Primary school becomes first in Calderdale to earn accreditation for promoting walking and cycling to school
St Malachy's Catholic Primary Academy has become the first school in Calderdale to receive accreditation from ModeShift Stars for their School Travel Plan.
ModeShift Stars is a national accreditation scheme, supported by the Department for Transport, which recognises schools that demonstrate excellence in promoting walking, cycling, and sustainable travel to and from school.
The school worked towards this accreditation in partnership with Active Calderdale/Calderdale Council, and is the first school in Calderdale to receive it.
St Malachy's has been on an active travel journey for several years, joining the Active Schools programme, and have since embedded Bikeability training for Years 5 and 6, installed new cycle and scooter storage, funded through West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
They have also introduced balance bikes for Early Years Foundation Stage, and recently launched the Walk to School Challenge with Living Streets. Alongside these initiatives, the school has tried to reduce car journeys at the school gate and embed sustainable travel as a part of school life and community culture.
Headteacher Oliver Harper said: “Healthy bodies and healthy minds are central to everything we do at St Malachy's, and active travel plays a vital role in supporting both. We see children arriving more energised and ready to learn when they've walked or cycled to school. Achieving ModeShift STARS accreditation, being the first school in Calderdale to do so, is something we're incredibly proud of, and a real testament to the hard work of our pupils and families.”
To find out how schools can get involved in Modeshift STARS, contact [email protected].