Extra play time for ‘active travellers’

[microkneesya]

We lived 2.5 miles from school. Moved mid-school year a few years ago because of being deployed by work nearby. Council allocated places and there was nothing closer with the year groups we needed. We love the school. After drop off I then have to go onward in the car to park & ride as I can’t wfh so it’s about more than the school run.

They have started awarding active travellers (children who come to school on foot, bike or scooter) extra playtime on Fridays. My DC are so upset and beg to be allowed to walk but we just can’t. I feel like the school shouldn’t do such a demonstrable ‘reward’ when for some families it’s not so easy.

Do your schools do this? Worth approaching the school?

I certainly think it’s a bit unfair to penalise children for something outside of their control.

There is nothing wrong with a reward scheme like this which is only available to some pupils as long as there are achievable rewards available for those left out. For example, your DC can't walk to school, but maybe they get chosen for a responsible school council spot if that's something they'd enjoy. Maybe they won't get awards for academic excellence, but the school might have a system to reward other positive behaviour like building friendships etc.