| What is an STP? |
In 2003 the Government launched the STP initiative. This encouraged schools to assess their staff and pupils’ modes of transport to school and aims to promote sustainable modes of travel. A STP aims to reduce congestion and pollution and improve safety and health. It also aims to increase awareness of sustainable transport and travel safety. |
| Why is it required? |
| Every school in the country was required to develop a STP to the required National Standard by March 2009. A STP is also a requirement of any school wishing to become or maintain a 'Healthy School' status and is also linked to the Every Child Matters initiative. |
| First Plan Prepared 2007/8 |
The Mount School travel plan was started in 2007. By May 2008 we had completed and presented our first STP. This involved surveys with juniors, seniors, staff, parents, neighbours, local councillors, local police officers and LBB Highways representatives, with results being fully analysed. Findings were reviewed and communicated throughout the school community. Following this meetings were held with pupils, staff and parents, which again were fully reported on and communicated throughout the school community. The final plan was approved by both LBB and TfL.
From this improvements were planned and some initiatives instigated e.g. Junior Road Safety Club, Walk to School Week activities, Lift Share Scheme and public transport links communication. |
| Subsequent Plans |
Every year we are required to present an updated plan, identifying how successfully targets have been achieved, providing comparative data from surveys taken that year and revising targets for the coming year. Much evidence of actions taken is required. Failure to submit a plan or have a plan approved means all actions by LBB are halted and funding for improvements redirected to other schools. |
| Where are we now? |
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Our 2010/11 plan was submitted in May 2011 and was approved by LBB and TfL |
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We were awarded the Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognised (STAR) – Higher Standard level
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| 2011 Update |
Our success last year in achieving the ‘Sustainable Travel Higher Standards Level - Silver Award’ was followed by the disappointing news that the proposed improvements to Milespit Hill would not be going ahead. Following a LBB consultation process at which the local residents put up a strong case to keep the ‘village feel’ of this conservation area, it was decided that, despite our long standing safety concerns, the improvements would not go ahead.
We will continue to monitor and review the pupil’s safety on their journeys to and from school and directly outside the school entrance. The safety of the girls, along with their parents, carers and siblings, is very important to us. |
| Recent Works |
Barnet council have recently improved the pavement by the crossing area and re-curbed the grass area in front of the picket fence. It seems unlikely we will gain parking restrictions here by way of an extended zigzag line or double yellow lines, in the near future, due to LBB funding cuts. However, we do politely ask you not to park or stop in front of the picket fence, even to drop off or pick up, for safety reasons. Parking or stopping here obscures the view of pedestrians crossing and causes them to be hidden from the view of on-coming traffic.
The school promotes the aims of its STP of safety, sustainability and keeping active with the following schemes: |
| Car Share Scheme |
At the start of every Autumn term all parents are invited to join the Car Share Scheme. We encourage car sharing as it avoids congestion outside school and is more sustainable than individual lfts. |
| Smarter Driving |
| For those who drive we recommend you use the following TfL link http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/smarterdriving/7551.aspx to find ways of being a ‘smarter driver’ in order to: |
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reduce your petrol or diesel bills |
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cut your carbon emissions
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reduce wear and tear on your vehicle
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enjoy safer, less stressful journeys |
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| Cycling |
As part of our STP we are keen to promote cycling by our staff and pupils. Cycling in your free time is a great way of getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. You do need to be careful and take precautions including always wearing a helmet, being properly dressed, wearing reflective clothing where necessary, ensuring your bike is properly maintained and making sure you are trained to cycle on the roads. For more information about child cycle safety please see the website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Yourchildshealthandsafety/Roadandtravelsafety/DG_4002995 |
TfL provide free of charge 14 paper maps covering the whole of London and include: |
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Signed cycling routes |
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Quieter routes recommended by other cyclists
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Greenways through parks and along canals
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Off-carriage way alternatives to busy roads |
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Stations with cycle parking |
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Useful information and contacts |
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If you would like a copy of one of the cycling route maps for your local London Borough of Barnet area we have a few in school. Please ask Helen Stammers in the Finance office. Guides available are:
Guide 1: Barnet, Edgware, Mill Hill, Stanmore, Whetstone and central London.
Guide 2: Barnet, Edgware, Mill Hill, Finchley, Wood Green, Enfield, Totteridge and Chingford.
Guide 4: Mill Hill, Hendon, Hampstead, Finchley, Wood Green, Totteridge, Chingford, Woodford, Walthamstow, Hackney and Islington. |
If you want to order your own free map(s) you can do so by following the link to the TfL site below:
https://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/roadusers/cycling/cycle-guides-request.aspx
If you want to look a cycle route up on line you can do so on www.cycle-route.com
If you are keen to learn more about cycling events in London then try the London Cycling Campaign website www.lcc.org.uk |
| Getting in touch |
| All STP matters are dealt with by Miss Stammers, the school's STP Champion, who liases with LBB, local schools, Highways, local residents plus our pupils, parents and staff. Please contact her on manacc@mountschool.com if you have any questions or would like to make a comment or observation. Feedback is always very welcome. |
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