Oatlands Infant School is celebrating a fantastic outcome following its latest Ofsted inspection, and North Yorkshire Sport is proud to have played a role in this success. Thanks to funding from the Opening Schools Facilities (OSF) fund, we were able to support the school’s Active Travel plans, including the hugely popular Bike Bus initiative. This scheme has not only encouraged children to be more physically active but has also contributed to the school receiving an ‘outstanding’ grade for personal development.
The Bike Bus
The Bike Bus, set up with the help of North Yorkshire Sport, has given pupils the opportunity to start their day with exercise, building their confidence, independence, and road safety awareness. This initiative, alongside a range of other activities supported by the OSF funding, has created a thriving, inclusive school environment that promotes health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.
Bringing together groups and organisations, this initiative has been a collective effort to make the Bike Bus a success. Hazel Peacock and Ben Mortimer from the local road action group, and Hamish Belding from Sustrans were instrumental in supporting its planning and delivery.
Physical and Emotional Wellbeing
The recent OFSTED report highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives, noting that pupils “thrive in an inclusive environment” and “benefit from a wealth of opportunities and experiences.” Parents were described as “overwhelmingly happy” with the school’s approach, which prioritises not only academic success but also physical and emotional wellbeing.
‘Game Changer’
Headteacher Christopher Harrison expressed his appreciation for the support received:
“I am delighted that our work around inclusion, physical activity, wellbeing and happiness has been recognised in our latest Ofsted inspection. The Bike Bus and other active travel initiatives have been a game-changer for our school community, helping children to arrive energised, engaged, and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful to North Yorkshire Sport for their support in making this happen.”
Parents have also praised the impact of the Bike Bus, with one saying:
“It’s been amazing for my child. They absolutely love cycling to school with their friends, and it’s made our mornings much easier too! I’ve noticed a real difference in their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.”
Active Travel as a Daily Routine
North Yorkshire Sport’s Education Manager, Niall O’Brien, who helped coordinate the project, highlighted the importance of supporting schools in promoting physical activity:
“The Bike Bus is a fantastic example of how we can use sport and active travel to create healthier, happier school communities. By bringing OSF funding to Oatlands Infant School, we’ve helped them embed active travel into their daily routine, ensuring children develop lifelong habits of movement and wellbeing. Seeing the impact reflected in the school’s Ofsted report is incredibly rewarding.”
Success Stories
At North Yorkshire Sport, we believe every child should have the opportunity to be active and develop a love for movement. We are proud to have supported Oatlands Infant School in achieving this milestone and look forward to helping more schools across the county create similar success stories.
