given to installing new or upgrading existing street lighting along routes to schools.
Pavement maintenance is crucial for enhancing walkability and ensuring safer routes for pedestrians Well-maintained footways significantly improve accessibility, particularly for vulnerable groups like school children Authorities prioritize the upkeep of the most frequently used paths to address traffic concerns and promote safer walking environments.
School crossing patrols play a crucial role in safeguarding children from road traffic hazards during their journeys to and from school Currently, there are 82 approved crossing sites throughout the County Each site undergoes a thorough assessment to ensure it meets national criteria, which includes evaluating both vehicle and pedestrian traffic counts.
Crossing Upgrade: Bedlington First School, Ridge Terrace
Through funding from the LTP we were able to upgrade the crossing outside of
Bedlington West End First School from a Zebra to a Pelican as outlined in their school travel plan This has benefited families, teachers and local residents.
Footway improvements: Drummonds Close, Longhorsley
A newly created gravel footpath provides year-round access to Longhorsley First School, as outlined in the school's travel plan Previously, muddy winter conditions and overgrown summer vegetation rendered the track nearly unusable for students, families, and residents The installation of a designated paved area has significantly improved accessibility, promoting walking regardless of the season.
In recent years, the authority has implemented a highly effective pedestrian training program aimed at school children, primarily focusing on underprivileged wards This initiative not only addresses current road safety issues but also plans to expand its reach to other areas facing similar challenges in the future.
Safer Places offers essential road safety training to all first schools in the County, receiving positive feedback This program educates young children on fundamental road safety practices, including the identification of safe crossing locations like Pelican crossings.
The article discusses the significance of Crossing Patrols and Footbridges in promoting child road safety, highlighting the new child safety seat laws implemented in September 2006 These initiatives aim to educate children about road safety awareness, equipping them with essential knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Figure 4.3: Number of children receiving road safety training 2009/2010
Over recent years the authority has adopted a number of initiatives to promote sustainable travel to schools
Recent initiatives such as smart travel awards, travel tree schemes, and walk to school weeks have effectively enhanced the visibility of walking The authority remains committed to promoting these initiatives to further raise awareness and encourage walking within the community.
Walking to school is promoted and encouraged throughout the year at
Coulson Park First School has actively participated in the Kerbcraft scheme for the past four years, with Years 1 and 2 benefiting from this initiative County coordinator Christine Wilson praised the school's commitment to the program, highlighting the positive results achieved.
To promote cycling to school, dedicated cycle storage facilities have been established, and all Year 4 students participate in Level 1 Bikeability training The school also encourages staff to adopt sustainable travel methods, with classroom assistant Brenda Wallace noting, “I cycle to school every day now; it’s easier than bringing the car.”
As demonstrated through the consultation process some parents have no choice but to drive, for example, this could be due to work commitments
This initiative targets parents who primarily need to drive their children to school It promotes the idea of parking five minutes away and completing the journey on foot, which is considered a feasible option for most parents.
St Josephs Middle Netherton Northside Blyth Croftway Primary Bede Academy
Stobhill First Longhorsley First The Grove SEN Mowbray First Whytrig Middle King Edwards
Figure 4.4: Schools with Five Minute
Cycling
Cycling offers comparable environmental and health advantages to walking, enhancing overall quality of life It serves as an effective alternative for shorter trips, like the school run, thereby contributing to a reduction in car usage.
In recent years much has been done to promote cycling in Northumberland including investment in developing cycle routes
Census data reveals that only 1.6% of students in the County are currently cycling to school, yet surveys conducted during the school travel planning process indicate that as many as 35% of pupils in urban areas express a desire to cycle.
The survey findings highlight the need to explore the reasons why students are not cycling to school and identify actions that authorities can implement to encourage more cycling Data collected from the school travel plan process, which involves consultations with students and parents regarding the barriers to cycling, is summarized in figures 4.5 and 4.6.
(data gained from schools completing travel plans in 2008)
The absence of secure cycle storage at school sites hinders children's ability to cycle to school This challenge is being tackled throughout the authority with the implementation of school travel plans.
Schools are using grants received from the process to install modern secure cycle storage into the school grounds
Cycle storage should also be provided in a new school builds or refurbishments
See appendix 5 for a list of schools with cycle storage available for pupils
Conflicts with vehicular traffic are seen as a significant barrier to cycling to school Authorities are dedicated to enhancing cycling infrastructure by developing dedicated cycle routes and implementing priority measures such as traffic calming, cycle lanes, and toucan crossings.
The authority has secured funding from the 'Big Lottery Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions Initiative' and the LTP to implement the 'CONNECT2' initiative, which aims to enhance cycling projects that foster connections among people, places, and community pride While the primary focus will be on key routes in Bedlington and Blyth, the initiative will also emphasize linking these routes to schools and public spaces Decision-making will heavily involve consultations with school children, community groups, and local businesses to ensure community needs are met.
Figure 4.5: Aspects that would improve / encourage cycling to school
Figure 4.6: Aspects that would improve / encourage cycling to school
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 more cycle lanes traffic calming cycle training safer crossing secure storage
Cycle training plays a crucial role in encouraging students to cycle to school The County has implemented basic and intermediate cycle training programs to enhance cycling skills Additionally, the authority has established a Basic Cycling initiative to support this effort.
A Resource Pack has been distributed to every First School in the County to facilitate essential classroom theory and practical playground training for teachers within the school curriculum To provide level 2 (intermediate) cycle training to middle schools, trained cycling instructors are collaborating with schools across the county to maximize the number of children receiving this training According to Figure 4.7, the academic year 2009/2010 saw a significant number of children participate in formal cycle training.
Figure 4.7: Number of children receiving cycle training 2006 to 2008
Cycle Experience, a nationwide company, has been contracted to deliver
(Bikeability) The training package will be funded from a grant received of £144,000 for 2010/2011.The aim being to train 3600 children to intermediate level during this period
Pupils at Chantry Middle completing
In collaboration with Sustrans, a Bike It project is set to launch in schools across the Blyth area, running until March 2013 This initiative aims to foster a pro-cycling culture within schools, showcasing cycling as a popular choice for both children and their parents.
The travel plan team suggests implementing 'cycling passports' in schools to promote cycling among students This initiative involves a contract between the school, the student, and their parent or guardian, outlining the terms for cycling and obtaining necessary consent The passport may include guidelines and instructions for safe cycling practices.
A bicycle must be road worthy and have passed a maintenance check
Cyclist has passed an approved cycling course
Bicycles will be securely locked in an approved area
Cyclist will follow a good cyclist code
Meadowdale Middle School in Bedlington has officially launched the first section of the Connect 2 project Throughout the upcoming academic year, school travel advisors will collaborate with the school to encourage students to walk and cycle to school.
Each June, the authority promotes 'Bike Week,' a week-long celebration of cycling that encourages schools to participate through various events like cycle rides, bike surgery sessions, and educational presentations During this week, a competition is held to reward schools with the highest percentage of students cycling to and from school, with the winning school achieving an impressive 70% participation rate.
In 2010, during Bike Week, the authority collaborated with 3Sixty, a renowned bicycle stunt team dedicated to promoting cycling and sustainable travel in schools They showcased their thrilling performances and conducted coaching workshops at five participating schools, encouraging students to embrace cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
Actions for the future Action 3 Improve pedestrian and cycle routes to schools
Action 4 Deliver a road safety education programme to young people
Action 5 Promote sustainable travel for the school journey
Action 6 Ensure schools have adequate facilities
Action 7 Provide safe route to school information to parents
Pedal power was in full flow at Morpeth All Saints C of E First School in a week of cycling events During the week the school had presentations from Northumbria’s St
John’s Ambulance new Cycle Response Unit and a parent taking part in a charity bike ride from Vienna to Bratislava to Budapest There was plenty of excitement on
On Thursday, the 3Sixty bicycle stunt team visited the school to showcase their unique approach to cycling and promote sustainable travel The following day, students participated in cycling proficiency training, working towards achieving Level 1 of the national Bikeability standard.
By the end of the week more than 49 % of All Saints pupils were cycling to school, including two siblings who did a three-mile journey each way Headteacher Pauline
Molloy said: "It was a fantastic week On Friday when we had cycle training we had
During bike week, 59 children enthusiastically cycled to school, showcasing their excitement and engagement throughout the week The positive impact of the event was highlighted by a heartfelt thank-you card from a young boy, expressing gratitude for the experience This demonstrates the overall success and enjoyment of the initiative.
School transport
The rural landscape and scattered settlement patterns in the County lead to students traveling much greater distances to school than the national average This situation poses considerable challenges for organizing effective home-to-school transport services.
