WoW rules
The Walk to School campaign is all about flexibility, with schools and parents deciding how best to promote the importance of healthy lifestyles, road safety skills and enjoying the local area. The Walk to School Campaign rewards pupils who make an effort to travel in a healthy and environmentally friendly way. This means that bus users, cyclists and even pupils who share the car journey with other pupils can be rewarded in the same way as the walkers.
There is no minimum walking distance for WoW; some children might live across the road from school and take part, or some children or parents with physical disabilities may only be able to manage a short distance.
Different ways to run WoW
WoW is designed to be flexible, inclusive and to reward children for making an effort to walk to school. We understand that every child, parent and school is different so it is absolutely fine to adapt WoW to your needs. Here are some ways schools have adapted WoW to suit them:
- Reward walking more than once a week, for example, children walking three times a week will receive a badge
- Lots of nurseries or pre-schools use WoW, so it is suitable for younger years
- Some schools use badges to encourage regular attendance or good behaviour
- Some schools purchase badges for special occasions, such as Walk to School Week or Month rather than running the scheme continuously throughout the year
- For pupils not able to walk to school for whatever reason- often those in rural locations without footpaths or safe routes- some schools allow supervised walks during school time on school premises (around the playground or field). This will help more pupils to be a part of the campaign and ensure that as many pupils as possible benefit from a regular walk.
- Some schools set a minimum 10 minute walking zone to achieve a badge and allow children who live very near the school to clock up some mileage around the playground!
- Some schools run WoW for walking to school only, or only run it on Wednesdays, although we suggest that widening the criteria for achieving a WoW badge allows more children to take part.
- Reward any sustainable travel behaviour, for example for children who cycle, or use public transport
Inclusivity
WoW is suitable for all different types of schools, including those with special needs. The Walk to School campaign is intended to raise awareness about the benefits of walking, it is certainly not intended to exclude or discriminate any pupils.
Local authorities often offer services to special schools and may offer independent travel training sessions. These schools might choose to offer supervised walks or wheels around the school premises where children can still be rewarded for committing to doing some extra exercise, and still experience the social benefits of walking.
Additionally, parents and children can access support from other parents in the community. If you still have a question, have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for parents and schools to see if they can help.
