Ref. 25687-32AN INFANT school has come up with a novel way of cutting down traffic outside its gates.
As part of its bid to earn the Healthy Schools Award, Even Swindon Infant School has launched a walking bus.
Children in a walking bus are escorted by a parent and, wearing fluorescent jackets, they hold onto a length of rope as they walk past each of their homes.
The scheme started this term and the school currently runs two routes, each with four children, and hopes to run more in the winter.
More than 20 primary schools in Swindon have already gained the healthy schools status by ensuring children learn about healthy living and put it into practice.
Even Swindon Infant School headteacher Michael Keeling said: "We want to encourage the children to walk to school, with the parents taking turns to escort them."
Parent Jo Vizor, 32, from Cheney Manor says the walking bus is a great idea. Her son Joshua, six, uses it every day. She said: "It eases the congestion outside the school and Josh can get the talking to his friends over and done with before they get into class.
"The walk is about 20 minutes and it wakes their brains up, it's healthy and good exercise. Plus it helps me because I walk along with them to work."
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