Opening School Facilities case study: St. Joseph's (Leeds)

St. Joseph’s is in a socio-economically deprived area of Leeds where active travel and access to physical activity is often limited.

To try and change that, the school introduced a cycling programme, working with local partners to support parents to teach their children to ride a bike, as well as a regular cycling club activity. These projects aim to strengthen family relationships, encourage family physical activity, and build a stronger connection between the school and the community.

The project provided bikes to children and second-hand bikes for family members and parents, who may not be able to learn to cycle due to cost.

The project has had a positive effect on the school community with children taking part in the coaching sessions and cycling programme being more engaged, motivated, and confident, both in and out of the classroom.

The initiatives encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s development have fostered a greater sense of partnership between home
and school.

School continue to deliver the sessions and now have access to a fleet of bikes to allow younger age groups to develop an essential life skill.

Read the impact report in full.