School gives pupils bicycles to boost punctuality – and they get to keep them if they turn up on time
Pilot scheme to reduce lateness at Katesgrove Primary School in Reading, Berks slammed as 'misguided'
SCHOOLKIDS are being rewarded with bicycles if they manage to turn up on time.
Selected students at Katesgrove Primary School in Reading, Berks, have been lent the bikes as part of the initiative to reduce late attendance levels.
Bikes used in the Ride on Time scheme have been recovered from local railway stations and parents and carers of pupils using the scheme are also eligible for a bike.
The pupils have been given police-approved bicycle locks, helmets, high-visibility vests and the bikes have also been security marked.
Students who meet their agreed targets keep the bike and equipment at the end of the year and the pilot scheme could be introduced to other schools across the UK if it is successful.
Around five or six children in Years Five and Six will be selected to participate in the initiative, which is backed by Network Rail and British Transport Police who will work with the school to educate pupils about safety.
Cycling firm Avanti Cycling will offer children professional tuition as well as a planned route between home and school.
Bob Burrowes, pastoral support worker from the school, created the scheme which he hopes he can introduce at other schools.
Mr Burrowes said: "The idea of the scheme is to help selected pupils boost their attendance at school with a creative idea.
"I used to be in the British Transport Police so I know that loads of bikes would be left at train stations, whether they are dumped or just unclaimed.
"We do checks on the bikes so we know they are not owned by anyone.
"We have children with great attendance and they are rewarded, but this scheme is for those who aren't as good with their attendance."
The scheme came under fire from Chris McGovern, chairman for the Campaign for Real Education, who said: “This is a totally misguided and misplaced initiative.
“Education is the greatest gift we have for our children.
“If we need to bribe our children to go to school then we as a society are sending out entirely the wrong message.
“It’s a terrible indictment of our education system.”
Councillor Tony Jones, from Reading Borough Council, said: "There can be a variety of different reasons why children are late for school but the result is they miss the start of lessons and disrupt classes.
"Ride on Time is an imaginative way of tackling attendance problems at schools while also helping children to get daily exercise and reduce the number of parents dropping off children in their cars.
"I'd like to thank all the partner organisations which are supporting this excellent project and to wish it every success."
Inspector Paul Martin, from transport police, said: "We are delighted to be involved with this initiative.
"It will hopefully give local children new skills, improve their attendance and give them a better feeling of self-worth, while also teaching them important lessons in railway safety.
"It is also satisfying to know that discarded bikes will get a new lease of life under this project and we look forward to supporting the scheme throughout the school year."
Steve Melanophy, a safety manager from Network Rail, said: "Network Rail and the British Transport Police are very happy to be part of this exciting project and provide the necessary skills and education to the children when approaching level crossings across the Western Route Railway."
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