A REDDITCH school is leading the way as county education chiefs urges them to launch a walking bus service.
It’s recognised that walking buses provide a positive option for children to get to school safely while reducing congestion.
The idea is that children walk together with teachers and volunteer parents, wearing high visibility jackets from a meeting place to a school.
Astwood Bank Primary School’s walking bus launched in November 2014 to help reduce traffic around the school in the mornings.
Teaching assistant Sam Yates at Astwood Bank Primary School said: “Though the aim of the walking bus was to reduce congestion around the school, it also gives the children the chance to have a little bit of exercise in the mornings by walking to school in a controlled and safe environment.”
Astwood Bank Primary School’s walking bus starts from Smiles Nursery and takes the short route to the school.
Parents have been given permission to drop their children at the nursery’s car park, meaning they don’t have to go near to the school.
“Children are encouraged to learn about pedestrian safety on the journey to school including how to cross a road safely and walk in single file along narrow footpaths,” added Sam.
The Road Safety unit at Worcestershire County Council assesses walking bus routes and can provide the high visibility jackets.
If schools are interested in launching a walking bus service, they can email [email protected] or phone 01905 763763.
See more about Astwood Bank Primary School’s Walking Bus at www.youtube.com/watch?v=YduhOKQVr5Q
