Primary schools across the county have received Green Travel Mark Awards in recognition of their dedication to pupils’ wellbeing.

The schools are taking part in the Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug or Green Footsteps schemes organised by the KM Group’s charity department as part of the KM Walk to School campaign.

The campaign encourages families to leave the car at home and get to school under their own steam giving pupils a healthy start to the day and improving safety at the school gate.

Representatives from the award winning schools attended a certificate presentation at the Maiden’s Tower of Leeds Castle, Maidstone. They were commended by KM Walk to School supporters from Kent County Council (KCC), Medway Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling and Southern Water.

David Joyner, KCC’s transport and safety policy manager, said: “We’re working really hard to keep Kent moving; to tackle congestion and issues like obesity and try to encourage children on the school run to walk, cycle, use their scooters and have fun on the way in.”

Green Travel Mark Awards can be earned at platinum, gold, silver and bronze levels with additional recognition for schools that provide a walking bus service.

To receive the platinum level award schools have to make a three-year commitment to green travel.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “Traffic congestion is a real problem at peak school run times. Excess cars are jamming the roads, polluting the air and causing safety concerns around schools.

“We’re delighted to celebrate these schools’ green travel successes in reducing car use and promoting a more active lifestyle.”

Julie Yeomans of The Gateway Primary Academy, Dartford said: “I stand on the school gate in the morning and it’s lovely to see the children walking in with their parents - to see them coming in laughing and joking because they’ve had that time walking together on the way to school.”

KM Walk to School is also backed by Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Westwood Cross, Eurostar, Specsavers and Whitefriars shopping area.

Schools signing up for KM Walk to School before July 1 will receive a 20% booking discount. Visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call Louise Rogerson on 0844 264 0292.

Fact-File

• The award winning resources for WOW and Active Bug include stickers, charts and a class of the week trophy.
• Schools also receive self-evaluation evidence for Ofsted.
• Bonus initiatives include fun online road safety skill tests helping pupils to become safer pedestrians.

The Green Travel Mark Awards 2015 Winners

Platinum+

Blean Primary School, Canterbury; St Francis’ Catholic Primary School, Maidstone; Bligh Infant School, Medway; Walderslade Primary School, Medway; St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Thanet.

Platinum

Beaver Green Primary School, Ashford; Great Chart Primary School, Ashford; John Mayne CE Primary School, Ashford; The Gateway Primary Academy, Dartford; Shears Green Infant School, Gravesham; Wrotham Road Primary School, Gravesham; St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, Medway; Saltwood CE Primary School, Shepway; Minster-in-Sheppey Primary School, Swale; Rose Street Primary School, Swale; St Ethelbert’s RC Primary, Thanet; St Mildred’s Primary Infant School, Thanet.

Gold

Oakfield Community Primary School, Dartford; Eastry CE Primary School, Dover; Delce Infant School, Medway; Sevenoaks Primary School; Lympne CE Primary School, Shepway; St Nicholas-at-Wade CEP School, Thanet.

Silver

Pluckley Primary School, Ashford; Willow Bank Primary School, Bexley; Canterbury Primary School; St Peter’s Methodist Primary School, Canterbury; Copperfield Academy, Gravesham; All Saints CE Primary School, Medway; Hempstead Junior School, Medway; Hoo, St Werburgh Primary School, Medway.