Below are a list of issues frequently faced by schools around walking to school. We provide advice and support. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us. If you are a parent, use our parent FAQs
 

I want to start WoW, what do I do?

All you really need to take part in WoW are resources! We’ve put together a step by step guide too, to help you make the most out of WoW.

 

Do I have to register to take part?

Living Streets does not ask schools to register to take part in the campaign. We do suggest that you sign up for our monthly enews (a sign up form can be found on the left hand side of this page) to stay up to date about events such as Walk to School Week, Month and WoW. You don’t need to register to run an event or take part in the Week or Month. If you want to use our resources, you can buy them easily here.

 

How much does WoW cost?

The average cost to run the scheme per child per year is around £2.31 (or £270 per school).

 

Where do I buy resources?

You can view and buy resources online and use our free stuff too.

 

 How much time will it take to run WoW?

Less than you think! Most teachers have told us it takes under 5 minutes a day if that. WoW is so simple to run that many teachers actually pass on the running of the scheme to children, or elect them as ‘WoW monitors’. We have WoW monitor badges, booklets for children and a lesson plan to help you.

How do I get involved?

There are countless ways to get involved.

Click here if you’re a school, here if you’re a parent.

 

I want to use the logo to promote Walk to School

You need to register for the logo, which takes a few minutes, and then you will have access to the restricted area where you can download them dependent on your accepting the terms and conditions.

 

What happens if we can’t join in this particular Walk to School week, or can’t run WoW this year? 

It doesn't matter. You can hold a Walk to School week or month event whenever suits you- we have resources to use all year round. Similarly with WoW, you can dip in and out whenever you are able, although WoW works best when it is run on an on-going basis.

 

What if a pupil cycles or scooters to school? 

See our rules page which explains in more detail how you can run the scheme.

 

Who should run WoW or Walk to School at school?

Anyone! Lots of schools elect 'WoW monitors' who run the scheme (we have a WoW monitor booklet in our free resource section). In our experience, the school council or Junior Road Safety Officers usually run or help run activities. Staff tend to be a Eco Schools or Healthy School lead, the person in charge of the School Travel Plan lead, the Head or anyone with an interest!

 

Surrounding houses have complained about the children hanging around outside schools - are they allowed to hang out in groups outside school?

The Family and Parenting Institute has published a Families' Guide to the Law  which provides some guidance. They explain that there is no law prohibiting children from being out on their own at any age and that parents should decide when their children can play out on their own, walk to the shops or school.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 gave the police powers to disperse groups of two or more people, and to return to their homes young people under 16 who are out unsupervised in public places after 9.00pm. These powers only apply in certain area and only to serious and persistent anti-social behaviour. 

 

Won’t parents be worried?

Understandably some parents will have concerns. Visit our FAQ page for parents to see the types of questions parents have so you can be prepared to answer questions or reduce anxiety with any concerned parents. Our Walk to School Parent’s Guides address some of these issues as well.

 

What age can children walk to school?

Visit our FAQ page for parents 

 

What distance should children walk to school?

Visit our FAQ page for parents

 

What can I do to make the area around my school safer?

You can campaign for a car free zone, set up a Park and Stride to get more children and parents walking, or become a Living Streets campaigner- see how here. For information on crossings, see ‘we want a crossing’ section in the parents section.

 

Pupil safety on the school journey

Schools are only responsible for safety on the school journey where they have specifically arranged transport. You may have your own bespoke school policy on this, but essentially parents are responsible for ensuring their children get to school on time and attend regularly, and so the school journey is not the school’s responsibility.

You may also wish to note that schools cannot legally prohibit cycling for the school journey, but they are entitled to prohibit bikes from being brought onto the school grounds. Sustrans: Can schools ban cycling? page has more guidance. 

 

What’s a safe route to school?

A safer route is likely to include:

• Direct, safe crossings with clear visibility
• Traffic calming measures
• Clutter-free pavements
• A default 20 mph limit and appropriate slower speeds around schools
• Lollipop people
• Well lit routes
• Bullying free routes

For more info visit the Sustrans: Safe Routes to School page.