School travel plans (STPs)
A school travel plan (STP) contains a series of practical steps aimed at promoting sustainable forms of transport and improving children’s health and safety on the way to school. It is a working document, unique to each school, which benefits the wider community as well as the school.
In 2008, further funding amounting to nearly £175,500 was awarded to schools in East Sussex for completing an approved STP. This means that nearly £1m of Government funding has been paid to our schools since the grant scheme started in 2004.
86% of our maintained schools have now completed an approved STP.
If your school could benefit from these capital grants, which are available until 2010, contact the STP team for details.
View a list of East Sussex schools with active STPs up to 2008.
How does a school travel plan (STP) work?
The aims of a school travel plan are to:
- reduce the number of journeys made by car
- ease congestion and reduce pollution
- improve health through increased exercise
- develop road safety awareness and skills
- promote the use of alternative transport
- reduce dangers on the journey to school.
How to develop an STP
The School Travel Plan team offers a range of practical advice and support to help schools work effectively with everyone within the school and in the wider community.
The process normally starts with a meeting at the school between a member of the STP team and the Head and/or other key representatives from the school.
Every STP is unique. It might include:
We can show you examples of STPs from other schools. You can also download our resources for STPs.
Independent schools
Help is also available from the STP team for independent schools, however, non-maintained schools are not eligible for the Government grant.
Capital grants for school travel plans
Government grants for schools completing an approved STP are available until 2010. The capital grants are available to all maintained primary, secondary and special schools:
- primary schools qualify for a grant of £3,750 plus £5 for each enrolled pupil
- secondary and special schools qualify for £5,000 plus £5 for each enrolled pupil
- pupil referral units and tutorial units also qualify provided they have their own DCSF (formerly DfES) number.
Around three quarters of East Sussex schools have been spending their STP funding on cycle facilities or pedestrian waiting shelters. Others have improved safety and access for walkers and cyclists with new signs and lines, gates, fencing and security.
Schools wishing to apply in the next round of STP grants (February 2009) should contact their STP adviser (see below), who will provide a toolkit and ongoing support. For ideas on using an STP grant, see our document What the money can be spent on.
All schools are required to have an STP in place by 2010.
School travel facts
- Almost one in five car trips in urban areas at 8.50am are taking children to school.
- Many of these trips are less than one mile in distance.
- Fewer than half of all school children walk to school.
- Less than one per cent cycle to school.
Further information
Find out more in our STP newsletter or contact the school travel plan team.
