Walking to School
Your child’s time at primary school will see them grow up quickly, and their needs will be very different between the time that you drop them off at the school gates to when you plan their journey to their secondary school.
Initially, you’ll need to think about the way that they walk to school with you and then, as they get a little more independent, perhaps with their friends. As they get older, you’ll need to think about their use of public transport as well.
Plus, during this period of their lives, they’ll probably learn to ride a bicycle as well – yet more for busy parents to think about!
You can access vital information to help your children walk to school confidently via our STEP UP Project. Aimed at Year 6 students, this resource provides important information on how to get to and from school safely. Whether that is by walking, cycling, or using public transport, there is plenty of advice here to help:
- Road Safety Advice
- Travel Planning and apps available to help
- Transport Options
- Behaving responsibly and courteously
- Website links for further information
Travel Checklist
Before you travel, always check that you have your keys, your mobile phone is charged, and that you have emergency money (or a prepaid card), as well as any relevant bus or train passes that you need. Plan your journey and think about the route you are going to take. Be prepared to let people know your plans. It is also really useful to have something bright or reflective on your bag or clothing to make you more visible to other road users. Remember to add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact number in your mobile phone to be contacted in an emergency.
Walking & Crossing Roads
Plan your route. Take careful consideration when doing this. Remember it’s not always about taking the quickest route – you should always take the safest route. Try not to cross between parked cars. If you do, please be extra cautious and move into the road slowly.
Further information on pedestrian safety can be found on the THINK! website.
The Green Cross Code
- Find a safe place to cross
- Stop just before you get to the kerb
- Look all around for traffic and listen
- If traffic is coming let it pass
- When it is safe, go straight across the road – do not run, keep looking and listening while you cross.
