Travel Plan. Final Version Safe and Sustainable Journeys

Transcription

1 Travel Plan Final Version Safe and Sustainable Journeys

2 Category: Academy Type: Secondary mixed HCC number: 246 Address: Mangrove Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 8AJ Phone: Fax: Web address: 27th June 2014 Headteacher: Mrs Alison Saunders Chair of Governors: Dr Viv Jones address: School s travel plan coordinator: Mrs Madeleine Harman School Manager admin@simonballe.herts.sch.uk Telephone: HCC Travel Plan Adviser: Anne Hardy (ssj.schools@hertfordshire.gov.uk)

3 INTRODUCTION The travel plan has been produced with the principal aims of reducing the flow of traffic to and from the school and to encourage safe and sustainable journeys. The plan will also improve the health and wellbeing of students and staff. THE SCHOOL When the school was built in 1957 it was applauded for its architectural design. A national publication spoke of a glass palace full of light situated amongst green field and woodland. As the admissions numbers rose from the original 450 to 1050 additional buildings were added, some permanent (one block in the 1970s and another in the late 1990s) and some temporary. Our current PAN is 165. In October 2013 we moved from being a Community school to a Foundation school and therefore owned our land, buildings and assets. We became an academy school on 1st November In conjunction with the Local Authority we hope to expand to become an all-through school. Students would start in Reception and leave at 18. A purpose built 2 form entry primary phase will be built on our existing site. There would be 60 in the first year rising to 420, with up to 30 nursery pupils accommodated in morning and afternoon sessions. The school is situated at the Hertford end of Mangrove Road facing residential properties. There is a primary school nearby and significant traffic use Hagsdell Road as a short-cut to County Hall. Traffic at peak times is very heavy in Hertford. (Please see attached map for details.) The majority of our students live in Hertford. In fact, all our students travelled less than 3500km to school (Sept 2014). Our staff (104FTE) come from a wider area and the majority drive. Currently students are expected to be on site by 8.40am and they leave school at 3.35pm. Staff arrive from 7.00am onwards and leave before 6.30pm. There is no pre or after school provision on site. THE SITE The school site, which contains all our buildings, is very open and attractive. There are a number of pedestrian access points to the site. There is a gate off Mangrove Road used only by pedestrians in the location of the former vehicular access which is currently closed. In addition, there is a main vehicle access point which is also used by pedestrians but unfortunately there is no segregation between vehicles and pedestrians. There is a cycle path, which was built about five years ago, from Mangrove Road onto the site near the 6 th form block. Pedestrians also use this route. This was put in to take cycles off

4 Mangrove Road for safety reasons there is no pavement on the school side of the road. Pedestrians also use this route. There is an unofficial pedestrian route from the A414 through the wooded area and across the back playing field. This route needs some improvement. THE EXPANSION In line with recent national and county-wide trends, Hertford has seen an increase in the demand for Reception class places and this is forecast to increase further. HCC has already provided 30 places (1 form of entry) temporarily at Bengeo Primary School to meet the high demand last year and has been working on a strategy for permanent places across the area. County considered a number of alternatives, including expansion at Morgans Primary and Abel Smith Primary, but, for a number of reasons, these sites were not feasible. In 2012 we were approached by HCC (in the context of its statutory duty to ensure sufficiency of school places) to explore potential options for our school to provide a two form entry primary phase. HCC considers that Simon Balle School is well located to meet the demand from the local community and to meet longer term demand for primary places in the town. The proposal will offer local places to local children and will offer an opportunity for a seamless transition at secondary transfer. Following a successful capital grant application by the County Council to the government s Targeted Basic Need (TBN) fund and the Governing Body agreeing that the opportunity to become an all-through academy was very exciting and a positive development for Hertford and the local community, the decision was taken to pursue the expansion. As the building works are being carried out we will work closely with the County Council to ensure that the accommodation will support students needs whilst also ensuring that good value for money is achieved in the context of restrictions on public sector finance. With this in mind, we have requested that any building works are managed by the County Council on our behalf, using contractors who will ensure a safe environment for students and staff while minimizing the impact of any building work on the school and local community. COMMUNITY As a school we foster good relationships with our local community and our residents. Parking in Mangrove Road was an issue but the problem has been addresses by the introduction of double yellow lines on the opposite side of the road. Over the years we had issues with parking at our Open Evenings, traditionally held in October. However, in 2012 the problem became very serious and our neighbours were, justifiably, angry. We noted all their concerns and comments and took the unprecedented decision to hold the event on a Saturday morning. This was very successful, not one car parked in Mangrove Road or adjacent streets. Our neighbours were informed of the change via cards which were personally delivered. They were also able to look at our website which is very informative. We also constantly remind our parents via newsletters about parking with care and consideration.

