Walk to school

Walking to school is a simple way to keep your child healthy, safe and active. It also helps reduce traffic and pollution near schools. Walking together helps your child learn how to stay safe on the road and become more aware of their surroundings.

If your school is too far to walk, you can still help by parking a short distance away and walking the final part of the journey.

Why walking helps

Walking to school has clear benefits for you and your child:

• builds healthy habits and keeps children active
• improves road awareness and safety skills
• reduces traffic around schools
• helps cut air pollution in your area

Walking regularly also helps children feel more confident when travelling in their local area.

Walk to School events

We support national events like Walk to School Week. Schools that take part receive materials and guidance to help encourage more families to walk.

Ask your school if they are taking part and how you can get involved.

Walking buses

Some schools run “walking buses”. These are organised groups where children walk to school together with adult volunteers.

Each route is checked for safety. There are set pick-up points, and children join along the way. Volunteers guide the group, make sure children follow road safety rules and wear high visibility clothing.

Contact your school to find out if a walking bus is available.

Walk once a week

You can also take part in Walk on Wednesdays (WoW). Even walking to school once a week makes a difference.

Get involved

Speak to your child’s school to:

• join walking events
• find a walking bus
• get support and advice

Start small and build walking into your routine.