This May thousands of teachers and children across the country will celebrate the benefits walking brings during Walk to School Week (15 – 19 May).

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking and takes place during National Walking Month each May. Last year, over 14,000 classes took part - that’s around 400,000 children walking to school. Get schools in your area involved so they can discover the benefits walking brings.

Walk to School Week 2017 challenge packs are available to purchase and are perfect to further encourage children to give walking a go. Each challenge pack contains everything needed to run the five-day walking challenge for a class of up to 30 pupils, including a classroom wall chart, teacher and pupil wall chart stickers, pupil activity diaries and teacher instructions.

This year’s challenge will take pupils on an imaginary journey from the dramatic skylines of the city, via rolling countryside, to charming coastal areas. Each day, activities and games will enable pupils to explore key features of each environment, whilst also enjoying the many benefits of a daily walk to school.

Schools become healthier and happier places when children walk to school. It’s an easy way for children to build more activity into their day and it reduces congestion and pollution around the school gates. Despite all the benefits, just 46 per cent of children walk to school now compared to 70 per cent of their parents’ generation. We want to reverse this decline and prevent the problems associated with inactivity, and Walk to School Week is a great way to start.

Schools can step up the fun during Walk to School Week by taking part in Happy Shoesday. On the Tuesday of Walk to School Week, primary school pupils, parents and teachers across the UK raise money for our walking projects by wearing their happy shoes and donating £1. Shiny, decorated, colourful, cartoon, gorilla feet - whatever has them smiling on their walk to school. Encourage your schools to register and we will send them a free fundraising pack, plus all sorts of fun materials to help make running the day a big success.

Challenge your schools to walk every day during Walk to School Week and make a real difference to your children's happiness and wellbeing.

Find out more about Walk to School Week at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walktoschoolweek or call 020 7377 4908.