5 SHARED USE OF SITE The site is not shared with any other educational providers but there is community use of the swimming pool, astroturf, hall and gym. The pool is hired out Tuesdays to Fridays until 6.00pm, except Thursdays when it is hired until 8.30pm The astroturf is used by Hertford Hockey Club and a number of local youth football teams. This facility is used Monday to Saturday from 5.00pm to 9.30pm. The hall, gym and music centre are used Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up until 9.30pm. There are occasional ad hoc hirings. There is sufficient parking for everyone using our community facilities and we always try to ensure that the timings of school evening events do not clash with hiring times. Currently, there are no special transport arrangements, such as taxis or minibuses, for students with Special Educational Needs. TRAVEL TO THE SCHOOL SITE The A414 dual carriageway goes through the centre of Hertford and there are a number of underpasses. However, these are prone to flooding and sometimes the lighting is inadequate. Street lighting is more than adequate. A new traffic light controlled crossing was installed across the A414 near the Mercedes garage roundabout. This has improved road safety for students who live on the Foxholes and Pinehurst estates. There are a number of twitchells which students use when walking to school. They are safe and, in the last few years, the Queens Road twitchell has been improved with resurfacing and lights. There is no footpath on the east side of Mangrove Road approaching the school site. However, there is a wide pavement with a well maintained grass verge on the opposite side. Before the double yellow lines were painted in Mangrove Road there were issues with illegal and inconsiderate parking but this is not the case now. Parents are advised to follow the voluntary one-way for drop-off and pick-up system and bollards are in place to facilitate this. Most parents are happy to comply. There is no public transport to and from the site but public transport is easily available in the town. There are many local bus services, details of which can be accessed through ( and Hertfordshire County Council s Journey Planner ( Hertford East rail station is a 10 minute walk away and stops at Ware and St Margaret s. Hertford North station is a 20 minute walk. Some students do use public transport. There are no managed bus services or minibus services for students and the school coaches that previously used our site for parking were asked to find alternative parking as they were causing congestion on the school site. These buses now drop off and collect pupils from bus stops on the A414, London Road to the north of the school.

6 ON SITE PARKING PROVISION We have 126 car parking bays plus 3 minibus spaces which is more than sufficient for our staff during the day and community use in the evening. There are 15 marked visitors bays which are clearly signposted and 3 bays for those with disabilities - 2 outside the main office and 1 outside the 6 th form block. 6th form students are not allowed to park on site. This is made clear when they join the 6 th form and they are reminded throughout the year via assemblies and the 6 th form bulletin. Currently we have no designated motorcycle parking but if there was a need it could be arranged. There is a marked coach bay in the main car park and there is space near the main entrance for coach parking. The school leases 2 minibuses which are parked on site. As part of the expansion programme, a number of sheds/huts and the caretaker s bungalow (disused) will be knocked down to created more parking spaces which will be landscaped to soften the view from Mangrove Road. There will also be a new car park with 44 spaces created for staff teaching in KS1 and KS2. DELIVERIES Deliveries arrive through the main vehicle entrance and park in the visitors bays. However, many drive up to the school office and ignore the signs, especially if they have a heavy delivery and a signature is required. We do notify suppliers of suitable delivery times but this is often not adhered to as they use couriers. The new proposed entrance will overcome this problem. A new entrance will be created allowing for an in and an out gate which will allow for a one-way system on site and new footways will separate pedestrians from vehicles. LARGE VEHICLES The refuse bins are emptied twice weekly and the trucks use the main vehicle entrance. The bin compound is located at the front of the school so driving on site is kept to a minimum. Collections take place between 7am and 8am so do not pose any problems to residents or pedestrians. ON SITE FACILITIES Currently there is covered cycle storage for students who bring their own cycle locks. This accommodates 26 cycles and, on an average day, 12 cycles are stored. Staff put their cycles in a secure metal shed. Currently 3 staff regularly cycle to school. However, improvements could be made to provide changing and drying facilities and lockers for clothes and helmets for both students and staff.

