Summer (2) term 2026

wc 1st June 2026

ROAD SAFETY - WALKING TO AND FROM SCHOOL SAFELY

Dear parents and carers,

A group of Year 5’s were witnessed not using the crossing o/s school properly. They ran across the road when the lights were still green, causing a van to break in order to prevent hitting them.

The class teachers have discussed road safety with both classes this week, but we urge parents to reiterate this message at home.

If Year 5 continue not to use the crossing o/s school properly, the whole year group will not be allowed to walk home on their own for the rest of term.

Helpful guidance

Teaching Year 5 students (ages 9–10) road safety requires moving beyond basic pedestrian rules to focus on critical thinking, hazard perception, and personal responsibility. Emphasize active decision-making, as these students are likely gaining more independence and walking to and from school alone.

Core Teaching Themes

• The "Stop, Look, Listen, Think" Sequence: Review and reinforce the foundational rules for crossing roads. Practice evaluating if a location is genuinely safe to cross. [1, 2]
• Distractions & Peer Pressure: Discuss how using mobile phones, wearing headphones, and chatting with friends can lead to dangerous, distracted walking. Address how peer pressure might encourage taking risky shortcuts. [1]
• Stopping Distances: Explore how speed affects a vehicle's ability to stop. Emphasize that cars cannot stop instantly, especially in wet weather. [1]
• "Be Bright, Be Seen": Teach the importance of reflective clothing, bright colors, and lights in low-light conditions (winter mornings, evenings, or fog). [1, 2, 3]
• Wheel Safety: Cover rules for cycling, scootering, and skateboarding, including wearing helmets and being considerate of pedestrians.