What are School Travel Plans?
School Travel Plans (STPs) are strategic initiatives designed to encourage smarter, more sustainable ways for pupils to travel to and from school. In Waltham Forest, the Sustainable Transport team collaborates with the majority of local schools to develop these plans through TfL’s nationally recognised Travel for Life accreditation programme.
The primary goals of a School Travel Plan are straightforward yet impactful: promoting active travel methods such as walking and cycling, reducing traffic congestion around school gates, and improving road safety for the entire school community. A well-crafted travel plan is developed through consultation with teachers, parents, pupils, governors, and other local stakeholders, ensuring it reflects the unique needs of each school.
These plans are living documents that should be reviewed and updated regularly to remain relevant and effective as circumstances change.
The Travel for Life Programme
Once a school develops its travel plan, it can apply for recognition through the Travel for Life programme’s tiered award system. Schools can achieve bronze, silver, or gold awards annually, based on the number and quality of sustainable travel activities they’ve completed throughout the year.
This structured approach gives schools clear goals to work towards while providing flexibility to implement initiatives that suit their specific circumstances and community needs.
Benefits for Your School Community
Implementing a School Travel Plan brings numerous advantages to schools and their surrounding communities. Most notably, there’s a reduction in congestion and pollution around school gates, creating a more pleasant environment for everyone during drop-off and pick-up times.
Pupils benefit from improved travel awareness and enhanced road user skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The safer environment created for walking, cycling, and kick-scooting encourages more families to choose active travel options. Additionally, children develop greater independence and personal responsibility through these regular journeys.
The wider Travel for Life programme offers even more benefits. Schools gain access to free resources, comprehensive lesson plans, and practical guides to support their efforts. The programme aligns perfectly with curriculum requirements, including school travel planning and climate action education.
Awards and Recognition
Schools participating in the programme can access exciting incentives and opportunities. These include competitions to win new equipment, prestigious Top School Awards, and engaging inter-school events such as the Mini and Teen Tour Waltham Forest.
These events not only make sustainable travel fun and engaging but also foster a sense of community among local schools working towards similar goals.
Support and Resources Available
The programme promotes valuable life skills and employability through peer-led projects and leadership opportunities for older pupils. Health and wellbeing benefits naturally follow from increased physical activity, while targeted interventions help improve road safety and air quality in the local area.
Importantly, schools receive dedicated support from the Safe and Active Travel officer and the wider Sustainable Transport Team. This borough officer support ensures schools have expert guidance throughout their journey, from initial plan development to ongoing delivery and maintenance.
Every school and its community face unique travel issues and concerns. Through the Travel for Life programme, officers work collaboratively with schools to create, deliver, and maintain travel plans tailored to their individual circumstances and needs.
Getting Started with Your School Travel Plan
Schools interested in developing or enhancing their School Travel Plan can find comprehensive information and resources on the Travel for Life website. The Sustainable Transport team is also available to discuss your school’s specific needs and how they can support your journey towards smarter, more sustainable travel.
For more information or to begin developing your school’s travel plan, contact the team at schooltravelplans@walthamforest.gov.uk.
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While active travel is wonderful for short journeys, some families need reliable transport solutions for longer distances or special circumstances. Jimac Cars understands the unique transport needs of Waltham Forest families and provides safe, dependable services that complement your school’s sustainable travel initiatives, ensuring every child can get to school comfortably and on time.
