Walking to School

Walking to / from School Arrangements for Children

“There is no law prohibiting children from being out on their own at any age. It is a matter of judgement for parents/carers to decide when children can play out on their own, walk to the shops or school.”

Is it Legal? A parent’s guide to the law by the Family and Parenting Institute June 2011

The NSPCC advise the following:
Children under 8 should not be outdoors for a considerable length of time unaccompanied

Children under the age of 12 should not be home alone for more than a very short period of time.

Independent Travel

If parents choose to let their child travel to/from school independently, then they should assess the risks associated with the school route and their own child’s confidence (please see leaflet). Parents should work with their children to build up their independence while walking to and from school together through route finding, road safety skills and general awareness. The most important factor to consider about suitability of a child walking to/from schoolis any risk to the child. Schools can support parents in decision making; however the responsibility for the child’s safety, on the journey and at home, rests with the parents / carers.

Drop off and collection by older siblings

Again, it is the parents/carers’ responsibility to ensure that their child is dropped off and collected by a responsible person if it is not safe for the child to walk home unsupervised. There is no minimum age set in law when a young person is allowed to remain in charge of another child, however if supervision is “likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health” (Children’s and Young Person’ Act 1933) then the parents/carers must be prepared to take responsibility for anything that should go wrong in their absence. Parents are also responsible for the care and safety of their eldest child, even while that child is acting in a caring role for younger siblings.

Please request a consent from the office if...

1) You have give permission for your child to travel to/from school independently and they are younger than Year 6.

2) You have give permission for any older siblings to collect/drop off younger children.

Please note if the school has any concerns then this will be raised directly with the parent/carer.

Download the NSPCC leaflet: 'Is my child ready to go out alone?'

nspcc guide is my child ready to go out alone.pdf

Carlton Hill Primary School