Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Ellesmere Port becomes the latest in Cheshire to achieve Modeshift STARS accreditation, showing safer, healthier travel options for pupils. As the school celebrates initiatives like School Streets and Park‘n’Stride are encouraging pupils and parents to walk, cycle, or scoot to school safely while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. These schemes form part of a broader effort by Cheshire West and Chester Council to embed sustainable travel habits in school communities across the borough.
School Streets: reshaping the school run
School Streets are central to Cheshire West’s approach to safer school travel. During school opening and closing times, the streets immediately outside participating schools are restricted to pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters. Emergency vehicles and Blue Badge holders are exempt, while local residents and businesses within the zone can obtain permits. The aim is to make journeys to school safer and healthier, reducing road danger and congestion caused by idling vehicles.
The first pilot launched at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in April 2023, followed by Woodlands Primary School in June 2023. Cheshire West and Chester Council plans to deliver additional School Streets, signalling a commitment to expanding the programme across the borough. Cllr Karen Shore noted that these schemes are “an important part of the wider transport strategy,” with safety, sustainability, and health as core objectives.
Benefits include fewer instances of dangerous parking, reduced anti-social behaviour from drivers, and increased opportunities for children to engage in physical activity on their way to school. While exact figures on traffic reductions are not publicly available, the council collects data and feedback to monitor the scheme’s implementation.
Modeshift STARS accreditation: recognising active travel
Modeshift STARS is a national programme that recognises schools excelling in sustainable travel initiatives. Schools can achieve accreditation at various levels, Green, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, based on the depth and breadth of their programmes).
Achieving accreditation involves submitting a School Travel Plan, demonstrating evidence of active travel activities, and showing commitment to long-term behavioural change among pupils and families. Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School’s award marks its first recognition under the scheme. The council provides participating schools with guidance, resources, and ongoing support to develop and maintain effective travel plans.
For example, schools can request practical training such as Bikeability, pedestrian skills sessions for younger pupils, and support for initiatives like Junior Safety Officers, which help children actively promote community safety.
Cllr Shore emphasised that Modeshift STARS supports schools in creating safe environments while encouraging healthier, sustainable travel choices for families.
Park ‘n’ Stride and parent engagement
For families living further away, Park ‘n’ Stride offers a flexible alternative. Parents can park a short distance from the school and allow children to complete the final part of their journey on foot, maintaining the benefits of active travel while managing longer commutes.
The council also encourages schools to implement a Parent Parking Charter, which helps reduce unsafe parking outside schools. Engaging pupils in drafting these charters increases parental support and raises awareness of safe, responsible travel behaviour.
Wider educational and community programmes
Cheshire West supports sustainable travel and road safety beyond primary schools. High school and college programmes address risks faced by young drivers and promote behavioural change. Volunteer support, PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers), and trained instructors help deliver pedestrian training, while cycling proficiency courses like Bikeability are offered at multiple education levels.
Accreditation and long-term objectives
Modeshift STARS accreditation is more than a badge of honour. Schools must submit evidence of initiatives and monitor progress through pupil surveys, parental feedback, and observations of travel behaviour. Long-term behaviour change metrics are not publicly reported, but insights from monitoring help the council plan expansions to more schools.
Schemes are occasionally adjusted in response to practical challenges or community concerns, ensuring that School Streets and other sustainable travel initiatives remain effective and acceptable to families.
Combining safety and health for the children
The rollout of School Streets and the expansion of the Modeshift STARS programme indicates a growing commitment to active, safe travel in West Cheshire schools. Combining practical interventions with accreditation and community engagement, Cheshire West and Chester Council is creating environments where children can develop healthy travel habits early while addressing road safety and environmental concerns.
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