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Shafton Primary School Cycle Policy
April 2011
At Shafton Primary we recognise both the environmental and health benefits of cycling to and from school and we wish to promote safe cycling to school.
Partnership with parents and a clear understanding of responsibilities will help to support safe cycling. Whilst Shafton Primary School will provide a cycle storage area for all pupils, the decision to allow a child to cycle to school rests with parents.
We strongly recommend that all children who cycle to school are accompanied by an adult, until such time as the parent is confident the child has the knowledge and skills to be allowed to cycle unsupervised.
Liability and Insurance
Schools are not liable for property brought onto their premises, and are therefore not liable for pupils' bicycles being stolen or damaged by a third party while they are at school. Shafton Primary School’s insurance does not cover cycles on the premises, so parents are advised to make their own arrangements.
Responsibility for children while they are on their way to or from school rests with parents. The school can take no responsibility for the safety of children outside school.
We recommend that cycles are clearly marked or postcoded and that all equipment is named. (The police service can sometimes help with this)
Permits
All children bringing cycles onto the school premises must have a completed cycle permit, signed by parents and countersigned by the school. This sets out the rights and responsibilities of cyclists and parents and ensures that the school knows that parents understand these. The school may withdraw the permit at any time which will prohibit the cycle being brought onto school premises. All cyclists must have a permit to enter the school premises, including those accompanied by parents. Permits will be issued in order of application.
Storage
The cycle store is available on school premises for those with cycle permits. We recommend that all cycles are securely locked to a stand. Storage for helmets and other cycle equipment will be made available in school.
Training
The school is able to offer training. This is for children who are aged 10 and over and is currently funded. The course is held over a week and focuses on basic cycle control and road safety. All Instructors have been trained by the Road Safety Team. Training can be provided for younger key stage 2 pupils but this is on a request basis and is not currently funded.
Maintenance checks
Cycles ridden to school should be fully roadworthy and properly maintained.
Regular checks should include that:
- both brakes are working
- tyres are pumped up, and wheels are not wobbling sideways
- handlebars and saddle are straight and tight
- front and rear reflectors and wheel reflectors are working
- both lights are working
When possible, the school will organise occasional checking, maintenance and postcoding sessions in conjunction with the local police or road safety organisations.
Safety
We strongly recommend that all children wear helmets when cycling. These should fit well and conform to current British standards. We also recommend the use of high visibility garments such as jackets or tabards. Lights should be in good working order.
All cyclists should be aware of the rules of the Highway Code that relate to cycling and should follow these at all times. We suggest that parents identify the safest cycling route to school with their children and point out particular hazards and danger points.
Shafton Primary Cycle Parking Permit
Cycling to School – Important Notice to Parents
Whilst Shafton Primary School wishes to encourage an increase in the number of pupils cycling to school, the decision as to whether your child is competent to negotiate such hazards as may present themselves on the route from home to school and back must be yours and yours alone. Shafton Primary School does not accept liability for any consequences of that decision.
If you wish your son/daughter to cycle to school, please complete the form below. It is important that we know the numbers of children cycling to school even on an irregular basis in order that we can make appropriate security and safety arrangements. This also applies if you will be accompanying your child.
Parents are advised to take out appropriate insurance cover as the school’s insurance does not cover loss or damage to bicycles.
Please ensure that details are updated if any items change.
Cycle Helmets
Pupils are strongly advised to wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet and are advised to use appropriate reflective clothing and bike lights when visibility is poor.
Cycle Training
We strongly recommend that pupils undertake approved cycle training.
Conditions for Cycling to School
1. All bicycles must be in a roadworthy condition.
- 2. Cyclists must ride sensibly and follow the Highway Code.
- 3. All bicycles must be locked securely in the cycle parking area.
- Cyclists must dismount when entering school grounds. No cycle may be ridden anywhere in school grounds.
- When entering the school gates, priority must be given to pedestrians.
The school reserves the right to revoke this permit in the event that these conditions are ignored.
Name of child…………………………… Date of Birth…………………………..
Cycle serial no……………………………. Lock serial no…………………………
Cycle colour……………………………… Features………………………………
I accept the above conditions and request permission for (child)……………………
to be given access to cycle parking at the school.
Signed…………………………………… Date……………………………………
Parent/Guardian’s Name…………………………………………
Signed……………………………….…………………… on behalf of Shafton Primary School
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