Schools to receive Achievement Awards

Herefordshire Council has launched a new cash-based award scheme to recognise success and provide additional cash to help schools deliver their travel plan projects.

Sixty-five county schools have already developed school travel plans which contain practical steps for improving children's safety on the journey to and from school. 
 
Many schools have reduced traffic congestion by promoting car-sharing schemes, setting up voluntary one-way systems, identifying sites where parents can park and then walk to school and encouraging pupils (and parents) to walk, cycle or catch the bus instead of coming by car.
 
Schools achieving all or some of their travel plan objectives can now apply for an achievement award which comes with a grant of up to £500. 
 
The cash is to help them with new initiatives such as setting up walking and cycling schemes, purchasing equipment, improving the school site and investing in classroom resources. 
 
Children get huge benefits from these schemes and are really committed to doing their bit to protect the environment.
 
Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: "This is a great opportunity for schools to gain extra funding for a project to improve the way children get to school safely. 
 
"The achievement awards will be presented during a special award ceremony to be held on 4th July this year to highlight best practice and celebrate the success of many Herefordshire schools in controlling the effects of the school run".
 
The new awards will provide an incentive for schools to think up new and innovative ideas to help achieve the aims of their travel plans.
 
There are 20 awards available each year, so interested schools need to get their applications in quickly - the closing date for applications is 25th May 2007.