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Council Defends School Walking Route

Monday, 3 August 2026 17:27

Norfolk County Council says a walking route to Fakenham Academy meets national safety standards despite concerns from local parents.

Norfolk County Council has defended the safety of a walking route to Fakenham Academy after parents raised concerns about children travelling to school on foot.

The route, which is around one and a half miles long from Sculthorpe, crosses two A roads and includes sections where there are no pavements, prompting some families to question whether it is suitable for pupils.

Despite those concerns, the council says the route has been assessed and meets the national safety guidelines used to determine eligibility for free home-to-school transport.

Under current rules, children who live within the statutory walking distance and whose route is judged to be available and safe are not normally entitled to a free bus pass.

Parents who believe their circumstances have not been properly considered, or who disagree with the council's assessment, are able to appeal the decision through the authority's school transport appeals process.

The issue has reignited debate over the balance between national guidance and local road conditions, with some parents arguing that busy roads and missing pavements make the journey unsuitable for children.

Norfolk County Council says every route is assessed using nationally recognised criteria and that each transport application is considered individually in line with its published policy.

 

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