Walking to/from school unaccompanied

Walking to and from School – Year 5 & 6 Only

As children move into Year 5 and 6, some parents may wish to give them more independence by allowing them to walk home alone or with a friend. While we encourage growing independence, safety will always be our top priority, especially as the evenings become darker.

Who Can Walk Home Alone?

●      Only pupils in Year 5 or Year 6 may walk home alone.

●      This is only allowed if:

○      The school has no concerns about the child’s safety or behaviour.

○      The home is within a reasonable walking distance.

○      The school has received written permission from the parent/carer.

📄 How to Apply

If you would like your child to walk home independently, you must complete a school-issued application form.

As part of this process, the school will review:

●      Your child’s behaviour in school

●      The route and distance to be travelled

●      The estimated time and location

Permission will only be granted if the school is confident that your child can keep themselves safe.

Walking To School Alone

Please note: The school does not support children walking to school unaccompanied.

It is your responsibility as a parent/carer to:

●      Ensure your child is safely brought to the school gate

Stay with them until they are handed over to a member of staff and have entered the school grounds

Safety Expectations

If your child is walking home alone, parents must ensure that:

●      They know and follow the Green Cross Code and basic road safety

●      They understand stranger danger

●      They know what to do in an emergency

●      They go straight to a supervised location (not an empty home)

●      You have a clear plan in place for unexpected events such as school closures

You have a system to confirm they’ve arrived home safely

If you have any questions about this process or would like to request a permission form, please contact the school office.