News

A walking bus scheme between The Churchill School and Hawkinge Primary School is being introduced thanks to a grant of up to £3,254 awarded to the Hawkinge Partnership for Kent Play Clubs.

The walking bus will run at the end of the school day and will enable children from The Churchill School to attend Hawkinge Community After-School Club which is held, just over half a mile away, at Hawkinge Primary School.

Research recently conducted by Kent Play Clubs concluded that the greatest barrier to access of Hawkinge Community After-School Club for parents of children from The Churchill School is lack of transport.

The walking bus will operate for 2 days a week initially with a view to extending the service to additional days. It will be available to all children between the ages of 4 and 12 attending The Churchill School. Parents will also benefit as more will have the opportunity to return to work or training.

Mel Hughes of Kent Play Clubs said: “We have chosen a supervised walking bus over other transport methods because it keeps traffic off the road at busy times and meets the after school club’s objective to promote healthy living through physical activity”.

The scheme will start in January 2009 after thorough planning has been completed and staff has been recruited.

Richard Jones, Chair of The Hawkinge Partnership Board said: "The Board are pleased to support this venture which will enable more parents and children to take advantage of the opportunities that Kent Play Clubs offer within Hawkinge".