WOW – Walk to School 

As part of promoting active travel to school, Stanhope Primary School is actively participating in an exciting nationwide challenge that encourages children and their families to walk to school. The WOW – Walk to School Challenge is facilitated by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, with the aim of enabling as many children as possible to enjoy the benefits of walking to school.

WOW operates as a pupil-led initiative where children independently report their daily mode of transportation to school. Those who choose sustainable options, such as walking, cycling, scooting, or utilising the Park and Stride method at least three times a week for a month, are rewarded with a special badge each month. These monthly WOW badges are crafted from excess yoghurt-pot material that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Furthermore, they are produced in the UK, aligning with our commitment to minimising our carbon footprint.

Why walk to school?

Choosing to walk to school continues to be a practical approach for alleviating congestion and enhancing road safety in the vicinity of school gates. This not only boosts physical activity but also positively impacts the well-being of children. The government is proactively collaborating with schools and local authorities to promote and encourage families to prioritise walking to school whenever feasible.

What advantages come with engaging in active travel to school?

Travelling actively to school contributes to children’s well-being, promoting happiness and good health while ensuring they arrive at school feeling refreshed, physically fit, and ready to engage in learning. Increased participation in walking by families translates to a decrease in the number of cars on the road during the school run, actively contributing to the alleviation of congestion and the reduction of pollution around the school gates.

What if travelling actively to school is not possible for you?

If the distance is too great or you lack the time to walk the entire way to school, you can opt for Park and Stride to support your child in earning their WOW badge. Simply park your vehicle or disembark from public transport at least five to ten minutes away from the school and complete the remaining portion of the journey on foot.