Our Walk to School Week From Astronauts to Meerkats

It’s a wrap for National Walk to School Week which took place just before half term, and what a week it was! I always look forward to this annual celebration – it's a brilliant chance to remind families just how much fun walking to school can be. And this year, we pulled out all the stops (and a few fancy‑dress costumes) to help two local primary schools join in the fun.

Monday: St Mary's Primary School, Fuller Street, Kettering

I started the week with St Mary's, joining their whole school for a special walk from the town centre parish church back to the school gates. Now, here's the best bit – Monday was also their Aspiration Day, with children dressing up in all sorts of wonderful costumes. So when they asked me to get involved, I thought: why not? I dressed up as an astronaut. After all I am a big fan of travelling! 

Walking through the town centre was a trail of children in doctors’ uniforms, superhero capes, princess dresses and a very young Stagecoach bus driver, all led by teacher Mr Collins in sporty gear and me as a slightly hot‑under‑the‑helmet astronaut – it was genuinely one of those mornings that makes my job so special. The children were beaming, a grandparent was chatting about how to arrange their own family’s  more regular walks to school, and passers‑by couldn't help but smile.

After the walk, I spent the rest of the morning in four workshops with Key Stage One pupils. We talked about active travel – why walking and scooting are good for our bodies, our minds, and the planet – and covered the basics of staying safe while out and about. The children created their own ‘what I love seeing when walking’ stickers for reflectors . I came away buzzing.

(A quick note on photos: we were so busy enjoying the walk - the important thing - that we didn’t arrange for photos so you’ll have to be content with a photo of me as an astronaut! But you'll have to take my word for how fabulous we all looked!)

Friday: Greenfields Primary School, Highfield Estate

By Friday, I was afraid I had to miss the action – I was on holiday. But my wonderful colleagues Andrea and Dez stepped in brilliantly. They led a special walk to school for Greenfields Primary, meeting families in the town centre and walking together to the school on the Highfield estate.

And Andrea? She dressed up as a meerkat. I  wish I'd been there to see that. I know they all had a fantastic time.

Why Walk to School Week matters

Walk to School Week is a really great opportunity for schools to promote the benefits of walking to school. Having a themed walk with a fun character or the chance to dress up is always popular and is a really low‑cost activity. Children particularly enjoy the social side of walking with their friends anyway.

Walking to school is obviously great for kids at any time of year. But by having a special week to celebrate it, families can be inspired to give it a go – and then, hopefully, make it a habit.

Want to get your school involved?

If you're a teacher or governor in North Northamptonshire, and you'd like support with active travel initiatives – from Walk to School Week events to travel plans and beyond – we're here to help. Get in touch to find out how we can support your initiatives and help you create a really impactful school travel plan. 

If you are from outside the county, get in touch with your local authority’s school travel plan team for support. (Let us know if you need directing to the right team).  Also take a look at the Modeshift STARS and  Living Streets websites...as well as some initiative ideas here at Brightwayz. 

Until next time – keep walking, keep scooting, and never be afraid to dress up as an astronaut.

Alison

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