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Walk to school

8 great reasons to walk to school

1 - In the right frame of mind

Children who walk to school arrive in a calmer frame of mind, ready to cope with the work of the day. It also test scores with no extra studying required!

 

2 - Fit and healthy

Both you and your child gets some exercise. Walking to school is a time to develop skills like balancing, hopping, and jumping without even knowing it. And you can get your 10,000 steps in.

 

3 - Quality time

This is a great time to spend together without distractions. Talk about your days and what you can see in the surrounding and watch the changing of seasons

 

4 - Hassle free drop off and pick ups

By walking you can avoid the problems of school gate parking, which can put all children in danger and cause unnecessary stress.

 

5 - Fresh clean air

20% of all rush hour traffic is made up of people doing the school run. Fewer cars means better air quality, and better, cleaner air means you’ll lead a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life.

 

6 - Safety first

Its a chance to talk to your child and enforce some of the road safety messages. Set a good example to your child.

 

7 - Be social and make it a better place

By walking you make your neighbourhood safer, quieter, and friendlier. You will soon get to know your neighbours and fellow walkers.

 

8 - Park and stride

Even if you live further away from school, you can park at a reasonable distance from the school and walk the rest of the way.

 

How you can encourage your children walking to school:

  • Plan your route together in advance, finding quieter roads and paths wherever possible
  • Practice the journey at the weekend when the roads are likely to be quieter
  • Accompany your child for a few days. As they gain confidence, gradually reduce how far you go
  • Make sure they know how to deal with any busier junctions or roads
  • Cross the road with a School Crossing Patrol Officer if possible
  • If you live too far away, why not try parking close to the school and walking the rest of the way
  • Walk with a friend. Get dropped off at a friend’s house close to school and walk together
  • Some schools have walking zone maps. Find out if your school is working with us click here and ask your Head Teacher for a copy of yours.