We actively encourage our pupils and staff to walk, scoot or cycle to school as it:

  • keep us fit and healthy

  • help our pupils develop road safety skills which will keep them safe as they travel further afield and more independently

  • help keep our local air clean, and our streets free from congestion

  • are life skills that everyone should be able to benefit from

What we do

We use Modeshift STARS to update and monitor our school travel plan

We promote safe and active travel as much as possible by using our noticeboard, displays, newsletter and website.

We encourage all members of our school community to walk, cycle or travel by public transport for the journey to school. To support this we provide:

  • Cycle training (Bikeability)

  • Cycle parking

  • Scooter parking

Local school trips are made by public transport where possible, or on foot if the destination is close by

We let all new pupils and their parents/carers know that we promote healthy and sustainable travel to school before the child starts at our school

What we ask of parents.

Please encourage your child(ren) to walk, scoot or cycle to school whenever possible

Ensure your child(ren) walk or ride sensibly and safely on the way to and from school, and to push bikes and scooters on school grounds

Ensure that bicycles and scooters are roadworthy and properly maintained. If in doubt consult a qualified mechanic

Consider providing your child(ren) with a cycle helmet

Ensure your child(ren) can be seen by fitting lights to their bike by supplying them with high-visibility clothing

Make sure your child(ren) has a lock for their bike or scooter and that they know how to use it

Ensure you have appropriate insurance cover for your child(ren)’s bicycle or scooter as the school is not liable for any loss or damage to cycles or scooters on the premises or being used on the way to or from school

If you travel by bus, can you get off the bus at least two stops early and walk the last part of the journey?

We understand that sometimes there is no alternative to driving to school.

Where a car must be used we ask parents to drive only part of the way, and drop their child(ren) off away from the school so that some of the journey can be walked or scooted

We have a 5-minute walk zone we ask parents to part outside of. See the 5-minute bubble below.

Or

We have a park & stride site at The Guttmann Stadium, please see the map below.

If you do have to drive your child(ren)  and stop in the near vicinity please do so legally, safely and with respect for our neighbours and local residents

It is not acceptable to park or wait on double yellow lines, on the school zigzags or across residential driveways for any period of time.

Please note that the decision on whether a child is competent to cycle or scoot to school is for the parent(s) or carer(s) to make. The school has no liability for any consequences arising from this decision.

What we ask of pupils

Ask your parents if you can walk, scoot or cycle to school

Behave in a way that shows you and the school in the best light whether walking, scooting, cycling or using public transport

Ride or walk courteously, sensibly and safely on the way to and from school

Push bikes and scooters on school grounds

Check that your bike or scooter is roadworthy and properly maintained

Consider wearing a cycle helmet

Make sure you can be seen by using lights in the dark or bad weather and by wearing high-visibility clothing

Make sure you have a lock for your bike or scooter and that you use it

Read our School Travel Policy here

5-Minute Walking Bubble  

We are excited to inform you about an important new initiative at William Harding School designed to promote the health, safety, and well-being of our students - the "5-Minute Walking Bubble" around our school. 

What is the 5-Minute Walking Bubble? 

The 5-Minute Walking Bubble is an initiative to encourage students and families to walk to school if they live within a 5-minute walking distance from William Harding School or park and stride the 5-minutes to school. 

This initiative aims to: 

  • Improve Health and Fitness 

  • Walking to school is a great way for children to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, helping to improve their overall health and fitness levels. 

  • Reduce Traffic and Pollution 

  • Fewer cars on the road during school drop-off and pick-up times will help reduce traffic congestion and lower pollution levels around our school, creating a safer and cleaner environment for everyone. 

  • Enhance Safety 

  • With fewer vehicles around the school premises, the risk of accidents decreases, making the area safer for pedestrians. 

 How Can You Participate? 

  • Identify Your Walking Route 

  • Determine if you live within a 5-minute walking distance from the school. You can use the map below to see how far 5 minutes is. 

  • Plan Ahead 

  • Plan your walking route with your child and conduct a trial walk to ensure the route is safe and suitable. 

  • Plan to park your car and stride the 5-minutes to school. 

Benefits for Students 

  •  Increased Alertness 

  • Walking to school can help students arrive more alert and ready to learn. 

  • Social Interaction 

  • Walking with friends or family can provide valuable social interaction and build a sense of community. 

  • Responsibility and Independence 

  • Older students can develop a sense of responsibility and independence by walking to school on their own or with friends. 

We believe that the 5-Minute Walking Bubble initiative will greatly benefit our students and the community. We encourage all families  to participate and support this initiative. 

Here is a map showing the route from the car park at the Guttmann Stadium.