Back to School Travel Plan

Why is walking to school so good?

Walking to school helps children develop a basic life skills. It prepares them for the future and allows them to learn by experience.

It also develops their imagination and exploration skills and helps them enjoy the outside world. It promotes well-being and confidence and has proven mental and physical benefits, which can be summarised as follows:-

• Children develop road safety and personal safety skills.
• It's a great, natural form of physical exercise for children and parents - and most of us need to take more exercise!
• It's much better for the environment than driving to school in a car.
• It helps combat the problem of traffic congestion in and around school .
• Children learn how to meet and greet other people.
• It's fun - children love walking to school with their friends.

WALK - whenever you can

A wall chart in each classroom will show who is walking, how often they walk, and the distance they cover.

Children will receive bronze, silver and gold certificates at three stages - your teacher will explain how these will be awarded.

But best of all, your child will become fitter and healthier - and you will be doing your bit to improve the environment and ease congestion.

And if you cannot walk all the way, park away from the school and walk the final leg of the journey. This will enable your child to participate in WALK - whenever you can.

Downloads

WALK - whenever you can leaflet (PDF)

WALK - whenever you can wall chart
A3 poster (PDF)

On National Walk to School Week you will find ideas for encouraging pupils to walk to school.