Medlock pupils champion safer streets and cleaner air
Co-op Academy Medlock was featured on BBC One North West on 19 December, shining a spotlight on their ongoing campaign for safer roads and improved air quality in the community.
As a primary school in inner Manchester, ensuring pupils can travel safely to and from school is a responsibility we take seriously - and one that the pupils have been campaigning for.
As part of the filming, Medlock temporarily closed a section of Wadeson Road to create a ‘School Street’ - a dedicated space free from traffic, giving children the chance to play, learn, and move around safely. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic as partners across the community joined to bring the event to life.
The afternoon included:
- Neighbourhood Police Officers distributing high-visibility equipment and teaching pupils how to stay “safe and seen” in the winter months
- BeePedalReady runs bike-maintenance workshops to help families stay safe and confident on two wheels
- Council representatives speaking with parents about the wider School Streets initiative and how it benefits local neighbourhoods
- S4B Housing representatives supporting conversations around community safety and environmental improvements
- Our Eco Council planting bulbs to brighten the school grounds and promote environmental stewardship
- Year 5 Junior PCSOs teaching road safety skills, proudly demonstrating responsibility and leadership
- Sports Leaders and Co-op Young Leaders organising games and crafts that brought children, families, and staff together in a safe environment
“We don’t want people to park outside of our school because it is bad for the environment.“
The BBC were particularly interested in Medlock’s work around road safety and air pollution - two big issues affecting families in built-up areas. Their proactive approach - not only raising awareness but creating hands-on learning opportunities - demonstrates the impact schools can have when they lead with community collaboration.
School Streets, as an initiative, aims to make roads outside schools safer, cleaner, and less congested by limiting traffic at peak times. You can read more about the national programme here: schoolstreets.org.uk.
“We know that the air quality in the city centre of Manchester needs to be improved but from a local level and a community level as a school we think it’s really important that the staff, families and the community are advocating for the rights of the children to have safer greener spaces.“
