Bikeability Trust Pilot Project
For the attention of EYFS lead, KS1 lead and PE coordinator.
The Bikeability Trust is trialling a different approach to cycle training in schools, and we would like to offer you the opportunity to be part of this exciting pilot programme.
This pilot project will evaluate the effectiveness of training school-based staff to deliver the following skills in a school setting, with assessment mapped against the PE curriculum:
| Balance Bike training | This is aimed at nursery, reception and Year 1 students and uses games to develop their cycle handling and awareness skills on balance bikes. It teaches them fundamental movement skills to be able to progress to pedal bikes. |
|---|---|
| Cycle training | From learning to ride two-wheeled cycles independently, to developing cycle handling and control skills on pedal cycles in off-road traffic-free environments. This prepares pupils for accessing Level 1 and 2 Bikeability training. |
- This pilot project is fully funded by Department for Travel and supported by the Department for Education.
- Participating schools will receive a set of 6 balance bikes and helmets free of charge, and to keep. These can be sent out immediately.
You can express interest by completing this initial survey - Please complete by 16 May 2023: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KXLTT5J
We hope that you are already aware of the current Bikeability programme we offer, where professional instructors visit your school to deliver Level 1 and 2 training courses primarily to years 5 and 6. This project is separate to this provision and will continue.
By committing to this pilot participating schools will need to commit to:
- At least 2 staff to receive training, this may include teaching assistant staff. Each staff member will need to commit to an hour online training and a practical training day. Training is free of charge.
- Provide cycle training in a traffic free setting to pupils in nursery, reception and year 1, during the Summer term. Programmes will be bespoke to each school depending on time and staff available, and staff will be supported to create these programmes. Staff should expect to deliver at least one session per class per week.
- Take part in the evaluation process:
- Share a paper/electronic version of a survey to children before and after their training, and assist in logistics with returning paper versions back to the Bikeability Trust.
- Share an electronic survey with parents after a child's training.
- Teaching staff who took part should complete a survey, and may be selected to take part in a focus group online.
- A small number of schools will be selected to assist with the organisation of an online focus group for children.
The Bikeability Trust is keen to gather information from schools to help provide future initiatives, so we would be delighted if you would complete this very short survey - Please complete by 16 May 2023: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KXLTT5J
On this form you will also be able to indicate your interest in participating.
This is a pilot programme, and will be evaluated for its effectiveness, including how well it fits into school curriculum; appetite amongst school staff; how straight forward it is to access and take part in training and how prepared staff feel after training. The impact on pupils will also be measured.
Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.
For further details or if you have any questions, please email Norfolk Road Safety at roadsafety@norfolk.gov.uk or Bikeability at contactus@bikeabilitytrust.org.
This news item was published : 21 April 2023.