West Malling Primary School’s Walking Bus

Bio about who you are and what you do for work

My name is Joanne White and I am the Families & Community Manager at West Malling CE Primary School and The McGinty S R P. I have worked at the school for 18 years and I initiated the restart of the Walking Bus in 2010. I operate and oversee the running of our morning walking bus every weekday and our return bus service on Monday, Thursday and Fridays, ensuring we have the required adults to support, these are a mix of staff and parent volunteers.

What is a walking bus?

The walking bus is a safe walk to school every day from a local car park at the back of Tesco on West Malling High Street. It helps to reduce congestion at the school gates and on local roads. It is a healthy start to the day for the children and allows parents to drop and go with ease. We walk in all weathers!!!

How does the walking bus work on a typical day?

The adults for each morning meet the children and parents at 8.40am at the car park, all pupils and adults wear Hi-Vis jackets and we walk in pairs towards school. Our school day starts at 8.50am and once we arrive at school the older children head to class and the Key Stage one pupils are walked around to their classes. We usually have at least 12 children each morning but that can change and often increases as the year goes on.

How does the walking bus encourage Active Travel?

The Walking Bus enables the children to have an active/physical and social start to their school day. They walk safely and sensibly to school usually with a friend and are also very much aware of the need for road safety awareness.

What impact has the walking bus had on pupils, parents and the wider community?

The Bus is a fun experience that has a positive impact. Our children enjoy the walk, it assists parents with an easy drop off and also reduces traffic congestion around school and the surrounding roads.