Wheels For All
Shorefields School
Shorefields School in Clacton support pupils aged 3 -19 who have a range of complex and severe learning needs. Shorefields School expressed an interest in partnering with the inclusive cycling charity Wheels for All to become the first inclusive Cycling Hub in Tendring.
Wheels for All sessions were set up in March 2023 and took place twice a week after school and once a week during the school holidays. Sessions were designed to be delivered in a safe environment for young people to cycle using adapted bikes which were provided by the charity. Due to the success of these cycling sessions, plans are now being developed for further training and events in 2024.
Wheels for All enabled local residents to have the opportunity to get active on a bike, in the fresh air. Able to gain regular social interaction, the group have helped one another to gain independence and boost mental and physical wellbeing.
From primary school children to residents living in a local care home, different ages of people who are living with a range of health issues and disabilities have all been able to take part. Health issues have included, dementia, epilepsy, down syndrome and stroke survivors.
The team ensure that all sessions are fully inclusive to SEND individuals, with care homes travelling to the facilities to take advantage of the space and its inclusive offer. By purchasing items including inclusive bikes, sensory equipment and a storage shed through Opening Facilities Funding, the school is able to remain as a safe location for everyone to enjoy.
These sessions have started important conversations around inclusive cycling and how cycling infrastructure can be developed further to ensure that no one is excluded when it comes to experiencing the benefits of cycling.
Active Essex supported this project with Assistant Relationship Manager, Ian Duggan assisting in developing an application for Opening School Facilities funding to the Department of Education for. This meant the school was able to purchase a purpose built storage facility for the cycles along with additional accessories and adapted cycles.
Key Learnings
It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, in order to focus on ways to improve in the future.
Organisation
Forward planning allows the sessions to be as inclusive as possible
Feedback
Discussions with partners, parents and participants are key for growth of the project
Progress
Celebrating the small and big wins is important to experience a sense of achievement
