Scheme of the Month - Newquay Junior School
When the Bikeability pilot was launched in September 2006, Newquay Junior School asked cycle trainer Wendy Creed to work with Y3 teacher Viv Davy to deliver the programme. Viv organised a minimum of 2 groups for training each half term - level 1 training for Years 3 and 4 and Level 2 on road training for Years 5 and 6.
In the Spring Term 2008 the PTA offered to contribute a small amount per child who did their on road training. At the same time the application to Awards for All was submitted to enable children without their own bikes to participate.
In April 2008, Viv learned that the school had been successful in winning a grant of £9,000. That figure was to cover the cost of 10 bikes. Secure bike sheds are also currently being built using this funding. The remainder, along side a grant from the Youth Sports Trust went into training costs. Now both Y5 and Y6 could have free on road training at Level 2 and Y3 and Y4 can also have playground training to Level 1 standard; a total of 150 to 200 children per year.
Head teacher, Steve Bywaters, has supported the staff with the cost of training over and above the bursary and ensured that SATs tests timetabling has not disrupted the training. The school allows cycling during school hours and Viv hopes to train up as a National Standards Assistant Instructor when the course is ratified. Her enthusiasm has inspired three colleagues to train as National Standards Instructors.
Newquay Juniors has supported cycle training for almost 3 years, promoting it to parents as well as the children. Some parents have asked for training to take up cycling or regain their confidence.
Viv hopes to run a cycling club for the children and, during activity week in the summer term, off-roading using MTB instructors trained on CTC’s newly devised off road course.
Viv Davy is also our Personality of the Month
