Fairfield Primary School say WOW to walking to school

Date published: 16 January 2009

Fairfield Primary School will launch their own ‘Walk Once a Week’ scheme (WOW) to encourage pupils to lead a healthy active lifestyle on Wednesday 21 January.

Fairfield Primary Schools joins other local schools across the borough to implement a WOW scheme as part of their School Travel Plan. Many parents find walking to school a safe and healthy alternative to the car.

Fairfield Primary School’s scheme will run one day a week and will work similarly to a house points system. A quick hands up survey carried out at the start of the day by the teacher will establish how many children have either
1. walked, jumped, hopped, jogged or skipped to school;
2. walked at least the last five minutes of their journey to school as their parents or carers have parked away from the school
3. cycled, scooted, roller skated or skateboarded to school

Any pupil who has done at least one of these things will qualify for one point as they have made a healthier journey to school. The class to make the most effort will be presented with the ‘golden trainer trophy’ for a week at school assembly. The children are very keen to be involved and have drawn posters to help promote the scheme which will displayed around the school.

Councillor Diana Ashworth, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “Walking to school doesn’t only cut pollution around the school but helps our children gain essential life skills, such as how to deal with everyday traffic situations and stranger danger”.