11000 pupils are transported daily to and from school on school transport, this includes SEN and post 16, reflecting approximately 8000 mainstream pupils There are 700 routes of which 44 are wheel chair accessible
This authority has one duty and two powers in connection with provision of
1 Duty to provide School Transport under section 509 (1) Education
2 Power to assist with travelling expenses’ under section 509 (3)
3 Power to provide concessionary travel under section 45 public
The authority offers free transportation to school for children who live beyond a designated walking distance from their catchment area school According to Section 444(5) of the Education Act 1996, this walking distance is defined as two miles for children under the age of 8 In cases where transportation is not feasible, the authority will cover the associated costs.
(first school pupils) and three miles for a child older than 8 (middle and high school pupils)
Free school transport can only be within these waking distances in exceptional circumstances These may include:
A route deemed unsafe with regard to the age of the child and the nature of the route or alternative route which the child could reasonably be expected to take
Transport is required for a child on medical grounds either on a short or a long term basis
Following advice from the director of Social Services it is concluded that there are overriding social needs requiring the provision of transport
Parents seeking denominational education for their child can receive free school transport from the County Council to the nearest school offering such education, provided they submit a Certificate of Baptism or a letter from the relevant minister or priest Transport costs to schools outside the catchment area are covered only in exceptional cases, such as when the preferred school is closer to the home than the designated school but exceeds the walking distance, and there are no suitable alternatives nearby.
Spare seats on home-to-school transport are available to pupils not entitled to free transport on a concessionary basis, provided there is no local bus or rail service at suitable times for the school day Parents should note that these concessionary seats can only be confirmed at the beginning of the school year and must be paid for in advance, typically on a termly basis It's important to understand that concessionary seats may be withdrawn if needed for a pupil entitled to free transport or if a smaller vehicle is assigned to the route Additionally, some children residing within the Berwick border area attend schools in Scotland, where the local Scottish coach service provides their transport.
Some pupils with a statement of
Special Educational Needs will qualify for free school transport due to not living within walking distance of their school Others will qualify when the
When a pupil's needs indicate the necessity for transportation, the type of transport provided will align with the recommendations from the professionals responsible for the child's placement.
Transport services are primarily offered through contracted bus operators within the mainstream school transport framework Special transport provisions, such as wheelchair accessibility and hydraulic lifts, are predominantly utilized for transporting students to various special schools within the authority, including Barndale Alnwick and the Josephine Butler campus.
Hillcrest are provided by the
Service Other specialist transport requirements may be provided by Bus
Transport operators, such as mini buses and taxis, may require passenger assistants to accommodate specific behavioral needs The service provider's decision will rely on the availability and appropriateness of the transport, as well as the necessity of having an escort present during the journey.
Whilst there is no statutory responsibility to provide transport support or assistance with transport costs for students in Post 16 education
Northumberland County Council currently operates a free student travel scheme to help eligible students access further education opportunities at high school sixth forms and further education and specialist colleges
Students are required to enroll in the nearest educational institution that offers their chosen course or a similar program, ensuring that it aligns with their educational goals or career advancement.
The Northumberland Independent Travel Training Programme (ITT) has been successfully supporting young people in Northumberland for nearly a year, focusing on those who lack the skills, confidence, or ability to travel alone using public transport Due to its success, many local schools, Northumberland College, and Dilston College are now incorporating ITT into their curricula, ensuring that students are better prepared for independent travel.
Developing these skills and confidence can provide access to educational, employment and leisure opportunities which can greatly enhance social integration
The programme uses the concept of
The Independent Travel Training Coordinator is spearheading the 'train the trainers' initiative, which focuses on equipping school and college staff with essential skills and resources for delivering independent travel training as part of the school curriculum This training and support empower educators to effectively guide students in developing their independent travel abilities.
Independent travel training developments and progress are managed through a steering group
Within this group are senior staff representatives from each of the 14-19 school partnerships
The next phase of our program involves establishing a travel buddy scheme, designed to offer personalized travel assistance for students and volunteers This initiative will provide targeted training to ensure that learners who need initial support can successfully navigate their journeys to school, college, or training This scheme will be especially beneficial for Post-16 students.
Learners with Learning Disabilities and/or Difficulties who have left school and who will be accessing education or training elsewhere
Northumberland schools and colleges are able to visit and make use of the travel training area and facilities on offer at Beacon Hill Special School in
An ‘Information Leaflet for Parents and
Carers’ has been produced by the
The County Council aims to enhance awareness of its independent travel training scheme and address any concerns parents and carers may have about their children becoming independent travelers To support this initiative, a DVD has been created in collaboration with learners, staff, and families who have participated in the training, showcasing the numerous benefits of independent travel training.
