Active and sustainable school travel
The benefits of walking, cycling and scooting the journey to school are well known. Teachers tell us that pupils who travel actively will arrive brighter and more alert, ready for learning as well as generally happier.
Who we are and what we do.
Staffordshire County Council’s Active School Travel Team offers supports for the journey to and from school to all Staffordshire Schools. Over 100,000 children attend school in Staffordshire, around 6,000 are eligible for home to school transport. School Travel Advisors provide resources, support and advice to help the school community, parents and pupils to make active and sustainable travel choices through:
- School Travel Plans
- Bikeability Training
- Walk to School campaigns
- Walking Bus
- Park & Stride
Why get involved?
Our aim is to inspire parents, pupils and students to take action in increasing active, sustainable travel to and from school across Staffordshire.
Contact us at into@staffordshire.gov.uk
Why?
The benefits of walking, cycling and scooting the journey to school are well known. Teachers tell us that pupils who travel actively will arrive brighter and more alert, ready for learning as well as generally happier.
Sharing important messages like this has changed from providing leaflets to being digital; sharing stories, providing live information and being more interactive. To help us to do this we have launched our social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Primary and Middle & Secondary School Year guide
The School Travel Team works year-round to support schools with campaigns, resources, training, and guidance that benefit the whole school community. You may already know some of our initiatives—Bikeability, Scooter Training, School Travel Plans, Walking Buses, and Air Aware are just a few examples.
Our Active School Travel Guides give an overview of last year’s achievements and outline the exciting initiatives and campaigns schools and parents can get involved with in the year ahead.
Watch these videos to explore how you can make your walk, cycle or scoot to school fun.
Walking cycling or scooting to school doesn’t just help the environment, it helps you to be fit and active and ready to learn:
How?
Pushed for time?
Walking, cycling, or scooting can often take less time than driving—especially if you avoid the busiest periods. If mornings feel tight, start small: commit to active travel a couple of days a week and build up once you’ve cracked the routine.
Too far to walk or heading straight to work?
Try Park and Stride: park a short distance away and walk the last 10 minutes. It reduces congestion at the gates and gives kids a healthy start.
Bad weather worries?
Keep waterproofs and warm layers ready. Make it fun—sing songs, play games, or turn the walk into an adventure.
Plan ahead
Map out and test a new route now so you and your children feel confident and safe.
Make it fun
- Arrange to meet friends and walk together.
- Turn the journey into a game—nature trail, “I Spy,” or counting colours.
Buddy up
Could you share the walk with other families? Kids love walking with friends, and it lightens your load.
Walk one way
If mornings are tricky, try walking home instead. Every step counts.
Using childcare?
Ask if they include walking in their day—it’s a great way to keep kids active.
Did you know?
Children in cars can be exposed to twice as much air pollution compared to walking, cycling, or scooting the same route. So why not start the day the healthy way?
Game on! Games to make every school journey an adventure:
- I spy - See if you spot an object that begins with each letter of the alphabet and then swap over!
- Scavenger hunt - Create a shortlist of things your children need to look for on their journey. The one that spots most wins!
- Nature sleuth - Nature is all around no matter where you live. So, how many cats did you see? Which bird is loudest?
- Categories - Think of a category, like flowers, colours, animals, vegetables, and take it in turns to name something in that category.
- The car game - Everyone picks a colour and every time you see a car of that color you score a point, whoever scores the most points is the winner!
Plan your journey to school
Use the bespoke travel planner that your school will send to you or use the online route planner.
Contact the Active School Travel Team: into@staffordshire.gov.uk
