Does your school have a walking bus?

[anorak]

Our school started a walking bus scheme in the spring. I am one of the volunteers.

Currently we have only 3 volunteers and operate the walking bus only once a week, on Monday mornings. Apart from our own children, there are only one or two others. We're hoping more children will catch on to it soon, or we'll have to pack up as it's not worth it.

Does your school have one and is it popular?

[Sherbert37]

We had one a couple of years ago and it was very popular to begin with - five routes and about 60 children from 5 - 9 years taking part. We became a victim of our own success, as all these children now walk to school by themselves and no new parents wanted to join. It's worth doing.

[anorak]

Wow, that sounds great! How did you manage to drum up so much interest?

[Sherbert37]

It all depends on the parents really. There has to be a lot of trust on both sides and not every parent can happily let someone else take their child to school. We had quite a big launch and had walk to school days every month as well. It was in the papers because we were the first school round here to do this. Winter is not an ideal time to start, although we did not miss a day and we are in Scotland. Maybe see how it goes over the winter then have a big relaunch before Easter.

[Tommy]

a group of parents tried to set one up in the school where I am a governor but it failed due to lack of support. I am quite interested in them as DS will start at that school next year. I really can't understand why parents would rather drive their children to school and all the hassle that goes with it. In our school, the congestion around the gates is really appalling - and som many of them live within easy walking distance.