Here you will find the highlights from our 'latest news.'

Day to day, 'Valewood Way' updates can be found on our school Twitter & Instagram pages @ValewoodPrimary.

• 20th to 31st March 2023 - Walk and Wheel Weeks - High-Vis Jackets Donated by Barratt Homes

  Fri 24 Mar 2023 Press Release

  Valewood Primary School’s New High-Vis Jackets from Barratt Homes

   

  Pupils at Valewood Primary School in Crosby recently received a donation of hi-vis vests from Barratt Homes to help them shine bright ahead of the Big Walk and Wheel Weeks.

   

  The Merseyside housebuilder gave the school 35 of the hi-vis reflective vests for its pupils to wear whilst walking or cycling to and from school and out on trips, to ensure they can be easily seen on the roads during darker mornings and nights.

   

  Led by Sustrans, the Big Walk and Wheel takes place from 20^th to 31^st March and encourages pupils to ditch the car or bus in favour of walking, cycling or scooting to school. This is with the aim of promoting active journeys and being more environmentally friendly.

   

  According to figures from the 2021 National Travel Survey (NTS) and 2020-2021 Active Lives Survey (ALS), the number of children walking or cycling to school is falling. In 2021, 46% of children aged between five and 16 walked or cycled to school, a decrease from 50% in 2020.

   

  The government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy features a target to increase the percentage of children that usually walk to school to 55% in 2025.

   

  Helen Tantouri, Headeacher at Valewood Primary School, said: “We were thrilled to be approached by Barratt Homes and said, ‘Yes please!’ to the offer of high-vis jackets, straight away! Our children love learning outdoors and the high-vis jackets will prove very handy when the children are walking to and from their Forest School sessions, off-site.  Many of our children, and indeed their parents and carers, cycle to school.  We always encourage families to do so, whenever possible, to minimise congestion outside the school at busy drop-off and pick-up times. Thanks to Barratt Homes for donating these excellent quality, high-vis jackets which we will wear with pride.’
   

  Valewood Primary School is located nearby Barratt Homes’ Sundial Place development in Thornton and the donation of hi-vis vests is another part of Barratt Homes’ outreach to the local community.

   

  School trips are a valuable part of the primary school curriculum as well and the reflective vests will give teachers, parents and pupils alike the extra peace of mind that they are visible to motorists.

    

  Philippa Stewart, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North West, said: “We want to ensure the pupils in the local communities remain visible whilst walking and cycling to and from school, and our donation will hopefully encourage them to safely practice the Big Walk and Wheel Weeks.''

   

  “Our development is located close to Valewood Primary School, so as families move into their new homes it is important for us to support campaigns such as this and encourage young children to stay safe whilst travelling to and from school.”

   

  Barratt Homes’ hi-vis vests will be particularly useful for Big Walk and Wheel Weeks, whilst being certain to benefit the pupils in their future excursions throughout the school year.