CHILDREN from Belbroughton are staying safe during International Walk to School Month after receiving hi-visibility bag tags from a local house building company.

Barratt Homes offered pupils at Belbroughton Church of England Primary School the tags for the fourth year running to help encouraged them to walk to school whilst also being safe. 

The international event promotes the benefits of walking which includes reduced stress in children and a healthier lifestyle.

Mrs Clare Bishop, headteacher at Belbroughton Church of England Primary School, said: “We believe walking to school is important and try to encourage as many of our pupils as possible to walk to school in a safe and sensible fashion. It is great to see a developer support such a valuable initiative and we really appreciate the donation from Barratt Homes. Initiatives like this help to get the children excited about walking to school. By increasing physical activity every day, not only is it benefitting the pupils health, the pupils have the opportunity to burn off some energy before the school day begins and we can also reduce congestion outside the school gates.”

Adrian Farr, managing director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “A large number of our new homes developments are located within close proximity to schools, and as families move in, it makes perfect sense for Barratt Homes to support International Walk to School Month. By offering pupils at Belbroughton Church of England Primary School a helping hand and donating hi-visibility bag tags, the pupils will be encouraged to walk to school and can stay safe as winter approaches and the dark nights draw in.”

Thousands of children in the UK and more than 40 countries worldwide are celebrating International Walk to School Month.

Walking to school gives children the opportunity to get their recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise.