First Minister of Wales Goes Back to School ‘To Be Scooter Wise’
A new physical activity programme for primary-age children has been launched at a school on the same day the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones was visiting to see the Government’s active travel policy in action.
Scooter Wise has been developed by Balanceability, which is part of Telford-based TTC Group, and has been linked with aiding children’s concentration during lessons.
The First Minister and Assembly Member Rebecca Evans visited Penyrheol Primary School, where TTC instructor Julie Fox was delivering Balanceability’s first Scooter Wise session.
Samantha Wright, Balanceability Sales Manager, said: “We are delighted the First Minister of Wales has come to see delivery of the first Scooter Wise session at Penyrheol Primary School.
“The training teaches children from Reception to Year 4 how to ride a scooter safely so they can enjoy the freedom and fun riding a scooter provides. The training also supports with basic balance and sensory integration in a child’s early years, which can significantly improve learning and reading development.”
The 253-pupil school, in Frampton Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, bought 10 foldable scooters and helmets and the training has been delivered to 50 pupils.
Rebecca Evans wrote on her website: “In his last few months as First Minister, Carwyn Jones spent time visiting all 40 Welsh constituencies. When he came to Gower, I wanted to show off some of the wonderful work being done in the schools in our area. I had the pleasure of welcoming him to Penyrheol Primary School to meet the staff and pupils and see first-hand some of his Government’s policies in action.
“Active travel is a key area for the Welsh Government. Active travel offers a simple way of building physical activity into everyday lives and bringing associated health improvements; and reducing motorised traffic and with it air pollution, carbon emissions and congestion.
“With the help of local Penyrheol Labour councillors Jan Curtice and Andrew Stevens, who provided funding for the school to buy bikes, scooters and other equipment, the school is forging ahead wholeheartedly with its active travel ambitions. With support from the Welsh Government-funded Sustrans Active Journeys, and balance bike training for staff with Balanceability, things have gone from strength to strength.”
Headteacher Alison Williams said the school invested in Scooter Wise after seeing the benefits of the Balanceability programme, which it started in 2017 through Swansea Council.
Mrs Williams said: “Providing school equipment and opportunities for cycling and scootering has been a priority for our lunch-time club for many years as part of our promoting positive behaviour system of merits and rewards.
“However, since getting involved in the Big Pedal, Sustrans Active Journeys and accessing balance bike training for staff with Balanceability, things have gone from strength to strength.
“Increased staff confidence and enthusiasm combined with grant funding to purchase really high-quality bikes and stunt scooters has created real momentum. All children, from Nursery to Year 6, now have many daily opportunities to access cycling and scootering activities both within curriculum time and at play and lunch.”
Mrs Williams added: “Our school site is zoned and pupils also take responsibility for managing and maintaining the equipment. Pupils are happy, active and engaged and this is now an integral part of our provision for well-being. To see pupils of all ages succeed and transition from not being able to ride a bike to accessing daily fun and exercise has been a joyful privilege.”
Balanceability is the UK’s only afPE-approved learn-to-cycle programme. Many children who learn to ride through Balanceability then go on to complete the cycling proficiency course Bikeability, which has three levels and is offered by TTC.
Oliver Raisbeck, TTC Corporate Director, said: “Many children miss out on the opportunity to learn to ride a bicycle or scooter. Our capabilities and services are driven by the needs to reduce on-road incidents and the wider social aims to improve health and well-being.”
About TTC Group
TTC Group believes in improving the safety and well-being of all UK road users. We are a leading provider of road safety training and services. TTC Group has 500 trainers nationwide who help change the behaviour of over 500,000 drivers and riders every year through elearning, classroom and on-road courses.
We are also the country’s largest cycle trainer, offering cycling promotion events, training programmes and the nationally-recognised ‘Bikeability’ and ‘Balanceability’ courses. Find out more at www.ttcgroup-uk.com
Balanceability and TTC Group PR contact
Russ Cockburn
07811 2600 271
Russ@cucumberpr.co.uk