Background
Applefields School in York has been championing active travel as part of its learning, wellbeing, and independence initiatives. Their remarkable commitment was recognised in March when they were named National SEND School of the Year at the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards.
Active Travel Ambassadors Leading the Way
The school’s success is rooted in its Active Travel Ambassadors (ATA) programme, where pupils are given responsibility and creativity to improve travel habits across the school. A standout initiative has been the creation of a student led safety shop:
- In partnership with Modeshift and Brightwayz, students launched The Satel-Light Shop, naming, marketing, and running their own high-visibility goods stall.
- The shop sells reflective safety products, branded as ‘Satel-Light, Be Bright and Be Alright’—at pocket-money prices.
- Ambassadors even plan to launch an online ordering system, after realising many pupils don’t carry cash.
ATA coordinator Jason McAleese says:
‘Setting up the shop has been a learning curve, as any new business owner knows. The group have risen to the challenge and really enjoyed working on this—as they do with all the ATA work.’
Building Skills
Applefields’ ATA programme isn’t just about entrepreneurship, it’s about building real world skills, confidence, and independence. Key activities include:
- Bikeability training that takes students from beginner to Level 3, allowing independent bike travel to and from school.
- Engagement sessions with the local road safety team with police officers sharing road safety insights in assemblies.
- Hands on cycle maintenance through Dr. Bike workshops.
- Route planning and public transport navigation support.
Teacher Amy Richardson reflects:
‘Being Active Travel Ambassadors has given our students the chance and support to take the lead in building their travel skills. They have responded in an impressive way that makes us all very proud.’
City of York Council’s road safety team were similarly impressed:
‘To see the young people progress from learning to ride, through to Level 3 Bikeability and cycling independently to and from school, is an amazing achievement.’ Lynne Thomas, Road Safety Training Coordinator
What’s Next?
Capitalising on their success, Applefields is now developing a Travel Buddy Scheme. An inspirational peer-support system where pupils help each other travel safely and confidently.
Their journey shows the power of trusting young people with responsibility and support. As a result of Applefields School’s commitment to active travel initiatives, car use has dropped significantly by 8%, reducing from 13% to 5%. With creativity, independence, and teamwork, Applefields continues to transform everyday journeys for young people with SEND and inspire others to do the same.
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