Parents urged to walk their children to school next week

Walk to School Week 2016, which is promoted by the council, starts on Monday 16 May and finishes on Friday 20 May.

It is a five-day challenge to encourage pupils to enjoy the benefits of regularly walking to school instead of being dropped off by car.

The theme for this year’s Walk to School Week is ‘Strider’s Walk in the Wild’, which encourages children to explore animals’ natural habitats and how they walk.

Across Milton Keynes there are 22 schools taking part, and each class will be presented with a classroom pack containing fun activities for pupils.

The pack will focus on different animals from around the world each day. 

A council spokesman said: “Walking to school is a great way for children to get exercise and arrive at school energised and ready to learn. It can also help to give them a sense of independence, learn about road safety and to enjoy the area in which they live. It’s also a good way to meet up with friends and neighbours and have a catch up before and after school.”

The spokesman added: “For parents, walking to school means less stress on the school run and fewer cars also means less traffic congestion and tension around the school gates, making it safer for everyone.”