Oatlands Infants School Celebrates Success with the Bike Bus Initiative
In January, Oatlands Infants School proudly received an outstanding Ofsted report, which highlighted how parents and carers were “overwhelmingly happy” with the rich array of opportunities and experiences available to their children.
Among these initiatives is the highly successful Bike Bus, an innovative program that fosters physical activity and community engagement, playing a significant role in the school’s remarkable 'outstanding' rating for personal development.
Held every two weeks on Fridays, the Bike Bus is an inclusive and energizing initiative that encourages both pupils and their families to participate in a shared cycling experience. Thanks to the school's Bike Library, parents and carers can borrow bikes free of charge, making it accessible to all. With support from North Yorkshire Sport, the Bike Bus offers students a positive start to their school day, promoting physical exercise, confidence, independence, and essential road safety awareness.
This initiative, alongside a range of other activities funded by the OSF, has been instrumental in creating a vibrant and inclusive school environment that prioritizes health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles. It’s a shining example of how Oatlands Infants is embedding physical activity into the fabric of school life.
Headteacher Christopher Harrison expressed his gratitude for the support the school has received, emphasizing how initiatives like the Bike Bus have transformed the school’s culture:
“I am absolutely delighted that our efforts around inclusion, physical activity, and wellbeing have been recognized in our latest Ofsted inspection. The Bike Bus and other active travel initiatives have had a transformative impact on our school community, helping children arrive at school energized, focused, and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful to North Yorkshire Sport for their ongoing support in making this a reality.”
Parents have been equally vocal in their praise for the initiative. One parent shared:
“It’s been an amazing experience for my child. They absolutely love cycling to school with their friends, and it has made our mornings so much easier! I’ve seen a noticeable increase in their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.”
By providing children with the tools, support, and motivation to lead healthy, active lives, Oatlands Infants School is setting the stage for a bright, engaged future for all its pupils.
