Nursery School Celebrated Again For Active Travel Excellence
South Normanton Nursery School has again been recognised in the Modeshift STARS regional school travel awards for its efforts to get children and families to travel without a car.
For the second year in a row the nursery, in Hamlet Lane, has been named a best-practice model for encouraging walking, scooting and cycling as part of daily routines. These efforts support the children’s safety, health and long-term travel habits while reducing reliance on cars.
Key activities at the nursery, many of them led by Derbyshire County Council, include:
• Scooter Smart Training: Autumn sessions for children and carers teach safe scooting, with bike and scooter racks installed on-site
• Walking and Road Safety: Regular walks to the library supported by the school crossing patrol
• Creative Events: A space-themed “Bling Your Wheels” event where families decorated bikes and scooters
• Clean Air Day: Parents pledged to make greener travel choices and joined children in creating superhero masks and shields, promoting active travel and discouraging engine idling.
• Bike Week: Encouraged cycling confidence and dropping the use of stabilisers
• Daily Practice: Children use nursery bikes and scooters to develop balance and safety skills
• Family Involvement: Activities designed to include parents and carers in planning and celebrations.
As a result of its continued success, South Normanton Nursery School will represent Derbyshire at the National STARS School Travel Awards Celebration on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at The Royal Society in London. The nursery is in the running for the Modeshift STARS National Early Years Establishment of the Year 2025/26.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, Councillor Carol Wood, said: “South Normanton Nursery School has demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting active travel among children, families and the wider community. I’m pleased we’ve been able to support them as part of our own commitment to create more prosperous, green and sustainable places with opportunities for everyone.”
Head teacher Peter Hallsworth said: “We are super-proud to announce that we have won the Modeshift STARS Regional Early Years Establishment of the Year 2025/2026 for the Midlands again! This is the second year in a row we have been privileged to win this award.
“Next step is the national awards in London early next year. A huge well done to all our staff and children.”
The nursery has been part of Modeshift STARS since 2020, with active travel now embedded into an annual rolling programme. Participation in Local Authority Travel Smart Week further encourages families to consider their travel choices.
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