Summer holidays are a dream for travelling around the city in the morning, but it doesn't last long.

I used to get the bus to school, which was seven miles away. But many was the time I would get to school and realise I'd forgotten something, so I'd have to go to the phonebox in the entrance hall and ring my mum. Never seemed to put her in a very good mood, for some reason.

Most Sheffield children, especially in primary school, are in the fortunate position of being able to walk to school. Lots of work takes place in our schools to encourage children to walk, with 'walking buses' a popular option in many schools – giving children the chance to stretch their legs in the morning.

But for some families, and especially when children start secondary school and have a bit further to travel, road use is inevitable, either in the car or by bus.

We found some useful information for you, to make sure you keep your child safe as they travel to and from school this term.

Walk the talk

Always set a good example and choose the safest crossing place even if it means walking a little bit further.

Explain to your child why we need to stop at the kerb and why we look and listen for traffic before crossing the road.

Point out that the road is for traffic and the pavement is for people.

Always hold your child's hand.

Children should always walk on the pavement away from the road.

Make sure your child can be seen – look for reflective strips on coats or buy reflective items for your child to wear.

On the road

Check that your child is using the appropriate child seat and everyone is wearing a seatbelt.

Make sure children get out of the car on the pavement side – never into the road.

Never park on or opposite the school 'keep clear' markings – they are there to provide a clear area for children to cross more safely.

Don't cause congestion outside school. Park a little further away and walk.

Getting the bus

Talk to your child about the safest route from home to school and help them plan their journey, checking that they know the times of the buses

Do a 'dummy run' of the route with your child, looking at the safest places to cross and for any potential trouble spots.

Stress the need to concentrate and be careful at all times. Warn them of distractions – MP3 players, talking on the mobile or text messaging while walking are big distractions.

Make sure they know what to do if they miss the bus or have lost their bus fare.

When getting off the bus make sure they know to wait until the bus moves away before crossing.

Remind your child not to run across the road to try to catch the bus or the tram – there will be another one.

Tell them about the dangers of distracting the driver and showing respect to other bus passengers.

For more information about road safety when travelling to school, go to www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk or www.sheffield.gov.uk/ roadsafety



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