7 There is a covered walkway from the main building to the 6 th form block but there are no covered waiting areas on site. More cycle storage will have to be provided for the primary phase along with scooter storage. A covered waiting area is planned for the front of the building to provide shelter. SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Walking to school will be the normal expectation and positively promoted from the outset for the whole school community. This approach also supports our specialism in sport which will promote healthy lifestyles and physical fitness for children and their families. Encouraging walking also increases awareness of the local environment, independence and social opportunities. The proposed expansion is to cater for local children who would not otherwise have a primary place within walking distance of their home. The school will be actively promoting car free travel and will form a major part of our Home School Agreement. Individual travel plans will be prepared for pupils at the point of admission, which will identify the safest walking routes, bus routes, options for scooting or cycling and help to encourage sustainable travel ina targeted manner. We propose to improve the footpath adjacent to the school in Mangrove Road. It will be widened to allow for double buggies etc and will be made both attractive and interesting for families using it e.g. naming leaves, the weather today and so on. A suitable path will also be built through the grounds for families coming to the school from the A414 pedestrian crossing. Cycling will also be promoted and the cycle paths on the school grounds will be improved. Appropriately sized bicycle sheds will be provided with space for helmet and clothing storage. National and local cycling initiatives will also be promoted e.g. The Hertfordshire Year of Cycling and The Big Pedal. In a few cases there may be a legitimate reason why a family has to drive to school. There will be a dropping off zone in front of the primary building which will be manned and pupils will be escorted into the building. A permit system will be in operation and priority will be given to those who meet set criteria. The Transport Assessment has recommended adjustment to Mangrove Road to reduce the impact of traffic. This will include:. A mini-roundabout at the junction of Mangrove Road and Hagsdell Road. A 20 mph speed limit

8 These arrangements should mitigate the effect of the proposed primary phase on the local road network. HCC is also investigating the possibility of the school using some local authority land for Park and Stride or a Walking Bus scheme. If this can be agreed we would look at how this would operate and address any staffing issues. ROAD SAFETY TRAINING HCC are working with the school to produce our travel plan and to assist in delivering walking initiatives. Cycle training and a programme of road safety training will be delivered to primary school pupils. As the school fills from Reception upwards, each year group would have specific training: Early years Road safety assemblies KS1 & KS2 Pedestrian skills training Y2, 3 & 4 Scooter training Y6 Distractions session i.e. not allowing themselves to be distracted by friends, phones and electronic equipment when they begin to travel independently of adults. SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES It is school policy to keep the school open whenever possible. However, if we do have to close the school, parents and students are notified via the Intouch system and the school website. Although an academy, we use HCC s Severe Weather Plan and Public Emergency Plan for Schools which sets out the actions we need to take in the event of severe weather or public emergency. Please follow the link for future details:- ( During October half term, site staff check salt levels, service the snow blower and check that we have sufficient snow shovels etc. All pathways and external circulation areas are gritted and, if possible, the car park is cleared of snow.

