Birchfield Community Primary School is participating in the School Streets trial which is designed to improve safety by creating a child safety zone adjacent to the schools entrance. Moreover, it also aims to increase the activity levels of children by encouraging active travel during busy drop off and collection times. This aligns with wider School Streets initiatives promoted by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), which aim to create safer and more pleasant environments outside school gates and promote walking, cycling and scooting where possible.
To support this, Birchfield has introduced a dedicated School Street Steward who manages vehicle access on the school approach road during peak times.
Key Information
The access road leading to Birchfield is a dead end used only for school access, Birchfield Community Hall and the doctors’ surgery. During the morning and afternoon school run, a temporary barrier system is put in place. This creates a short-term traffic restriction to support safer movement of pupils and families. The Street Steward is employed in a similar way to a school crossing patrol, working for one hour each morning and one hour each afternoon.
The Steward’s role includes operating the temporary barrier, monitoring vehicle access, and giving guidance to drivers who are permitted to proceed, such as those attending the doctors or community hall. Cones are also placed strategically to reinforce the temporary restriction and promote safer pedestrian space.
Pupils and families are encouraged to use the pavements at all times when approaching or leaving the school, supporting the aim of creating a safer school environment. Emergency vehicles and other permitted users continue to have access as required.
Why this matters
School Streets approaches help reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians around school entrances. They promote active travel and support calmer, cleaner and safer surroundings for pupils and the wider community. This small change in routine has made a significant difference to safety and wellbeing for families during the busiest times of the day.
Learn more
To register for the pilot scheme please complete this Form – Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership
