National Walk to school month

Walk for the world this Walk to School month

A study earlier this year found that 57% of pupils aged 6 and 15 think that there are too many cars around their school, and 49% are concerned by the surrounding pollution levels. The survey also reports that 40% of pupils believe that walking, cycling or scooting to school is the best way to reduce pollution levels in the local area[1]. In order to reduce the pollution levels surrounding schools, International Walk to School Month is celebrated every October and is the perfect time to ditch the car and travel on foot.

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH?

International Walk to School month is an annual event that encourages children and their parents to walk to school. Although communities around the world all commit to walking for different reasons, all are hoping to receive the benefits associated with walking more.

There are several benefits associated with walking to school, including:

  • Keeping fit and healthy: NHS guidelines say that children should complete one hour of exercise every day. Walking to school is a great way to help meet that target.
  • Saving money: While the petrol needed to run many cars is expensive, walking to school is free!
  • Teaching road safety: By walking to school, children can learn vital lessons about road safety, making them safer when they are out and about.
  • Reducing pollution levels: Standard petrol and diesel cars produce polluting exhaust fumes. These are not only bad for the climate, but they can also be bad for our health. By walking to school and leaving the car at home, everyone can enjoy cleaner air. 
  • Kickstarting the brain: Walking to school has been associated with heightened concentration levels amongst pupils. As increased focus can increase a child's readiness to learn, walking to school could help with academic performance.
  • Creating time to chat: Walking to school is the perfect time to have a chat as a family without the distraction of music, computers or televisions.  

WALKING TO SCHOOL FROM SHANLY HOMES

When planning our new homes, we always keep the buyer in mind. That's why our family homes are placed within easy walking distance of some exceptional schools. If your family is looking for a new home, why not consider some of our stunning properties:

Millside Place in Epsom

Positioned just a stone's throw away from Epsom town centre and its wealth of amenities, Millside Place is a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and houses. Ideal for families, Millside Place is located near a range of exceptional schools. Epsom Primary School and Wallace Field Infant and Junior schools are both within easy walking distance, being located less than a mile from the development. Glyn School, which is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, is located just a 12-minute walk away.

Woodleaf Gardens in Hinchley Wood

Located on a quiet leafy road in Hinchley Wood is Shanly Homes' exclusive collection of just 15 homes at Woodleaf Gardens. Perfect for families, Woodleaf Gardens is within walking distance of schools for children of all ages. For little ones, Stepping Stones Nursery is a 6-minute walk away. Also, just around the corner, Hinchley Wood Primary School and Hinchley Wood School can both be reached within 5-minutes. For older children, Esher Sixth Form College is also reachable on foot, being located around a mile from the development.

Wickham Rise in Southborough

Just outside Royal Tunbridge Wells, Wickham Rise is set to launch in November 2021. A contemporary collection of 10 three and four-bedroom houses, residents at Wickham Rise can easily walk to several local schools. Holden Park Pre-School is just a 13-minute walk away, whilst pupils at Southborough CofE Primary School can walk to school in just 12 minutes. Older children can head to the 'Outstanding' St Gregory's Catholic School which is just a 17-minute walk away, and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is also located within a mile of the development.