Following Government advice, we are committed to ensuring that all children can safely return to school, sixth form or college and we are working to make sure transport is not a barrier to people accessing the education they deserve.
There are many ways your child can travel to school, sixth form or college and the more active the travel the better.
Walk, cycle or scoot
In the first instance, we encourage all children to walk, cycle or scoot to school if they can and if you live a short distance (2 miles or less) from school or college. This will help to reduce pressure on the public transport network for those who need it most.
Also, with new cycle paths, pedestrianised zones and reduced speed limits across towns in Suffolk there’s never been a better time to swap to walking, cycling or scooting. It will help your child stay active, help the environment, and give you all time back in your day because you won’t be stuck in traffic.
Even if your family can only make the change a couple of days a week, it will make a big difference.
Make sure you plan your child’s walk, scoot or bike ride to school before school starts, work out how long it will take and familiarise yourself with the route, including crossings and which entrance to school is best.
- Find out how we’ve made it safer and easier for you to walk and cycle in Suffolk, including journey planner, cycle maintenance voucher and top tips on bike security
- Take advantage of our FREE cycling sessions for families and children. We can help you find the best cycle route to school
- Tips and resources to help children walk to school from Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking
School travel - eligible pupils
We have been working closely with bus operators over the summer to ensure a safe journey for pupils eligible for school travel, ready for when schools to go back in September. There has been updated government guidance and some changes to school travel have been necessary. To find out more, visit www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel
Public transport - bus or train
If your child isn’t able to walk, cycle or scoot, they can use public transport. But perhaps they can combine the two. Can you couple walking, cycling or scooting with public transport?
To find out more, visit www.suffolkonboard.com/journeyplanner
You should plan your child’s journey with them in advance and make sure they allow more time to get to their school or college. They should wear a face covering for the entirety of their journey on public transport if they are over 11 years old and are not exempt, wash or sanitise their hands regularly and social distance where possible.
- Please follow the latest Government guidelines for public transport
- Check the routes and timetables at www.suffolkonboard.com as services may have changed
Driving and car sharing
If your child is car-sharing with someone outside of their support bubble or family, they should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering if they are over 11 years old and are not exempt. Also try and ensure some seats are free to social distance.
If your are driving to school we would recommend parking a 5 minute walk away to help keep the school entrance clear of traffic.
Case studies - Top tips and advice for parents of primary aged pupils returning to school
Resources for schools
- A matrix to provide school leaders with ideas of how to manage social distancing at school entrances (pdf. 165KB)
- Activities from Sustrans that can help you increase physical activity, reduce congestion and improve safety
- Why the walk to school matters, with resource packs to help you encourage kids and parents to make the shift
- Leaflet to send to parents on getting to school (pdf. 170KB)
Other support available to you
For further information on coronavirus and back to school travel guidance visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus