Time to dump the school run?

Did you know that 50% of children don't walk to school regularly, and more and more pupils are being driven to school in a car?

This trend is contributing to reduced physical activity and increased childhood obesity, urban congestion and air pollution. And it's the key driver (pun intended!) behind this week's Walk to School Week (19-23 May).

Now in its 13th year, the Walk to School Campaign asks parents, pupils and teachers to think about their journey to and from school, and the many benefits of making it on foot.

And they have a neat way of summing up the main benefits of walking to school, which all add up to spell out SCHOOL...

S = Safety Training - walking regularly with a child from a young age enables them to develop life skills, preparing children with road safety and personal awareness skills.

C = Congestion reduction - fewer cars on our roads is good for the environment and local communities; fewer cars at the school gate can make it safer for pupils making their way to and from school.

H = Health benefits - walking to and from school allows adults and children to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

O = On the ball at school - pupils who walk to school arrive wide awake and are therefore more prepared for the school day ahead.

O = Our fun and friendship - friends and family can walk to and from school together and enjoy some quality time.

L = Learning for life - walking regularly enables a child to become more familiar with their surroundings and provides them with the opportunity to learn about the weather and changing seasons first hand.

Find out more at the Walk to School Campaign website, and read more about How to Keep Children Healthy on the main BHF website.