Scheme Helps Kids Not to Miss The Bus

Year 6 pupils at Rowlands Gill Primary School in Gateshead are the latest to take part in a Gateshead Council scheme which prepares children for their new, longer journey to school – by letting them experience the journey in the company of their friendly local bus manager first.

Parents and pupils often feel anxious at the start of secondary school, and may want to escort children there by car. However, experience has shown that this can establish a pattern of car use which makes children totally reliant on their parents for transport, and which contributes to increased traffic congestion and pollution.

To help overcome their fears, Gateshead Council and Nexus trialed a programme two years ago to give Year 6 pupils a 'taster' journey to their new secondary school. The journey allowed them to travel the route of the school bus, having the stops pointed out to them, as well as the bus bay at their destination and the entrance to their new school.

The children also had the chance to see where their bus will pick them up in the afternoon - the sort of minor worry that can often discourage children from using the bus.

Feedback was so positive that, last year, the programme was expanded to more schools in Gateshead and via Nexus to schools in Sunderland and South Tyneside. This year, for the first time, schools in Newcastle and North Tyneside have also taken part.

The journey is only part of the programme, however. The morning begins with a talk in the classroom with the District Bus Manager, and covers common worries such as ‘will I need the correct fare’, ‘what happens if I lose my bus fare’ and ‘how can I get a Tyne & Wear Under 16 Card’. The children then make the journey to their secondary school and the morning ends with a more informal Q&A session.

Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet member responsible for Transport, says: “It’s understandable for parents to be anxious about children making the move up to secondary school.”

“However, its important for children to acquire good habits early – and using public transport instead of relying totally on the private car is definitely a habit which we would like to see more of Gateshead’s young people acquire.

“For a surprising number of children, the move up to Secondary school will be the first time that they will have ever used a bus, so its no surprise that it will all seem rather strange and worrying.

“Recent research has shown that around 20% of all vehicle movements on the roads at 9.00am are car trips to school, but the consequences of such over-reliance on the car aren’t just about congestion and pollution. It can also mean that children don’t have the chance to develop essential road safety skills, and their lack of exercise can have major future health implications.

“This programme is of real benefit to school kids and their parents, but it is also one which benefits the whole community.”

Gateshead Council has developed resources for teacher’s to use in the classroom to prepare for the event and to follow it up. The children learn, among other things, how much more fuel efficient a bus is than the car, and also about respect for other passengers and the property of the bus company. The Council’s School Travel Adviser also visits teachers ahead of the event to explain what's involved.

Schools have already commented on how useful the programme has been, with many head teachers commenting that the programme really helps to allay children's fears and the children benefit enormously.

Bus company Go Gateshead have donated the use of a bus and driver since it provides a great opportunity to encourage children to use their service and to encourage respect between passengers and drivers.

Gateshead schools involved this year include: Chopwell Primary, Corpus Christi Primary, Greenside Primary , Rowlands Gill Primary, St Augustines Primary, St John the Baptist Primary and St Peter's Primary.