Old Earth school pupils leading the change

Old Earth Primary School has been working with Modeshift to help make journeys to and from school safer, healthier and more sustainable.

Through the Modeshift STARS and Active Travel Inspectors (ATI) programmes, pupils are playing an active role in identifying practical improvements that could encourage more people to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport for everyday journeys.

Pupils at the Heart of the Project

The project brings together several partners, including Modeshift, TPS Consultants, Living Streets and Old Earth Primary School.

With plans for around 300 new homes to be built next to the school, there is an increased need to ensure local walking, wheeling and cycling routes are safe, accessible and able to support a growing community.

To explore the challenges and opportunities this development presents, Head Teacher Daniel Burns joined representatives from TPS Consultants, Living Streets and Modeshift to discuss how active travel can be embedded into the area's future plans.

Investigating Local Travel Routes

The first phase of the project has been led by the School Council.

Pupils began by completing a whole-school travel survey to better understand how children and families currently travel to school. They then worked alongside Sophie Kirkby from Modeshift to carry out an Active Travel Inspectors audit.

During the audit, pupils assessed key locations around the school, including Lower Edge Road, the school car park and the route leading to the new school entrance. They identified barriers that may discourage active travel, as well as opportunities to make journeys safer and more appealing.

The group also explored a new pedestrian route that is due to open at the start of the new academic year. As the neighbouring housing development brings more people into the area, this off-road route is expected to provide a safer and more accessible journey for pupils and their families.

Shaping Future Improvements

The findings from the audit will help inform a tailored school travel plan that reflects the needs of the school community.

The partnership will continue to build on this work by promoting safer walking routes, engaging with families and encouraging even more pupils to choose active and sustainable ways to travel to school.

About Active Travel Inspectors

The Modeshift Active Travel Inspectors (ATI) programme gives young people the opportunity to review and improve their local environment. Pupils assess routes, crossings, streets and public spaces before making recommendations for improvement.

Their feedback helps schools, local authorities and other decision-makers identify priorities for future investment, ensuring the voices of young people help shape safer and more active communities.

Blog provided by Modeshift.org.uk.