.png)
Changing the school run feels daunting, but you aren't alone. Use this guide to connect with other parents and reclaim the streets around your school.
Step 1: Find your allies
It’s easy to feel a bit isolated, like no one else notices or cares, but we can assure you this IS NOT the case. Other parents are worried about the same dangers you see. Connect with 2–3 like-minded parents who share your concerns.
Action: Strike up a conversation at the school gate or on the walk home, grab a coffee with a parent you know. Keep it light and informal, to get the lay of the land.
Also see: How to chat about school traffic with other parents without the drama - here.
Step 2: Start the conversation
Talk to more parents and encourage your allies to do the same. You’ll be surprised how many share your vision for a safer, healthier school run.
Comment: "All this traffic chaos makes me a bit worries about kids getting hurt”
Also See: School run conversation starters (coming soon)
Step 3: Launch a SOLVE WhatsApp group
This is where your community grows, shares ideas, and forms plans. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to exist. Through the online WhatsApp community, you’ll also be able to receive supportive messages from our central hub, as well as specialised peer support for your school.
Action: Create the group using our guide and add your first 2–3 allies.
Also See: How to set up and maintain a school WhatsApp group - (coming soon).
Step 4: Engage your PTA and governors
Have a chat with one of your PTA trustees or organisers, explain that there are many families who feel worried about safety outside the gates. They should have some helpful tips on how to communicate to the parent community and who in the school staff or office team might be able to support your efforts. If you can, it's also worth having a chat with a sympathetic parent governor to let them know the parent concerns and appetite for change.
Step 5: Keep the school in the loop
Schools and headteachers are busy and it shouldn’t have to be their job to keep children safe on their route to school. However, building a good relationship with school staff is really helpful.
Action: Send a polite email introducing your group and your aim to make the school journey safer and encourage walking and cycling. You could let them know you're keen to support the school complete the TFL Travel for Life program (more on this coming soon).
Step 6: Advertise your group
Get the word out. The more parents who join, the louder your voice.
Action: Post this in your school or class newsletter or WhatsApp: "Would you like the area outside our school to be safer? A safer crossing on your walk to school? You’re not alone! Join our Solve The School Run group to help create safer journeys to schools". [Link to WhatsApp Group]"
Step 7: Show, don’t just tell
Start an Instagram account. This is a great way to show the systemic issues of road danger and pollution that children are exposed to on their school run. Use it to document the reality children face and celebrate your progress and inspiring change throughout your borough.
Also See: How to set up and use a Solve Instagram account (coming soon)
Celebrate your progress
You’re up and running! Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve built. It's huge progress. We'll be adding more resources on how you can support your school promoting active travel, run a school fair and other easy ways your group can mobilise parents behind safe, healthy streets.
And at the right time, you'll want to think about having a chat to your local councillors.
Also See: Getting political commitment for child friendly streets - here.