INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH
Feel happier, connect with others and start the day feeling ready to learn
This International Walk to School Month, we're shining a spotlight on the wellbeing benefits of walking and wheeling to school.
Exercising first thing in the morning helps children build healthy habits and it can also support wellbeing. From spending quality time with family to meeting friends along the way, the journey to school offers valuable opportunities to connect with others and feel part of the local community. Walking and wheeling can also help children arrive at school feeling refreshed, focused and ready for the day ahead.
Throughout October, we'll be sharing ways to get involved and celebrate the simple difference that walking or wheeling to school can make.
If you're a teacher, you can download our healthy bodies and minds lesson plan – and for families, our Autumn Street Safari is a fun activity when you're out walking and wheeling.
Our comms pack, contains text and graphics for social media and suggested copy for school newsletters and emails, will also help you spread the word about the campaign.
Plus, thanks to Micro Scooters UK, we're offering you the chance to win a Sprite Neochrome scooter worth £139.95. Find out how to enter our prize draw further down the page.
Explore the benefits of walking and wheeling at your school
Living Streets can help children enjoy the many benefits of walking and wheeling to school.
WOW is our walk to school challenge, a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using our interactive WOW Travel Tracker.
WOW schools see an average of 58% fewer car journeys to the school gates and 18% more journeys walking and wheeling all the way to school.
To find out more and to see if your school is eligible for a fully funded place, get in touch!
What concerns you on the walk to school?
Ahead of International Walk to School Month, we asked parents what concerns they have about the journey to school. Unsurprisingly, unsafe speeds and heavy traffic came out top.
Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman CBE; UEFA Vice President and ex-Wales football captain, Professor Laura McAllister; and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn have joined us in encouraging families to leave the car at home.
Read what they have to say and view our polling results below.
ENTER OUR INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH PRIZE DRAW!
This year, we’re giving families the chance to win a Sprite Neochrome scooter worth £139.95 from Micro Scooters UK.
Families can enter by sharing photos of what makes them happy on the journey to school. Simply complete our form and upload an image and we'll enter you into the prize draw. Read the full terms and conditions here.
FREE RESOURCES TO HELP GET YOU WALKING
SCHOOLS
These learning resources, activities and lesson plans are perfect for thinking about walking to school across different generations and in countries outside the UK.
LESSON PLANS
Healthy Bodies and Minds Lesson Plans
Download (English KS2/Progression Steps 2&3/P 3-6) Download (Welsh KS2/Progression Steps 2&3/P 3-6) Download (English KS2/Progression Steps 2&3/P 3-6 print-friendly) Download (Welsh KS2/Progression Steps 2&3/P 3-6 print-friendly)
Walking to School Through the Generations
FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS
AUTUMN STREET SAFARI SCAVENGER HUNT
There are lots of interesting things to see and do as you walk, wheel or scoot to school. Challenge yourself to tick off all the activities in our Autumn Street Safari!
Our Walking Activities booklet and diary are packed with fun and educational activities to enjoy on your walk to school - or any other time you're taking a stroll!