9 BASELINE DATA STUDENTS Students survey taken before Free Your Feet Week and after Free Your Feet Week shows that the overall walking to school rate (including Park & Stride) increased by 5 percentage points. That represents a proportional increase of 8% on what is a relatively high baseline rate. Students Modes of Travel to School Walk Park & Stride Cycle Simon Balle Secondary School Scooter / Skate Car / Taxi Bus Rail Other Total Responses School walking rate BEFORE FREE YOUR FEET WEEK % AFTER FREE YOUR FEET WEEK % 0 0% BASE LINE DATA STAFF Staff Survey May 2014 Method of travel Number of staff Reasons for using car Number of staff Car 59 Distance from home 48 Cycle 2 Travel time 7 Walk 13 Amount to carry 6 (Walk) 13 TOTAL 74 TOTAL 74

10 OBJECTIVES and TARGETS Objective 1 : Target : Objective 2 : Target : To encourage pupils and their families to travel to school in an active and sustainable way. For 75% of students to travel by sustainable modes of transport e.g. walking, cycling, scooting and using public transport by December Initiatives, such as taking part in Living Streets Free Your Feet and National Walk to School Weeks; taking part in the cycling initiative The Big Pedal and investigating setting up a Walking Bus and Park & Stride schemes will be used to encourage active travel to school. Develop all pupils awareness of the risks associated with roads and traffic. An ongoing programme of pedestrian skills training to be delivered through HCC, the curriculum and visiting experts. ACTION PLAN Proposed Action Key tasks Person responsible Target date Outcomes Review date Consult and collect evidence to inform the travel plan Surveyed current students Free Your Feet survey MH and Paul Durr (HCC) May 2014 Clear picture of the current travel plans of our students June 14 Promote sustainable travel to school Follow up survey after Free your Feet week Design a strategy to communicate a clear message that families are expected to walk to school. In exceptional MH and Paul Durr (HCC) June 2014 After Free Your Feet week there was an increase of 5 percentage points which represents a proportional 8% increase on what is a relatively high baseline rate MH and Anne Hardy (HCC) Nov 2014 All stakeholders are fully aware of the school s expectations regarding school journeys Oct 14 Jan 2015

11 circumstances parents will be able to drop off in the designated space which will be for permit holders only. Ensure that it is integral to all school policies and literature Continue to research practices in other schools which promote sustainable travel and discourage car journeys Develop school curriculum to include the objectives of the travel plan Develop students awareness of the risks associated with roads and traffic and strategies for managing these Develop materials to use as part of the curriculum Organise a full programme of pedestrian skills training from Early Years pupils to Y13 students Anne Hardy (HCC) and new EYs staff New EYs staff and other pedestrian skills trained volunteers Jan 2015 Ongoing Students have a greater awareness of the benefits of walking to school Students have a greater awareness of road safety Autumn term 2015 TBA For Y12 students, book the young driver road safety initiative Megadrive Steve Preshous, Samantha Stingemore, Lynn Salt and HCC s Deana Frost June 2014 Delivered June This scenario demonstrated how vulnerable this age group are to being involved in traffic collisions, often with catastrophic results. Summer 2015

12 MONITORING, REPORTING AND REVIEW It is proposed that parents will be surveyed during the summer term of 2015 once they have accepted a place for their child to start at the school in September Promoting walking to school will continue with the secondary part of the school with a Free Your Feet booked for October. The travel plan will be reviewed on an annual basis. PUBLICITY School prospectus Leaflets Posters School website Y6 to Y7 transfer documents and information 6 th form prospectus, documents and information SIGNATORIES Alison Saunders Headteacher Viv Jones Chair of Governors Madeleine Harman Travel Plan Coordinator.....

13 Appendices 1 Ariel view of school site and local area 2 Cycle path parallel to Mangrove Road top 3 Cycle path parallel to Mangrove Road - bottom 4 Bicycle storage students 5 Vehicular entrance / exit Mangrove Road 6 Entrance and car park Mangrove Road 7 Mangrove Road 8 Pedestrian entrance Mangrove Road

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