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What age can a child walk to school alone?
Walking to school on their own is one of the big milestones, and one of the questions parents ask most. The short answer is that there's no set age.
What the rules say
In the UK there's no legal minimum age for walking to school alone. The NSPCC says parents should decide based on their child's maturity, ability, and the safety and distance of the route. One of its campaign managers says many parents start letting children walk on their own somewhere between nine and 11. There's no national rule in the US either. Check your school's own policy, as some have their own guidance.
Signs they're ready
- They know the route without being reminded.
- They cross roads safely, every time, even when chatting to friends.
- They know what to do if something goes wrong, like a closed road or someone they don't know trying to talk to them.
- They know your phone number by heart.
- They stick to the rules when you're not watching.
Practise it in stages
Walk the route together for a while and point out the safe places to cross. Then let them lead while you follow. Then follow a bit further behind. Then let them walk with a friend. Agree on a safe stop along the way, like a shop, a friend's house or the crossing patrol, where they can go if they need help.
Agree the rules
- Same route every day, no shortcuts.
- No going off with friends without checking with you first.
- Nobody collects them unless they know your family code word.
- If they have a phone, a quick message when they arrive.
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Our school run
Who's doing drop-off and pick-up each day, the walking route, and what your child does if nobody turns up.
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Our code word kit
How to pick your family code word, the rules to agree, and reminder cards your child can carry that never show the word.
We're building Mya'Shield, an early alert device that can let you know if your child doesn't arrive at school when they should.