Walking to school? 

Allowing your child to walk to school unaccompanied is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some important steps to consider:

Assess Maturity and Readiness: Evaluate whether your child is mature enough to handle the responsibility. Consider their ability to follow directions, make safe decisions, and respond to unexpected situations.

Understand the Route: Walk the route with your child to identify any potential hazards. Ensure they are familiar with the path, safe crossing points, and any areas to avoid.

Establish Rules and Guidelines: Set clear rules about the route, time to leave and return, and what to do in case of an emergency. Discuss the importance of staying on the agreed path.

Teach Safety Skills: Educate your child on road safety, including looking both ways before crossing streets even when there is a walk symbol at a crossing, using pedestrian crossings, and understanding traffic signals.

Emergency Preparedness: Ensure your child knows what to do if they feel unsafe or if something goes wrong. This includes knowing how to contact you or another trusted adult.

Practice the Route: Walk the route together several times until your child feels confident. Gradually allow them to walk part of the way alone, increasing their independence over time.

Use Technology Wisely: Consider using a GPS tracker or a mobile phone for your child to check in with you when they arrive at school and when they leave.

Communicate with the school: Let the classroom teacher know if your child is walking to school on their own for the first time, or if there is a significant change in the routine. 

Community Awareness: Get to know other parents and neighbours along the route. Maybe they could buddy up with other children and walk as a group. 

Regular Check-ins: Have regular discussions with your child about their walk to school. Encourage them to share any concerns or experiences.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your child's safety and build their confidence in walking to school independently.