26.5% of four and five-year-olds now classed as overweight or obese in Wales

Sustrans is encouraging schools to sign up to receive free support to increase the number of pupils leading a healthier lifestyle by prioritising an active school run

Primary schools in Wales now have the opportunity to receive free support from a leading walking and cycling charity to get more pupils on their bikes and scooters. Funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Sustrans Cymru, Active Journeys supports schools to get more children travelling actively, helping to increase their activity levels and improve their health and wellbeing. The programme involves:

the delivery of a range of in-school activities and lessons that inspire a new generation of active travellers
increasing skills through safe cycling and scooting sessions, including road safety awareness
the provision of curriculum resources, lesson plans and access to online travel challenges
Feedback from Schools involved in Active Journeys in 2016 demonstrated that young people clearly felt two wheels are better than four, with Afon y Felin Primary School in Bridgend reducing the number of cars at the school gates from 41% to just 4%.

Nicola Williams, Head Teacher at Afon y Felin Primary School said:

“Over the last 18 months, the number of pupils arriving at school by car has fallen from 41 per cent to just four per cent, which is an incredible figure.

“We are very proud of our long-term commitment to cycling, scooting and walking to school. We’re delighted that our efforts have been recognised by Sustrans Cymru, and I’d like to thank parents for their outstanding support.”

Sustrans Cymru’s National Director Steve Brooks said:

“I am delighted that Sustrans is supporting more schools in Wales than ever before through Active Journeys. We know that if children walk, cycle or scoot to school they are healthier and arrive at school alert and better able to concentrate in class. The service will support schools with their other healthy living and environmental activities as well as provide useful resources for the classroom. Equipping children with the skills and motivation to travel actively will serve them well throughout their lives.’’
Walking or cycling to school is a practical way for children to reach the government’s recommended daily target of 60 minutes’ physical activity a day. Active travel not only brings benefits to children’s physical and mental health, but also helps to increase independence, confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore when fewer children are driven to school there is a reduction in traffic congestion and lowering of particulate & C02 emissions.
Successful schools will start to benefit from the programme in September 2017. The deadline for applications is 09.00am on Monday 22 May. Schools can find out more and apply here: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/wales/aboutactivejourneys