Joined up working

Schools are bombarded with projects, initiatives and opportunities which call themselves new and exciting but which can seem, to busy heads and teachers, nothing but a pile of distraction from the real work which takes place in the classroom.

It's always worth finding out about other related initiatives and projects schools are using in the area, and trying to work together with them to present schools with a coherent package. If you can help teachers make strong links with curriculum work it may help.

Click on any of the following links for more information about working in partnership with other organizations:

Working with schools
Catchment policies and competition; Teaching resources; Special schools; Headteachers' power; Curriculum links; OFSTED; Theatre in Ed; Private schools;

Higher and Further Education colleges
Students on courses concerned with the environment, planning, marketing and teacher training may welcome the opportunity to work with school children in the field of school travel plans.

Highway engineers
Engineers have the power and the knowledge to make a major positive difference in parents' travel choices. Engineering measures which discourage car use near schools and provide safer routes for walking, cycling and public transport have a lasting effect in supporting sustainable transport.

Health authorities
Local support and contacts.

Police
National support and local contacts.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
National and local organisations for employers.

Other parts of government
Links with the Local Education Authority; central government's activity and publications - Department for Education Skills (DfES) and Department of Health (DoH); Road safety advisory panel (RSAP) and School Travel Advisory Group (STAG).

Business
Some enlightened businesses are tackling their own travel issues and may be able to help local schools