Can my child walk to school alone? A UK parents’ guide

Posted on by Safety App UK team

There is no legal minimum age for a child to walk to school alone in the UK. The Child Accident Prevention Trust says it depends on your child’s maturity and confidence, the distance, and the traffic and area along the route, and that parents are best placed to judge. Most families start by practising the route together, then letting the child lead, then walking with friends before going fully alone.

Updated 26 September 2026 · Sources: Child Accident Prevention Trust, The Highway Code (Green Cross Code)

Getting there in 4 stages

1. Walk it together

Walk the route with them many times, talking through crossings, driveways and safe places.

2. Let them lead

They choose where and when to cross while you walk behind and only step in if needed.

3. With a friend

Let them walk with a sensible friend or older sibling before going alone.

4. Alone, with a check-in

Start with a message or call when they arrive, and review after the first few weeks.

Is my child ready? A quick checklist

  • They cross roads safely using the Green Cross Code, every time, without reminders.
  • They can judge the speed and distance of traffic and wait for a safe gap.
  • They know the route and what to do if a road is closed or they get lost.
  • They know your phone number by heart and when to call 999.
  • They know safe places on the way and who they can ask for help.
  • They want to do it, and you both feel confident after practising.

What is the Green Cross Code?

The Green Cross Code is the UK road-safety routine taught to children and set out in the Highway Code: think, and find the safest place to cross; stop just before the kerb; use your eyes and ears to look and listen for traffic in all directions; wait until it is safe to cross; and keep looking and listening while you cross. Practise it together until it is automatic.

What should I teach my child about strangers?

Rather than “never talk to strangers”, teach clear rules: never go anywhere with someone, or get into a car, without checking with you first, even if they say you sent them; agree a family code word for anyone collecting them; and if someone makes them feel scared, go straight into a busy shop or the school and tell an adult such as a shop assistant, teacher or police officer. Tell them they will never be in trouble for asking for help.

Should my child have a phone for walking to school?

A phone is useful for a check-in and in an emergency, but it can also be a distraction at crossings and a target for theft. If they carry one, agree that it stays in their pocket while walking, and consider location sharing with them for the journey. Make sure they know your number by heart in case the phone is lost.

Frequently asked questions

Schools set their own policies, especially for younger children, and may ask for written permission. Check your school’s rules and agree the arrangement with them.

It varies widely. Many start around the move to secondary school, but some are ready earlier and some later. Readiness matters more than age.

See how to check crime in your area.

Sources

General safety information. In an emergency, always call 999.

Keep reading

Know they got to school safely

For older children with their own phone, Safety App UK can alert you when they arrive at or leave a Safe Zone such as school, and lets them send you an SOS with their location in one tap. The app is for ages 16 and over, so check whether it suits your family. Free for 7 days, then £2.99 a month.

Try Safety App UK free

Powered by