Holbrook Autism School Scoops National Award

Holbrook School for Autism gains top marks after scooping a national Modeshift STARS Travel Award at the Houses of Parliament.

The Modeshift STARS award is the national schools awards scheme that has been established to recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.

The school picked up the award for national Modeshift STARS special educational needs school of the year at the ceremony which recognises schools demonstrating excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.

The Holbrook School for Autism is a specialist school for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities, in Holbrook village near Belper. Working with the Derbyshire County Council they aimed to encourage active and environmentally-friendly ways of travelling.

The award was given to the school for its work to adapt the Modeshift STARS scheme and make it accessible to young people with autism by providing students with opportunities to make journeys using public transport, as well as encouraging staff who work at the school to cycle to work.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Councillor Simon Spencer said:

“We welcome any work schools can do to improve travel habits and these two schools are clearly making great strides.

“This is a well-deserved award for all the pupils, staff and partner organisations who have worked together to encourage more children and parents to think about choosing healthier, more environmentally-friendly ways to travel.

“Well done to everyone involved – keep up the fantastic work!”

Riddings Infant and Nursery School were also shortlisted and highly commended for the National Modeshift STARS primary school of the year award for its partnership with the police, fire service and Micro-scooters UK.

The school reduced car journeys through initiatives including sponsored walk and wheelie Wednesdays to raise funds for the RSPCA and parents took up the challenge to scoot or bike to school with their children.

For more information on the DCC’s Travel Smart scheme click here.