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Chesswood Junior School

Chesswood Junior School

Independent School Travel

The point at which a child may be ready to travel to school independently varies significantly and rests as much on maturity and character as it does age. The actual journey that needs to be made by a child is also a key factor in the decision e.g. travelling from home on Chesswood Road with no road crossing compared to travelling from further afield. Ultimately, it is a parent decision. However, this guidance is set out to support parents in what is often a very difficult decision. The decision will rest on child’s ability to:

  • manage known and arising risks sensibly

  • avoid creating risks for themselves or others

Although competing demands in busy lives can add pressure to making this type of decision, not to mention ‘pester power’ from children who strive for independence, this decision needs to be made on the level of risk rather than convenience. The level of risk includes:

Your child, their decision making and risk management e.g. choosing a safe place to cross; making their own safe decisions and sticking to them, not being led by others; following adult expectations on an agreed route.

The external risks; the other road users – that potentially don’t obey normal rules e.g. driving through red lights, the inherent risks en-route – crossing main roads, safe crossing places.

We would suggest:

  • Year 3 children should be brought by a responsible adult onto their school playground. During the year, dropping off on the front playground is a good first step to building independence.
  • Year 4 children should start as year 3 ended. As the year progresses dropping off outside or near the school gates under parent supervision would be appropriate (Subject to child Maturity). In spring and summer, building independence with child led road crossing i.e. child chooses place to cross and talks adult through what they are intending. Lots of practice, repetition and adult questioning and adding suggested risks for child consideration is good practice.
  • Year 5 is typically the lowest age when children could or should travel independently from home. At this point this should be restricted to walking or scooting – NOT cycling. This relies heavily on the practice and repetition above being undertaken diligently over a period of time. It also relies on a child’s maturity when they are alone and how they respond with a friend or group, as this can change dramatically.
  • Spot checks of children undertaken by parents from time to time so they know that any independence is given but it can be removed unless they can demonstrate they are able to keep themselves and others safe.
    • School will undertake to inform a parent if a report has been received about a child at risk on the way to or going home from school.
    • Depending on the circumstances school may set ‘reflect and restore’ sessions, particularly of a child’s actions have been hazardous to themselves, others or have brought the school name into question.
  • Cycling unsupervised and without passing the ‘Bikeability Test’ in year 5 is not considered a safe option for any child. http://www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability/
  • a staged approach over a period of weeks and months. This may look something like:
    • saying goodbye
      • on the front play ground
      • outside the school gate
      • Increasing distances from the school gate (this may include using the crossing independently but under supervision)
      • After busy road junctions e.g. A24 Broadwater Road
      • If driving, dropping off from Morrisons car park – giving independence and reducing congestion outside the school that is a risk for all.
      • From home, when a child is genuinely confident and is able to keep themselves safe.
  • In addition to the staged approach, children need to be well trained; knowledgeable about likely risks and how they would manage these.
    • The THINK! (https://www.think.gov.uk/campaigns/ ) website and videos are thought provoking and would support a parent-child conversation in the lead up to travel independence.

Reception+ Hedgehogs

Stop, look and listen - Giraffe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5tp2h2Btk8

Stop, look and listen - Gorilla

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEU1EOtKqpE

Stop, look and listen - Elephant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2vxIXaVLlM

Stop Look and listen – Staying Alive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZEZJQftSEc

Be bright, be seen – interactive game

https://www.think.gov.uk/resource/be-bright-be-seen-game/

Think! Safer Journeys anthem

https://www.think.gov.uk/resource/safer-journeys-anthem/

Year 4+ THINK!

The boy who didn’t look for a safe place to cross.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxHBVgM9zfg

The girl who didn’t dress bright in the dary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0c75VKvcsY

The boy who didn’t stop look and listen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67XsZ8lwORk

First Journeys

https://www.think.gov.uk/resource/first-journeys/

Road Ready? Expect the unexpected

https://www.think.gov.uk/resource/expect-the-unexpected/

Take the lead - interactive

https://www.think.gov.uk/resource/take-the-lead-game/

 

Cycling

Children may travel by bicycle if their parents consider they will be safe.  Although it is parental choice, cycling unsupervised and without passing the ‘Bikeability Test’ in year 5 is not considered a safe option for any child. http://www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability/

  • Have fun and enjoy cycling
  • Keep yourself and others safe – Helmet & Cycle safety checks
  • Remember cycling on a pavement is against the law and can cause significant issues for those walking.
  • Walk with cycle at all times when on school grounds
  • Park cycle in compound, lock it, leave compound – do not play on or with other children’s scooter or cycle – this often leads to trouble, including accusations of breakages which is very upsetting for all.

Any child not respecting the guidance above will not be allowed to store their bike on site during the school day.

Scootering

An  alternative for many families and children is travelling by scooter.

  • Have fun and enjoy scootering
  • Give way to other people walking at all times
  • Keep yourself and others safe – travel at a sensible speed and stay in control, keep off the road.
  • Expect the unexpected – people stop and change direction without notice – be ready to stop – always.
  • Scoot into cycle compound, park scooter, leave compound – do not play on or with other children’s scooter or cycle – this often leads to trouble including accusations of breakages which is very upsetting for all
  • Walk with the scooter on school ground at all times.

Any child not respecting the guidance above will not be allowed to store their scooter on site during the school day.

 

School Curriculum

Road safety forms part of the ‘personal, social and health education curriculum in school.