MOU

GETTING THERE SAFELY

Starting secondary school is a significant milestone in a child's life. It marks a passage into adolescence and brings about several significant changes. They will go from being the oldest in school to being the youngest, having to find their way around a large new school with different teachers for different subjects.  They will also have to take more responsibility, such as:

• Taking a new and unfamiliar route

• Planning for each day's timetable

• Making sure they have the right books and equipment

• Doing homework most evenings, which has to fit into their routine alongside other interests

All of this will have to fit into your child’s new routine, alongside their other interests and the often daunting prospect of becoming a teenager. It can take time for children to adjust to these new responsibilities.

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Planning the journey to school

• Try to find at least one other neighbouring pupil who is going to the same school so that your child has a travelling companion.

• Practice the journey to and from secondary school with your child over the Summer holiday so they are familiar with the route before they try it alone. Do this at the same time as your child will be travelling to and from school to gauge a better idea of how long the journey should take. 

• If you are planning on dropping off/picking up your child from school, doing this at the school gate may put your child and other student’s safety at risk. Prearrange a suitable location that is in a quieter area.

• If your child will be catching the bus for the first time on their own, try putting them on the bus for one stop and following the bus in a car. Do this for longer and longer journeys until your child is happy travelling the whole route on their own. 

• If the Local Education Authority (LEA) provides transport costs, make sure to apply for a bus pass in good time and impress on your child the importance of keeping it in safe place.

• Make sure your child always has 'emergency money' (separate from any other money, eg lunch money etc) in case she or he forgets their pass, needs alternative transport or has to phone for help. You could also provide them with a phone card.

• Make clear rules regarding going to school and coming home. Make sure your child knows what time you expect them home and what they should do if they are going to be late.