Blogs

"In Switzerland, it is common for school policies to prevent parents driving to school and to encourage children to do the journey without adult supervision. My friend's sons, aged 10 and eight, who live outside Zurich, happily walk the half-mile daily on narrow steep roads, gathering friends along the way and stopping to play before going into school. They love it. Why have the schools led this behaviour? Because they believe the walk to school is when children: make friends and learn to resolve conflicts; develop self-control and self-reliance; and arrive in class ready to learn. These, surely, are outcomes all professionals want for all children? When you think back on your own school days, how much did you get out of that simple walk to school? In 1971, 86 per cent of primary-aged children did. But by 2010, fewer than 25 per cent walked themselves to school. I suspect that number is far less in many places. So think about all they miss out on - the extra 10 minutes active play around the playgrounds, deepening friendships, spending time watching green things growing. So what can be done?"