Background
Slough Centre Nursery School has been nationally recognised for its outstanding commitment to promoting healthier, safer, and easier everyday journeys. In 2024/25, the nursery proudly achieved three Modeshift STARS Awards and accreditation for an outstanding Travel Plan:
- Local Authority Early Years Establishment of the Year
- Regional Early Years Establishment of the Year
- National Early Years Establishment of the Year
This triple success demonstrates how early years settings can embed the importance of everyday journeys at the heart of their communities.
Inspiring everyday journeys from the start
Staff, parents, and children at Slough Centre Nursery have embraced a wide range of initiatives designed to make everyday journeys easier and more active. Families are encouraged to:
- Walk, cycle, or scoot to nursery
- Take part in Park and Stride by leaving cars at a nearby leisure centre and walking the rest of the way
- Join in special events such as Bling Your Bike or Scooter days
The nursery also helps families tackle congestion and parking challenges by promoting considerate parking, displaying road safety signs, and supporting campaigns such as Be Bright, Be Seen. These small changes reduce traffic at the school gate and encourage families to choose healthier ways to travel.
Through this work, walking has increased from 41% to 62% and car use has fallen from 58% to 35% since 2022/23
Active play and learning
A commitment to active everyday journeys is reflected in both play and learning. The nursery’s large outdoor area includes bikes, scooters, climbing frames, and balancing activities that not only keep children active but also build confidence and key life skills.
- In the classroom, journeys are linked into lessons:
- Children share experiences like bus rides
- Count traffic and observe journeys
- Sing songs and stories about walking, wheeling, and cycling
Parents are also engaged through active workshops and games. This reinforces the message that small changes, like walking part of the journey, can have a big impact on children’s health, wellbeing, and independence.
Celebrating Accreditation and success
Kellie Carrol, Early Years Practitioner at Slough Centre Nursery, said:
‘At Slough Centre Nursery School we are extremely proud to hold accreditation for a Good Travel Plan. Winning three awards this year reflects the commitment of our staff, parents, and children to promoting active movement and supporting easier everyday journeys. Together, we’re building the foundation for an active and healthier lifestyle for our children.’
This recognition not only celebrates the nursery’s hard work but also highlights the importance of accreditation through Modeshift STARS, which gives schools and nurseries a clear framework for delivering effective travel planning.
Looking ahead
By embedding everyday journeys into daily routines, Slough Centre Nursery is giving its youngest learners the tools, habits, and enthusiasm they need for a lifetime of healthier travel.
Their recognition as National Early Years Establishment of the Year 2024/25 highlights the powerful role early years settings can play in reducing car dependency, supporting families, and shaping active, thriving communities across the UK.
Find out more about Modeshift STARS Education
