WALKING: Do the school run on foot

Over 7,500 pupils from 250 classrooms in Northumberland joined in to enjoy the many benefits of walking to school.

Schools become healthier and happier places when children walk to school. The Chief Medical Officer recommends that children are active for 60 minutes a day and walking to school is a free, accessible and easy way to contribute to this. Teachers tells us that pupils who walk to school are more alert and ready to learn, plus there is less congestion and pollution on local roads.

Despite these benefits, the number of children walking to school is in decline, with just 46 per cent making the journey on foot. At Living Streets, we are committed to reversing this decline and preventing the problems associated with inactivity, including childhood obesity. Walk to School Week is a great way to start so we’re thrilled that so many Northumberland pupils joined in.

WOW, our year-round walk to school challenge, allows children to experience the mental and physical health benefits of walking. It has been proven to increase the number of children walking to school and, most importantly, pupils love taking part.

Once again, a huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part in Walk to School Week. With your help we’ll get more children experiencing a healthy and happy walk to school.

For more information visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/wow

Joe Irvin,

Chief Executive,

Living Streets