Independent travel can bring a range of enhancements and benefits to all young people Our schools and colleges are all using varied methods of delivery
Public transport
Public transport serves as a sustainable alternative to private vehicles, helping to alleviate congestion and enhance air quality In south-east Northumberland, it is especially effective for school commutes, as low car ownership means that public transport is frequently the only available option.
Under the Transport Act, the authority is legally obligated to ensure the availability of public passenger transport services that meet the county's transport needs, particularly those that would otherwise go unaddressed The bus network is categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary systems based on population densities, with the primary network illustrated in figure 4.8.
All bus information and timetables can be viewed at www.travelinenortheast.info/
Most journeys operated by buses in
In Northumberland, private companies offer transportation services on a commercial basis; however, in rural areas, many journeys are not financially viable due to the sparse population and long distances This is where community transport plays a crucial role in providing essential mobility solutions for residents.
The East Coast mainline and Tyne Valley route traverse the county, offering essential transportation options While currently utilized by a limited number of scholars, these routes can significantly benefit children commuting to school outside their catchment areas and young individuals heading to college For more details and timetables, visit www.travelinenortheast.info/.
Figure 4.8: The primary Northumberland bus Network
Actions for the future Action 5 Promote sustainable travel for the school journey
Action 7 Provide safe route to school information to parents
Community transport
The themes included in the Joint
Northumberland are seen as an important way of encouraging social inclusion in less accessible areas The strategy is working towards
Northumberland aims to develop a high-quality, integrated, and sustainable community transport network that enhances social inclusion, ensuring all residents can easily access essential services and facilities.
It is believed that community transport along with pubic transport can provide key solutions in delivering both the extended school services and 14 -16 diplomas
Actions for the future Action 10: School travel planning to play an intrinsic part in educational reforms
Local Sustainable Transport Fund
During June 2012 the authority was awarded funded through the Department of Transports Local Sustainable
Transport Fund to deliver the project
The 'Sustainable Transport to Work' initiative aims to assist school leavers by providing guidance on travel arrangements for further education and employment opportunities The School Travel Plan team will create a comprehensive program for secondary schools in South East Northumberland, focusing on educating students about sustainable transport options and available travel methods for reaching training institutions and job prospects.
Action 8: Develop measures to support the LSTF project
The South East Northumberland: Sustainable Transport to Work project will introduce the Go Smarter Northumberland branding to enhance the School Travel Plan initiative, ensuring consistency in promotional efforts A comprehensive communication plan will be developed and executed to inform Northumberland residents about the advantages of adopting sustainable transport options.
Actions for the future Action 9: Introduce Go Smarter branding across School Travel Plan project
Cars 29 30
The motor car provides a comfortable and convenient mode of transport, but rising car ownership has led to increased congestion and air pollution nationwide In Northumberland, although not among the worst affected areas, car ownership is growing faster than the national average, raising concerns This surge in car use contributes to declining public health, as fewer people are walking or cycling, resulting in lower fitness levels Additionally, heightened car usage poses risks to road safety The local authority acknowledges the significance of private cars, especially in rural communities where they often serve as the sole means of access to essential services like schools.
However, where possible the authority encourages the use of more sustainable modes of travel
On-site parking at schools should be limited to essential operational needs, with potential overflow parking designated on hard play areas for community activities To discourage car usage, pupil parking and designated drop-off/pick-up zones should not be included.
Localised congestion and indiscriminate parking around schools is a concern for
Chapter Four: An Infrastructure Audit is essential for both schools and local authorities, as it directly impacts the safety of children The authority implements road markings to indicate parking hazards near schools, while educational institutions consistently communicate these safety concerns to families.
The authority has taken over parking enforcement, allowing the authority to provide a fully integrated on and off street parking service A team of Civil
Enforcement Officers have been recruited to ensure that everyone parks correctly; if cars are parked illegally the
Officers can issue a Penalty Charge
Actions for the future Action 11: Minimise indiscriminate parking outside schools
Many parents face challenges in walking or cycling their children to school due to work commitments and the distance of rural schools from residential areas To alleviate congestion around school gates, schools are encouraged to implement informal voluntary car-sharing schemes These initiatives aim to connect families living nearby, allowing them to share school runs and reduce the number of cars during drop-off and pick-up times.
For effective car sharing, it's advisable for parents to arrange rides informally among themselves The Northumberland Car Share website, available at www.northumberlandcarshare.com, serves as a valuable resource for finding car sharing partners.
