Clean Air Week: 17th – 23rd June

Children at St Mary’s are our primary concern and their health is at the forefront of our thinking. Next week is the National Clean Air Week and we are hoping that parents, carers, grandparents and the children will be doing their bit for our future.

For all those able, assuming the weather is fine, please try and walk, scooter or ride to school. Leave that car at home and enjoy the fresh spring air and even if it is raining, put on the wellies, grab an umbrella and splash your way to school.

If you do have to use the car, would it be possible to maybe car-share with a few families? Or even use our Park & Stride partner, Aldi, to drop the car and at least enjoy a short walk across the road.

One of the biggest concerns for parents and children is cars. We know that outside the school gates in the morning and afternoon it is chaotic. If you are dropping off or collecting please do park sensibly and Turn Your Engines Off.

We will be having some of the children acting as St Mary’s Traffic Wardens issuing tickets and advising those parents who flout the rules. Please be aware that the children are trying to look after their world and school for future generations and not just ours.

Did you know?

• Air pollution from exhausts is linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease and cancer
• Children who walk to school are healthier and perform better in class
• 69% of all UK car journeys are short ones. Try walking or cycling instead.
• Drivers and their passengers are exposed to fumes as well as people outside the vehicle.
• Correctly inflated tyres can save fuel and reduce air pollution
• A recent study has shown that by not ticking over we can reduce air pollution during peak travel hours by as much as 30%.
• If you need to keep warm, your heater fan will still blow warm air for some time after you turn off your engine

Thank you for all you support next week.