At the commencement of autumn Walk to School Week, a message from Greswold's Senior Leadership Team...
Greswold is always incredibly grateful when so many vehicle users and families work in partnership with school’s values and expectations, particularly in relation to ‘drop-off’ time in the morning. We realise that as a very large primary school, we have a duty and obligation to ensure all families are completely safe as they travel to school, along with raising awareness of the local residents and some of the difficulties they may face each day.
Our school values are incredibly important to everything we set out to achieve and that is why it’s imperative that everyone shows mutual respect to one another during that very busy time of the day. Greswold is aware that a number of parents highlight our expectations to vehicle users, in particular, and we appreciate this ambassadorial role.
In situations which involve parents talking to other parents about parking choices, politeness is always key even if there is a degree of frustration. As a community, we have to remember that there may be challenges being faced by others that we’re unaware of and, as a result, occasional or one-off mistakes may take place as a consequence, such as dropping off or parking in the wrong place.
Also, children are always present during parental encounters so we must remain aware of the impact any sort of confrontation or raised voices may have on them, including the tooting of a car horn, something which can induce anxiety amongst young people. Greswold is a very inclusive school and there is a significant number of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities as well as pupils who require help with their Social, Emotional and Mental Health and this should always be taken into account by our community, especially in the mornings, a time which can be a rush and therefore stressful.
By communicating with each other in a cordial, respectful and polite manner, especially when pointing out school’s expectations, then these messages will undoubtedly be received more openly, therefore enabling Greswold's values of respect and belonging to be promoted and sustained.
Enjoy this week's Walk to School Week and don't forget to log your child's journey on the Travel Tracker!
In order to keep our whole school community safe, especially those who are walking, scooting and cycling to and from school everyday, Greswold have put together a list of polite parking suggestions we would like vehicle users to use.
Telephone number: 0121 704 6111
Email: parkingservices@solihull.gov.uk
Thank you for your continued support.
After speaking with a Solihull Council Parking Officer, legal guidance has emerged which vehicle users may not be aware of.
All along Buryfield Road, there are yellow dashes (see photos above) painted onto the kerbs everywhere expect by zig-zag lines or disabled spaces. These lines signify that vehicle users are not allowed to even stop (to drop off) at anytime during the restrictions set out directly outside school (8-10am, 2-4pm). Therefore, any parent that stops to drop off their children in the morning at any of these points can be ticketed by Parking Officers.
Instead, there are areas on Buryfield Road past Links Drive towards the Warwick Road where parents can park. Admittedly, a five minute walk may be needed to then reach school, but this approach is in line with school's expectations whilst also being fair to other parents and most importantly, enables all pupils, especially cyclists to stay safe when travelling to school.
Please demonstrate awareness of others and, if necessary, possibly leave home earlier to leave enough time to park or drop off correctly and safely.
Greswold have been informed by the Solihull Highways office at the local council that the new parking restriction signs are to 'go live' from Tuesday 1st February 2022. This means parking officers will start fining vehicles which don't adhere to the signs. Although inconvenient for some, it will make the roads and pavements directly outside school much safer for pupils, their families and the local community.
For vehicle users, it will mean having to park elsewhere possibly further up Buryfield Road past Links Drive and Woodfield Road. However, this will in turn help to promote healthier lifestyles amongst children of vehicle owners as they'll have to walk at least some of the way to the school. Please take this extra time into account when travelling to school in order to avoid arriving late. Alternatively, you can always use the Park & Stride venues as The Hub on Hermitage Road and St Helen's Church on St Helen's Road by passing on your vehicle details to the school office first. Please feel free to visit the Sustainable Travel page in the Parents section of the website to find out more information about other travel initiatives used by school to help alleviate traffic congestion.