Prepared for school

We have issued advice to children and young people preparing for the return to school and college in September, as well as to families getting ready to apply for their child’s first school place.

As children and young people prepare to start the new term, roads are expected to get busier with school runs and general commutes. Our Sustainable Transport team is reminding motorists, pedestrians and cyclists of their top tips to help ensure everyone stays safe:

• Be alert – avoid distractions such as wearing headphones or using mobile phones whilst walking and cycling.
• Be prepared – if walking, make sure you have walked the route with your child before the first day of school and, where available, use wider pavements and controlled crossing points. If travelling by bus, arrive at the stop five minutes early to be prepared.
• Take extra care – the school run and morning commute can be very busy – allow extra time so you don’t feel rushed or stressed.
• Follow the rules of the road – remember the key rules of the road to keep residents and the wider community safe. Watch your speed when driving, encourage children to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road in a safe place and hold younger children’s hands.
• Wear bright and reflective clothing – if walking or cycling, wear fluorescent or reflective clothing to ensure you’re seen by motorists, cyclists and other pedestrians.
• If cycling – make sure your bike is road worthy and wear a helmet.

Walking to school is healthier for you and the environment we live in. Many schools organise a walking bus, creating a safe and fun way to walk to school with other children and parents.

However, if you need to drive to school parking a little further away and walking is not only good for your health, but provides more time together.

Motorists are also encouraged to park responsibly near schools, keeping all zig zag lines clear.

Commuters are also reminded that school streets have been put in place at seven locations across Medway. School Streets have temporary vehicle restrictions at drop-off and pick-up times during the school term. You can find the full list of School Streets and more information about them on our website.

Take extra care

Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Highways, said: “The return to school is a chance to start good habits for the year ahead. If you are able to, walking takes the stress out of the journey for parents and pupils, reduces air pollution around schools and is better for your health. But even if you can’t avoid travelling by car, parking away from the school gates every day gives some of the same benefits and makes journeys safer and more pleasant for everyone.

"We’ll start to see our roads get a little busier in September after the summer holiday, so we want to encourage all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to make sure they take extra care when they are out and about. Our teams work closely with schools to promote road safety, but the helpful top tips here are great advice for all of us to follow to keep ourselves and others safe.”

Find out more information and tips around road safety.

Primary school applications

Parents and carers across Medway will also be getting ready to apply for their child’s first school place, starting in reception class in September 2025.

Medway has an excellent choice of schools and academies to meet the needs of its children starting school for the first time.

Primary school applications for children due to start school in September 2025 open on Monday, 2 September 2024 and close on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. Schools and academies are responsible for organising any open days – parents are encouraged to look at each school’s website for more information, in the first instance.

The council has also created an optional questionnaire, in partnership with Medway Community Healthcare, to help support parents and carers of children due to start school in September 2025. The questionnaire includes 23 questions which look at your child’s readiness for school, covering skills such as independently dressing themselves and going to the toilet.

Parents and carers completing the questionnaire can also request advice and support from the Health Visiting service. Asking for help will not affect your child’s school place. The questionnaire will be included at the end of the applying for a school place form.

Find out more about applying for a primary school place.

Secondary school applications

Applications for secondary school places for children due to start year 7 in September 2025 also open on Monday, 2 September, and close on Thursday, 31 October.

Find out more about applying for a secondary school place.

Looking forward to another fantastic year

Cllr Tracy Coombs, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, said: “I hope everyone heading back to school this September is looking forward to another fantastic year. If you’re a parent or carer and you’re applying for your child’s first school place, there is lots of information on our website which can help guide you through the process – I would encourage you to make sure you take a look.”