Thursday 16th March 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

Get set… we’re taking part in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2023 the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge. The challenge runs from 20-31 March. It’s free and we would love everyone to be involved.

What do you need to do?

Encourage your child(ren) to walk, use a wheelchair, scoot or cycle to school on as many days as possible during the event.

 Including everyone

We want to make sure that everyone can get involved in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel.

A number of staff have kindly volunteered to support a ‘Walking bus’ for pupils and their families to join during the event period. You can meet us at Beechwood Library or Billies Shop on Nursery Lane at 8.30 am each morning to walk to school. Prams and wheelchairs are welcome, but we cannot safely supervise bike and scooter riders.

We know it may be more difficult for some pupils to take part than others. If you want to discuss more about your child(ren)’s specific needs, please contact Mrs. P. Howarth and we will make sure to look into how your child(ren) can take part.

Why we are taking part

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is a great way to build physical activity in children’s daily routine which is important for their physical health and mental wellbeing.

Active school runs also help to reduce congestion and air pollution outside the school gate. A 2021 YouGov study showed nearly half of UK children worry about air pollution near their school. And that children thought active travel was the best away to bring down these pollution levels.

Plus, there are some great prizes to be won every day if we get enough children taking part! Plus, W J Group based in Elland have offered the prize of a playground makeover to the Calderdale school who logged the most active journeys over the event.

Useful resources

To help you prepare, Sustrans has developed a handy free guide to walking, cycling or scooting to school. It is packed with advice to help you have hassle-free journey to school.

Download your free family guide using this link: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/sign-up-to-receive-your-free-school-run-guide/ 

For more information about the event go to www.bigwalkandwheel.org.uk . Enjoy the challenge!

Yours faithfully,

Mrs. H. Higgs

Headteacher