Thousands of pupils to walk to school in wellbeing boost
Walk to School Week is part of Living Streets’ National Walking Month campaign each May. The campaign emphasises the health and environmental benefits of walking to school.
Last year almost 200,000 children across the country participated in Walk to School Week, taking place 17th - 21st May this year, and with the pandemic forcing people to spend more time outside, this year the charity running the initiative, Living Streets, expects an even bigger turnout.
Due to significant interest in the event, the charity’s £12 classroom packs which feature teacher and parent guidance, a wallchart, stickers and diaries, as well as end of week rewards, have sold out.
However, it’s not too late for schools to take part as Living Streets will be providing extra packs by early June. And the five-day challenge packs are undated, so everyone can run the challenge any week of the year.
Walk to School Week is part of Living Streets’ National Walking Month campaign each May. The campaign emphasises the health and environmental benefits of walking to school.
Wellbeing of children and teachers
Lots of schools are thinking about how childrens’ and teachers’ mental health have been impacted by the pandemic. Walk to School Week is a good way of encouraging more exercise and getting out, as being active is essential for pupils’ well-being.
According to Public Health England analysis on changes in young people’s mental health in the recent period, evidence suggests that behavioural and attentional difficulties have increased for primary school children up until February 2021. There have been reports of a lack of social connectedness as well as difficulties with reconnecting with friendship groups.
Walking is fun and can be performed at any age – that’s why joining Walk to School Week might be a good opportunity for schools to encourage active habits that bring more social connectedness too. It’s thought that walking before school can help kids to concentrate and be more creative. And walking after school is also a good chance to refresh after a hard-working day and to have some cool-off time before getting home.
Walking Superpowers
Living Streets’ classroom packs encourage families to do different exercises on the way to school – they can choose from walking, biking, scooting or doing ‘Park and Stride’ (park the car a ten-minute walk from the school and then happily accompany the children on foot.)
This not only contributes to improving pupil wellbeing, but also has the added benefit of adding less pollution to our environment.
Through the week, pupils taking part will be introduced to Walking Superpowers showing them the benefits of these activities. ‘Super Strong’, ‘Super Smart’, ‘Super Smiley’, ‘Super Safe’ and ‘Super Sustainable’ will teach kids the benefits of travelling actively every day.
Schools Taking Part
With schools across the country taking part, here are just some of those who have been tweeting about their activities so far.
Summerhill Infant School tweeted the following: “This week we have re-launched WOW, the year long walk to school challenge. Remember to walk, cycle or scoot to school at least 2 times a week to earn your collectable badge at the end of the month.” #WalkToSchool @livingstreets @ModeshiftSTARS
Gomersal St. Mary's Primary School also shared how happy pupils were with their winner badges.
Amberley Primary pupils have also been walking to school.
While Walk to School Week is just round the corner, encouraging active habits such as this can take place at any time of year. It’s not too late to order a Living Streets classroom pack.
