Practical guide to climate action by topic

This guide is designed to help school leaders implement change, understand opportunities and regulatory changes that relate to schools. Taking action is often easier than it seems! Student engagement is referenced throughout.

Sustainable travel

We’re on a mission to make the streets around our schools in Essex safer, greener and healthier. We recognise that some children will always need to be driven but we want to support those who choose to walk, cycle or wheel. As well as helping to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, the benefits of active travel include increased physical and mental fitness and a reduction in stress and anxiety. More details are available on Safer, Greener, Healthier Essex

There are a number of initiatives and activities we can help you with, email travelplanteam@essex.gov.uk to get in touch. Working together, we can make a difference.

School travel plans

We offer free support to help all Essex schools develop their own bespoke, context-specific plan that meets their needs and encourages active travel. We can also work with you to achieve becoming Modeshift STARS accredited.

Email travelplanteam@essex.gov.uk or call 0333 013 9390.

Bikeability cycle training

Bikeability is a cycle training programme which provides children with the skills, knowledge and understanding to cycle safely on the roads. Best of all, it provides them with the confidence for all kinds of cycling in the future. Our fully-qualified cycling instructors can come to your school and deliver training - from basic cycling skills to advanced cycling. 

For more details visit Bikeability, Safer, Greener, Healthier Essex or email cycletraining@essex.gov.uk.

Active, healthy schools

Active Essex have produced an Active Travel Toolkit which offers guidance to schools on promoting active travel.

Air quality

Explore, learn and understand more about air quality and why it matters. The Essex Air Quality Consortium is working to make the air we breathe in Essex cleaner and healthier. The Essex Air School Zone can help you and your students learn more about air pollution and what can be done to tackle it.