Modeshift Chief Operating Officer Nick Butler joined Natalie Fleet MP on a visit to South Normanton Nursery School in Derbyshire to celebrate the setting’s Modeshift STARS success and see early years road safety and sustainable travel learning in action.
The visit, hosted by the nursery and supported by Derbyshire County Council, showcased how practical, age-appropriate activities can help embed positive travel behaviours from an early age. South Normanton Nursery School is a strong local example of how early years settings can play a key role in making the school run safer while supporting healthier, more active and sustainable journeys.
Bringing STARS to life
During the visit, children took part in a range of engaging, child-led activities, including:
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A high-visibility and safer crossing activity, demonstrating how young children are learning about road safety in their local environment
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A fun Modeshift Monkey rhyme activity, reinforcing key messages in an accessible and memorable way
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A presentation of the Modeshift STARS award, recognising the nursery’s success as Modeshift STARS Early Years Establishment of the Midlands Region Winners 2025/26.
Nick Butler, Chief Operating Officer at Modeshift, said the visit was a powerful example of how STARS supports settings of all sizes to deliver meaningful change:
‘Seeing STARS in action at South Normanton Nursery School really brings home the value of early years engagement. These practical activities help children, families and communities build safer, healthier travel habits that last.’
The setting have been shortlisted for the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards Early Years Establishment of the Year. Winners be announced at The National STARS Summit and STARS National Travel Awards taking place on 18 March in London.
