News
Bagatelle Schools Walking Bus Sets the Pace for Active Travel
A new Walking Bus initiative is helping local children start their school day in a fun, active and social way — and it’s already making a real impact.
What is a Walking Bus?
A walking bus is a fun, safe way for children to walk to school together under the supervision of responsible adults. Just like a traditional bus route, it follows a set path and timetable, with children able to “hop on” as it passes their location.
It’s a simple idea — but one that is proving highly effective in encouraging active travel across the island.
How It Works
Each Wednesday during term time, volunteers and children meet at Liberation Square between 7:45am and 8:00am. Like any bus, it leaves promptly at 8:00am.
From there, volunteers lead the group along a set route through town to the destination schools. Children can join along the way.
Currently, children in Key Stage 2 from:
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Victoria College Preparatory
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Beaulieu Convent School
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De La Salle College
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Jersey College for Girls Preparatory School
are able to take part.
From Walk to School Week to Weekly Success
We caught up with Daniel Pateman, Head Teacher of Victoria College Preparatory and founder of the Walking Bus at VCP, to find out how it all began.
“The idea for our Walking Bus first grew out of Walk to School Week around two to three years ago. We ran it every day for that week and it was such a positive experience that we decided to continue it on a weekly basis each Wednesday.
Running it daily wouldn’t have been sustainable for staff, but a weekly slot gives us a great balance. It provides structure and encouragement, while inspiring the boys to walk independently on other days of the week.
We now have a regular team of staff volunteers and a hardy, enthusiastic group of boys who attend every week. Their commitment has really shaped the Walking Bus into what it is today.”
The Benefits for Schools and Families
The Walking Bus is about more than simply getting from A to B.
“The Walking Bus is designed to build confidence in walking to school, promote fitness, and show pupils that there are effective alternatives to travelling by car,” Daniel explains.
With an island-wide intake, many families understandably rely on cars. The Walking Bus demonstrates that even driving part of the journey and walking the rest can make a difference.
Parents have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, appreciating:
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The consistent routine
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The social element for children
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The reassurance of supervised, safe travel
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A healthy and active start to the day
The Route
The Walking Bus meets at Liberation Square at 7:45am every Wednesday and departs at 8:00am sharp.
The route takes in:
Broad Street → King Street → La Motte Street → St Saviour’s Road → and on to school.
“It’s a lovely walk and sets a really positive tone for the day,” says Daniel.
“Rain or shine, we are always there.”
Advice for Other Schools
For schools considering starting their own Walking Bus, Daniel offers simple but powerful advice:
“Think differently. There is almost always a way to make it work if you explore options and remove barriers. Our Walking Bus is relatively informal, yet it runs very successfully because we have a clear routine and a strong sense of trust with parents — those two things make a huge difference.”
Memorable Moments
From themed dress-up days to noticing festive decorations and bright summer mornings, the Walking Bus has created countless shared memories.
“The weekly conversations with the boys are always great fun and a lovely opportunity to connect with them before the day begins. Walking through town each week means we get to experience the seasons changing — and the boys really notice and enjoy those details.”
FAQs
Get Involved
Jersey Sport’s new Walking Bus Initiative is designed to help schools and volunteers set up safe, successful walking buses with confidence — covering everything from route planning and safety to group management and communications.
If you would like to find out more or register your interest in starting a Walking Bus or volunteering, please contact our Active Travel Team:
📧 jay.cracknell@jerseysport.je
Let’s get more children walking, talking and starting the day the active way.