We received our first Healthy School Award recently and we’re now aiming for our second. As part of this we looked at how pupils got to school. Many came in cars, which was leading to parking problems and, of course, meant they were not exercising.
We found that many had micro scooters and decided to encourage their use, and emphasised the fact that walking was also very good exercise.
We received money from the LEA to buy scooter parks (large storage units) for every classroom and organised a scooter week. Children took part in a competition to find the best scooter rules and now every child signs a license committing themselves to obeying the five rules we chose. These are: fold up the scooter when you get to school; keep to the pathways; be careful not to hurt anyone; don’t swing your scooter, and place it in the park sensibly.
Subsequently, the car parking problem has improved and, although we can’t prove it, the children are probably healthier - they’re moving. One or two parents were not happy with their children using scooters, but weemphasise that not everyone has to have one, and that walking is just as healthy. We also stress that pupils must not come to school alone on scooters.
Anne Goforth
Headteacher, North Ferriby C of E Primary School, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
