Posted on: Monday 15 May 2023
Children walking down a tree-lined footpath
Nurseries and childminders are being encouraged to take part in Torfaen's first-ever Walk to Nursery Week.
The aim is to get as many children, parents and childminders to walk to their childcare settings this week, as part of national Walk to School Week.
Among those taking part will be Jo Lane, who runs Joanne Lane Childminding, in Cwmbran, who said: "Every week is walk to nursery or school week for us. We're fortunate to have a safe route to school and there's always lots to see and learn.
"The children notice so much about the world around them when we walk to school. They notice the changing seasons, leaves falling off the trees in Autumn, daffodils and bluebells appearing in Spring.
"And they all know walking is great exercise and keeps our bodies and minds healthy."
Walk to Nursery Week is the brainchild of Torfaen Council's Healthy and Sustainable Pre-Schools team, which works with day nurseries, Flying Start, playgroups and childminders to promote health and wellbeing.
Ruth Harris, Healthy and Sustainable Pre-School Scheme Officer, said: "There are so many benefits to encouraging children to walk more. It's free, it's fun, it promotes a healthy lifestyle and it raises awareness of road safety.
"It's also better for the environment and helps to reduce traffic congestion around schools and nurseries."
It's simple to take part in Walk to Nursery or Walk to School Week - plan your route, leave plenty of time and check the weather forecast!
You can share photographs of your walk to nursery or school on Torfaen Council's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages - search for @TorfaenCouncil and include the hashtag #WalkToSchoolWeek.
Torfaen Council is committed to supporting people who want to increase the amount they walk or cycle for short journeys. Find out how by visiting the active travel pages on our website.
To find out more about childcare settings in Torfaen, visit Torfaen Family Information Service.