PUPILS in Reading are set to pound the pavement as schools around town sign up to Walk to School Week.
Monday-Friday, May 20-24, marks the five-day initiative designed to get students to walk to school to highlight the benefits of active travel.
Reading Borough Council has provided the 23 schools who have signed up to take part with activity packs, as well as bespoke packs for younger children.
Families are being encouraged to help their children take part in walking or cycling to school next week, including using bikes, scooters, or ‘park and stride’ methods.
This year is focusing on its theme of the magic of walking, which will see magic beings featured to help students learn about five important reasons to walk to school.
Being active on the way to school improves the health and happiness of students who take part as well as reducing the environmental impact of their journey.
Walk to School Week is organised by UK charity Living Streets which also runs the National Walking Month campaign every May.
Pupils will take part in daily activity diaries, stickers, and special rewards which will be available to those who complete the challenge.
Caversham Primary, Coley Primary, Emmer Green Primary, Southcote Primary, St Joseph’s College, St Michael’s Primary, Thameside Primary, The Hill Primary and Wilson Primary are among those set to take part.
Park Lane Primary School in Tilehurst was the first in Reading to introduce a School Street back in 2021, and is also one of the schools taking part this year.
The school’s PE coordinator, Peter Phillips, said: “Walk to School Week fits in with so many of our school values and ethos about being a healthy school and leading an active, healthy lifestyle.
“We already have a School Street which allows children to walk and cycle in, so it is building on that.
He explained: “Walking or wheeling to school is good for the environment, good for the planet, good for the community and good for the children.
“When they are active in the morning they are healthier, happier and more receptive to learning, so it is good for the teachers as well–it’s a win on so many levels.”
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
“We are pleased that so many Reading schools have taken up the offer of free activity packs from the Council and signed up for Walk to School Week this year.
“Switching from a car journey to walking to school can make a huge difference to the local environment and air quality, and children benefit from a healthy and active start to the day. Of course, children can take part even if their school has not signed up for the week.
“The Council’s Local Transport Plan aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle, as well as use public transport, and Walk to School Week is a great way for children to experience the benefits of active travel.”
Brian Grady, Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said:
“The benefits of starting your day with a walk or cycle can be felt for the rest of the day and choosing active travel year-round can have a hugely positive impact.
“It’s brilliant to see so many schools involved in this year’s challenge and I’m happy we’ve been able to provide so many useful resources and classroom packs to help support them.”
