Can a school really stop you letting your child independently walk to school?

[Duv]

My child is no where near old enough yet for this to be an immediate consideration, but in principle I'm a big believer in giving children independence where possible, and walking to school independently is something I think can be highly beneficial for children (dependent on their maturity and how close they live to school/how many roads they cross etc).

I walked a mile to school from Yr5 by myself, and whilst I remember this raising a few eyebrows amongst other parents at the time, it was ultimately my parents decision and i was soooo thrilled to be able to do it and go so much out of it.

Ive been faintly aware that the dial has been shifting the other way steadily over the last few decades, so much so that many secondary schools kids are driven to school, but what's surprised me is many primary schools claim they won't permit children to walk to school alone at all of until year 6. This seems like it's really not something that should be their business (at best they can advise on, but not enforce).

Can you just override their policy and say this is what our family are doing? Has anyone had any experience of being so bold? I see lots of people say 'if you don't like it pick another school' but that's obviously wildly impractical. I'm not looking to open a conversation about whether it is right in principle for a 10 year old to walk to school alone, as I know where I stand, I'm just interested in people's experience of school push-back.

That’s dreadful, for all sorts of reasons.

Ah well, she’s nineteen now and delightful, at university and all that jazz so it all worked out.

When I was a teacher and wanted to do that (for reasons I won't go into) the Head contacted the LA and was told we couldn't stop them.

It really depends on the area. Our school allows it from year 5 - you need to fill a form. Most kids walking back home do have a way to communicate with the parents if needed - I know of kids having watch with calling. But ours is also a very safe residential area. How does your area look like?
The school really has these rules in place for safety of the children. I am sure they don’t like waiting around for children to be picked up. If you make a fuss about it, they will give in.
Also, I wouldn’t compare the situation today with how your world was decades back.

I really don't see how anyone could think a FIVE year old would be fine walking around by themselves.....most children that age don't even remember to look when crossing the road, and I beleive I read somewhere reputable that they can't judge distances of cars until 9.Its hard even for older kids to remember to look in several directions multiple times.

Madness.

No. And they can’t stop them walking home either if you have given consent for them to do so.

It’s fine in many other European countries - children are taught road safety and independence. The UK approach is madness.,

Who’s legally responsible for the safety of a child once they’ve left the home but before they’ve arrived at school? Parents, presumably?

Last year the school said that only Year 6 children were allowed to walk home from school (DS has walked on his own since the start of Y5). I emailed and asked for special permission for DS to walk home (Y5) and he was given it although they asked that I risk assessed it myself. I think it depends on each child/the journey my eldest walked home on his own from Y4.

It’s an interesting question but no they cant

in year 5 my son is still not technically allowed. They get let out and are supposed to be met by parents. My son just keeps going until he gets home

year 6 they are allowed but I’m not aware of a “distance limitation”

up until year 3 though they have to be physically met

This was common enough back in the day, I did it at 6 or so. But that was the 1970s to be fair.

That's a school rule thought not the law and it could be challenged.

though not thought.