What does the authority intend to do to improve upon the current situation?
The authority has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of children during their school journeys and to enhance infrastructure for sustainable travel Nevertheless, there remain opportunities for further improvements in these areas.
Throughout this document actions and necessary improvements have been identified to take forward into the future
This chapter sets out how the authority intends to tackle these issues and identifies progress up to date
Action 1: Support schools in the production of school travel plans
During March 2010 the authority met its target of all LA controlled schools to have travel plans in place; one independent school also completed a travel plan
Individual school travel plans can be viewed at the schools themselves or can be requested through the school travel plan team
Action 2: Monitor and review school travel plans
Schools must continually monitor and review their travel plan to ensure momentum is maintained
The school travel plan team will implement a biennial travel plan review program to assist schools in evaluating and updating their travel plans This review includes conducting a travel survey to monitor targets, assess the progress of action plans, and establish revised targets and actions to enhance the school travel plan further.
Action 3: Improve pedestrian and cycle routes to schools
The school travel plan will serve as a vital tool for enhancing pedestrian and cycling networks, focusing on necessary improvements to be integrated into the ongoing Local Transport Plan (LTP) program Priority will be given to initiatives that ensure the safety of children commuting to school.
Action 4: Deliver a road safety education programme to young people
Pedestrian training will focus on disadvantaged areas within the authority and will expand to other regions with road safety issues Additionally, schools can request pedestrian training as part of the travel planning process, ensuring that safety education is accessible to all.
Bikeability Levels 1, 2 & 3 will be delivered to schools across the authority during the academic year 2012/ 2013
Action 5: Promote sustainable travel for the school journey
National and local sustainable transport initiatives will be promoted in schools, including Walk to School Week, Bike Week, Walk on Wednesdays, and 5 Minute Walking Zones Schools identified with congestion and transport challenges will receive support from the School Travel Plan team to address these issues effectively.
Review of STP to understand why the actions are not met
Working with the local community to devise initiatives to reduce car usage to school
Working with school groups, to understand barriers to walking and cycling
Classroom activities and publicity events throughout the year to promote sustainable transport
Chapter Five: The Way Forward
Chapter Five: The Way Forward
Action 6: Ensure schools have adequate facilities
To promote walking and cycling among students and staff, schools should provide essential facilities such as secure cycle storage and adequate space for safety equipment and clothing Additionally, schools aiming to encourage walking should consider implementing a covered waiting area for parents, which can help persuade them to opt for walking instead of driving.
Entrances, paths and lighting must all be suitable for pedestrians and cyclists
Since the launch of the school travel plan project in 2003, Northumberland has secured over £1.1 million in grant funding to enhance school facilities Additionally, all new school constructions are now mandated to incorporate suitable cycle storage areas.
Action 7: Provide safe route to school information to parents and pupils
An electronic map of Northumberland
(iSchool-Travel) displaying information related to school travel is currently under construction to provide a tool to allow parents and pupils to plan their school journey
The map currently displays the information related to:
Bus services and bus stops
To access the map, visit http://w2kdev1/Schooltravel/ or contact the school travel plan team for hard copies An example of these maps is illustrated in Figure 5.1.
Maps of the cycle network in southeast Northumberland can be found by searching cycle maps at www.northumberland.gov.uk An example of these maps is shown in figure 5.2
These maps are designed to serve as a crucial resource for parents, helping them select the safest and most sustainable transportation options for their children to reach school.
Travel to school leaflets have also been developed by individual schools through the school travel planning process
Chapter Five: The Way Forward
Figure 5.1: An example of maps produced by iSchool-Travel
Figure 5.2: An extract from the south east Northumberland cycling map
Action 8: Develop measures to support the LSTF project
To promote sustainable transport among secondary school students, a comprehensive package of measures will be developed and implemented This initiative will educate pupils on the advantages of eco-friendly travel while providing essential travel advice for their transition to further education or employment Key components of the package may include promotional events, Level 3 cycle training, bicycle mechanic courses, and guidance on public transportation options.
Action 9: Introduce Go Smarter branding across School Travel Plan project
Introduce the Go Smarter Northumberland branding across the School Travel Plan project and implement a tactical communication plan to inform pupils and parents of the benefits of school travel
Chapter Five: The Way Forward
Action 10: School travel planning to play an intrinsic part in educational reforms
Educational reforms create further challenges for school travel and may have a negative effect on the levels of sustainable travel if positive actions are not taken