Sustainable Travel

At Longlands we are interested in finding ways to be more sustainable and look after our planet. One way is using alternative methods of transport to reduce pollution and improve road safety and air quality around the school.

STARS – Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe

STARS is TFL's accreditation scheme for London schools. STARS inspires young Londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling. STARS supports pupils' wellbeing, helps to reduce congestion at the school gates and improve road safety and air quality.

We currently have the Gold Accreditation at Longlands.

WOW – Walk on Wednesday

KM Walk to School is run by the KM Charity Team and includes the programmes Walk on Wednesday (Wow) and Green Footsteps, which encourage families to swap the car for walking, cycling or scooting to school. Park and stride is another method for those who live further away. This scheme promotes healthier and more sustainable travel once a week, helping to improve the congestion around the school, the road safety and the air quality. Each class is asked on Wednesday to see how many children walked, cycled or scooted to school that morning and the results are collected and examined to see the impact each week.

Walkability

Year 3 pupils have the chance to participate in Walkability. This is a practical scheme run by Bexley Council to promote road safety, around the local area. The scheme is designed to improve children’s awareness of the road environment, including vocabulary, skills, knowledge and attitude. They look at how to cross safely at different places, including at T-junctions and what to look for before crossing. It is envisaged that promoting road safety from a young age, starts a lifelong process of safe interaction with roads. The children are being equipped with skills and knowledge to ensure their safety as pedestrians.

Bikeability

Bikeability is a cycle training programme. It’s like cycling proficiency, but better! It’s about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today’s roads. Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling. Each year, Year 6 pupils take part in the training.

The Golden Lock

As you are aware cycling or scooting to school has many benefits:

• Helps improve fitness

• Reduces pollution

• Reduces congestion outside the school gates.

• Improves the safety of our pupils

• Improves bike confidence

Every Friday, a golden padlock will be attached to a pupil’s bike or scooter. If you arrive at the end of the school day, to find the lock attached – you have won a prize! Miss Brook will exchange the lock, for a prize. Good Luck and keep your eyes peeled for the Golden lock!