Whether your child is starting school for the first time, moving to a new school, or just heading back after the holidays, a bit of parent-worry comes with the territory. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference to your child’s safety — and give you some peace of mind too. Here are 6 good tips to keep your child safe going back to school this year.
#1. Be Seen
When choosing school bags, jackets and even school shoes, look for a reflective strip so your child can be seen clearly on darker mornings and evenings.
If they walk to school, a high-vis outer layer is a simple add-on that makes a big difference. And if they cycle or scoot, a helmet should be non-negotiable, every single time.
Recommended Reading: Our Pick of the best School Bags for Kids and 6 Great Lunch Boxes Recommended by Parents
#2. Insure Your Child
Slips, tumbles, trips and falls happen — in the school yard, on the sports field, and at home. Most are harmless, but every so often an accident leads to a medical or dental bill you weren’t expecting.
It’s worth checking whether your school offers Pupil Personal Accident Insurance. These policies are often inexpensive, and some cover your child around the clock, not just during school hours.
#3. Safe Cross Code
Whether your child walks to school or you park and stride the last stretch, make sure they know the safe cross code for getting to school safely. If they don’t know it yet, now’s a good time to teach them.
The same goes for the school yard — if your child needs to cross traffic to reach your car or the bus, walk the route with them until you’re confident they can manage it safely on their own.
Recommended Reading: 9 Sure Fire Tips for Bike Safety and 41 Revision Techniques to Help Kids Study Smart
#4. Keep Dogs on a Lead
If you have a family dog and use school pick-up and drop-off as your walk time, keep them on a lead near the school gates. Some children love dogs and rush straight over; others are nervous and may not spot the real danger — a car — while focused on the dog in front of them.
If your child is frightened of dogs, it can help to gently introduce them to a friend’s calm, familiar dog, or consider a dog of your own if the time is right for your family.
And if your child is the dog-lover, remind them to always ask permission before petting a dog they don’t know on the school run.
Recommended Reading: 9 Reasons Why Getting a Family Dog is the Best Idea and 10 Things I Wish We’d Known Before We Got a Dog
#5. Have a Safe Password
However hard you try to be on time, delays happen — and sometimes you’ll need another parent or family member to step in and collect your child.
Before the school year starts, it’s worth agreeing a safe password with your child — something only the two of you know. If someone else needs to collect them, give that person the password and remind your child to ask for it before going anywhere with them.
Recommended Reading: 44 Simple Ways to Save Money on Back to School
#6. Update Your Contact Details
Schools keep a record of your phone numbers, email and postal address, so if any of these change, let the school know straight away. That way, if they need to reach you about your child, they can do it quickly.
It’s also worth teaching your child your mobile number, and keeping the school’s number saved in your own contacts for the days you’re running late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest first step for back-to-school safety?
Start with visibility — reflective strips on bags, coats or shoes, and a high-vis layer for anyone walking to school. It’s a small change that makes children far easier to spot in low light.
Does my child really need accident insurance for school?
It depends on your family’s circumstances and what cover you already have. It’s worth asking your school whether they offer a Pupil Personal Accident Insurance scheme, so you can weigh up whether it suits you.
At what age should I teach my child the safe cross code?
There’s no single “right” age — it depends on the child. A good approach is to walk the route together repeatedly until you’re confident they can apply it consistently and safely on their own.
Why bother with a safe password for pick-ups?
It gives your child a simple, memorable way to check that an unfamiliar adult collecting them has actually been sent by you — useful for the odd day when plans change at short notice.
Related Articles
- Our Pick of the Best School Bags for Kids
- 6 Great Lunch Boxes Recommended by Parents
- 9 Sure Fire Tips for Bike Safety for Kids
- 44 Simple Ways to Save Money on Back to School
Save These Tips for Later
If this list is useful, bookmark it or share it with another parent before the school year kicks off — it’s a handy one to revisit each September.
Want More Ideas Like This?
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for practical parenting tips, back-to-school ideas and family activities, straight to your inbox.
