Distance to primary school

[tingalayo]

What would you say is a reasonable walking distance to primary school? We have a choice of a few schools which are 5mins, 12mins and 20mins walk away respectively but there are lots of factors to consider and they might come out in favour of the 20mins away one. I'm just not sure what's an acceptable walking distance for a 5 year old.

We were torn between two schools - one that was a good 15/20 minute walk and the other that was a 5 minute walk. We liked both. In the end, we went for the one that was a 5 minute walk as it takes out the stress of parking and no main roads to cross. If there is nothing in the schools, I'd go with the closest. You're also more likely to be allocated your closest school.

20 minutes a day is totally fine. We do slightly more. And whoever said you're committed to doing it every day for the next eight years is clearly forgetting school holidays. You can even treat it as your term-time 'exercise' time.

Worth considering the journey for when they want to walk to school on their own when older. A safe route will give you peace of mind. Closer would be better because they could probably walk some of the route with friends.

We walk 20 mins to school. It has been worth it for us. One thing to consider is having a small snack ready to give them as soon as you meet them on the playground. DS1 and DD are fine with the walk but DS2 is one of those kids who goes from fine to overtired-and-hungry-and-everything-is-wrong in the blink of an eye. I find that giving him a snack such as a couple of small squares of flapjack is what he needs to get him up the hill happily.

My sil does 45 mins up a steep hill with a 6 year old and 2 toddlers. Sometimes 3 times a day with nursery etc. I've NO idea how she does it but the kids are fine so if you're happy with 20 minutes your 5 year old will be alright after they've adjusted to it.

I've just posted something really similar (sorry for the cross post, should have read this thread first!)

We're in the process of moving my son to a primary school about 25 minutes walk away, from the 10 minute walk one he goes to currently. I think he will manage it just fine. I work flexibly and from home most days so have no time constraints but have had some people say it is too far. I'm actually quite looking forward to the routine exercise, especially on days when I am at my desk most of the day. If it is raining we'll just take the car. I have two younger children so will likely take the double running buggy too and my 5 year old can walk or scoot or cycle (once he gets a bit more road sense!). The walk to school and back is the best conversation I have with him so I think it will work well.

In your position either walk would be acceptable o me so I'd just pick the school you like best. Though are you more likely to get into into one closest to you?

I’ve chosen a 25 minutes walk one over other closer options. We already walk about for nursery, have scooters and bikes and there are public transport options. 20 minutes walk at adult pace is only about a mile, I’m surprised at 5 year olds who can’t reliably walk that.

*about that

DS is in reception and his school is just under a mile away, just under 20 minute walk. We had the option of closer schools but much preferred it. We got a cargo bike for the school run (and use it for other things too) which means it takes us 5 minutes. Occasionally DS wants to ride his own bike (especially since he got a new one for his 5th birthday). It's very rare that he walks it. I think most kids in reception would do it on a scooter, bike or trike but wouldn't usually walk that distance twice a day. Don't underestimate how tired they'll be at the end of the day, especially at the beginning when they're settling in.

I wouldn't rule out the furthest school but just hear it in mind when comparing the pros and cons of them all. And if you choose that one, consider options for making the school run as quick and easy as possible. Personally I have found the cargo bike a complete game changer.

We've just moved 15-20 minutes from the school!
It's amazing exercise
It means I don't have to make time for any other exercise!
Get a decent water proof coat, decent boots and it's fine even in the rain!

We are going to try the scooters after half term but I'm abit anxious about them as it's pretty busy roads..

Many, many people don't have a school closer than a 20 minute walk away. I'm a teacher and personally I'd choose the best school over the shortest walk. If they're all much of a muchness though, obviously go with the closest one.