Walking School Bus
The Walking School Bus is a fun, healthy and safe way for primary school-aged children to travel to and from school.
The Walking School Bus is not a real vehicle but a group of children who walk to school accompanied by two adult leaders (one ‘driver’ and one ‘conductor’). Picking up and delivering children at ‘bus stops’ on the way to school.
It aims to increase physical activity amongst children and reduce traffic congestion around schools.
Join your school’s Walking School Bus
Complete a parent consent form (doc, 37kb)
Complete a child behaviour agreement form (doc, 37kb)
Cost: This is a free program run in collaboration with VicHealth, Moonee Valley City Council, schools, traders and community groups.
Walking Bus Route
The Walking School Bus follows a specific route on the days selected by your school and volunteers. These routes have been carefully planned by the volunteer coordinator and have been audited by council to ensure the safety of your children.
Safety precautions include a 1:8 adult to children ratio. All volunteers are expected to undergo safety training, hold a valid Working with Children Check and registration.
Benefits for Children
The Walking School Bus program delivers numerous benefits including:
- Improving children's overall health
- Improving children road safety skills
- Developing their physical and social skills
- Building friendships
- Gaining a sense of independence
- Decreasing traffic congestion around school
- Reducing greenhouse gas pollution
- Strengthen community/council relations
Safety
Safety on the bus is of high importance with the route thoroughly checked to traffic hazards. Volunteer drivers and conductors complete an induction program that includes information on road safety, duty of care and emergency procedures.
Volunteers
All volunteers are provided with the training and require a Working with Children Check to ensure that children are walked to school in a safe and friendly manner. Volunteers are expected to operate according to the bus stop timetable and follow appropriate safety measures.
Become a volunteer