Schools win top marks for walk to school work

Ashford primary schools have received top marks for trumpeting green travel.

Beaver Green Primary, Charing CE Primary and Furley Park Primary won Green Travel Mark Awards for championing the KM Walk to School campaign. They were praised for successfully encouraging families to get active and walk, cycle or scooter to school instead of taking the car.

Representatives from the schools were joined by winners across the county at a certificate presentation staged by the KM Charity Team at Leeds Castle, Maidstone. They were commended by walk to school supporters from Kent County Council, Ashford Council, Bel UK, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, and Countrystyle Recycling.

Green Travel Mark Awards can be earned at Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels with additional recognition for schools that provide a walking bus service. To achieve a Platinum level award winners must make a three-year commitment to green travel.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “The Green Travel Mark Awards are a mark of excellence and it gives me great pleasure to recognise the dedication of these fantastic schools.”

He added: “Our winners are helping children to make healthy choices and establish good habits that will set them up for life. Pupils are learning essential road safety skills and benefiting from increased safety at the school gate as fewer cars jostle for space during the busy school run.”

The KM Charity Team runs green travel initiatives for schools including parent-led walking buses, Active Wow and Green Footsteps. Organisations supporting the campaign include Specsavers, Eurostar, and Volker Highways.

Schools have until July 1 to sign up to KM Walk to School at a 20% discount and have green travel in place for the next academic year. Contact Sarah Clyne on sclyne@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291 or visit kmwalktoschool.co.uk for details.

Find out about the charity’s literacy scheme for schools at bustersbookclub.co.uk

Picture: Martin Apps FM4802466 Ashford area Green Travel winners, Beaver Green Primary, Charing C of E Primary School, Furley Park Primary School with sponsors Catherine Darlington of Ashford Council Elle Weekes of 3 R’s, Julia Slade of KCC and Eric Hodges of Orbit

KM Charity Team chief executive Simon Dolby