Prepare your child to walk to school alone

Use this guide when your child is asking for more independence, often around the end of primary school or the start of secondary. There is no set legal age for a child to walk to school alone in the UK, so this is a judgement based on your child and the route; have the route and your school's guidance in mind.

Step by step

1. Judge readiness, not age

   Think about whether your child reliably crosses roads safely, knows your address and phone number, follows instructions without reminders and stays calm when plans change. Consider the route too: busy junctions, lighting, distance and whether friends walk the same way. Ask the school whether it has a policy for pupils leaving alone, as many primary schools need written permission.