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Safety Town has interactive road safety education resources for NSW students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

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Digital links accessible

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Digital version

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Electronic version

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Stage 4 and 5 Pedestrian activities

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Template to assist with cycle and resources to support. 

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Safe active travel teaching and learning cycle

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Safe active travel teaching and learning cycle

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Road Safety checklist

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Mapping Road Safety in PDHPE syllabus K-12

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Mapping Road Safety in PDHPE syllabus K-12

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Mapping tool - road safety in PDHPE K-10 syllabus.pdf

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Physical literacy continuum - personal and social attributes - examples

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1. Does your child get 60 minutes of physical activity every day? 

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1. Does your child get 60 minutes of physical activity every day? 

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1. Does your child get 60 mins every day

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​The Travel Education Framework (TEF) (docx - 9.39mb) is a resource for specialist schools to create a program that gives students the knowledge, skills and confidence to travel independently to school on public transport.

The TEF is suitable for students from upper primary to year 12. Progression through the program depends on each student's own rate of development.

Under the TEF, only students identified with the appropriate physical, cognitive and emotional capacity will progress to advanced travel education and be taught to become an independent traveller.

Visit Travel Education to learn how the TEF has been rolled out in our schools.

Learning topics

The TEF resource includes advice and templates on:

selecting students to participate in travel education

planning classroom and practical lessons on journey planning, getting about, behaving appropriately and staying safe

identifying and mitigating risk.

It also includes:

template invitations

travel contracts

advice to parents about the program.

Resources

Back to top
Last Update: 30 November 2021

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Travel education for students with disabilities

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​The Travel Education Framework (TEF) (docx - 9.39mb) is a resource for specialist schools to create a program that gives students the knowledge, skills and confidence to travel independently to school on public transport. The TEF is suitable for students from upper primary to year 12.

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NSW Health: Live Life Well at School (LLW@S)

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NSW Health: Live Life Well at School (LLW@S)

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Young people’s active travel

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Online sport professional learning calendar and links 

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State of New South Wales, Department of Education, Australia

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Term 1 2022 Calendar for Professional Learning

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Parents, teachers, students and sporting partners can find quality and safe sport and physical activity opportunities for students at all levels.

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Sport and physical activity policy, including supervision. 

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2021 Dec 10 - updated contact details in policy statement.
Document history
2019 Nov - updated contact details and made minor style and editing changes.

Policy and Guidelines name change.
Added requirement for schools to ensure each school has a school-developed sport and physical activity procedures document containing current organisation and management processes.
Increased time allocation from 120 minutes to 150 minutes of planned physical activity in K-10.
Sport and physical activity for Years 11 and 12 students now encouraged but not mandatory.
Requirement that the physical activity be moderate with some vigorous and spread across the school week.

Sport and Physical Activity has been part of the government school curriculum since the 1880's and various policies, curricula and resources have been developed to guide schools in this area.
During the mid-1980's and 1990's; the 1986 Sport Policy guided schools across this important area. In 1999, a hardcopy resource - Guidelines for the Safe Conduct and Sport and Physical Activity in Schools was provided to schools to assist in their preparation and implementation of sport and physical activities. In 2002, this resource was converted into a digital format and provided online as the implementation document to the Sport and Physical Activity Safety Policy for Schools. In 2010, this implementation document was renamed - Sport and Physical Activity in Schools Safe Conduct Guidelines to increase search engine capabilities
Superseded documents
2002 Sport and Physical Activity Safety Policy for Schools
1990 Supplement 1 to the Sport Policy
1988 Support Document to the Sport Policy
1986 Sport Policy

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2021 Dec 10 - updated contact details in policy statement. Document history 2019 Nov - updated contact details and made minor style and editing changes.

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Parent/carer information pack on safe active travel 

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Parent/carer information pack on safe active travel 

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Department of Health

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How to help your kids get around safely on their own

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How to help your kids get around safely on their own

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Premier's Sporting Challenge and Race Around Australia

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Premier's Sporting Challenge and Race Around Australia

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Registrations for PSC challenges (10 week Challenge and Race Around Australia) are now closed.

See all PSC key dates.

PSC Facilitators

If you need to update your facilitator details, current Principals or PSC Facilitators can do this through the PSC tracker. If unable to do this, or you wish to to be removed from our PSC Facilitator database please complete the 2022 PSC Facilitator form or email psc@det.nsw.edu.au.

Have you seen our...

Main Contacts

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State of New South Wales, Department of Education, Australia

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To promote increased participation in sport and physical activity, leading to healthier, more active lifestyles, the Premier's Sporting Challenge (PSC) is a multi-faceted program offering a range of initiatives to students and teachers across the state. The PSC aims to get more students and staff more active, more often.

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Safety Town has interactive road safety education resources for NSW students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

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The effectiveness of approaches to road safety education 

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The effectiveness of approaches to road safety education 

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Research findings on the effectiveness of approaches to RSE_v1

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Parental fear: a barrier to the independent mobility of children

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Parental fear: a barrier to the independent mobility of children

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Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Children who are able to play and travel without an adult and those who walk or cycle to school are more likely to meet Australian physical activity guidelines, according to findings from research that investigated the role that parental fear plays in shaping children's independence and physical activity, the first of its kind in Australia.

The three-year study (2012 to 2015) was initiated and funded by VicHealth and commissioned to La Trobe University and the Parenting Research Centre addressed a gap in evidence, if parental fear is a barrier to children's independence and getting enough physical activity. Just one in five Australian children is physically active for the recommended one hour each day. It included a survey of more than 2000 parents of children aged nine to 15 from across Victoria.

A practical guide to help parents to support children to safely travel and play outside independently as they grow is also available to download. How to help your kids get around safely on their own offers tips to parents on how to help your child travel safely from dependence to independence.

Preliminary findings

In 2014, VicHealth released preliminary findings of the survey of over 2000 Victorian parents. It suggested that children's independence was related to parental concerns about safety in general and harm from strangers in particular. It found 36 per cent avoided situations where their child went out without an adult because they were fearful they will be approach by a stranger while 13 per cent were anxious about their child's safety when they were out somewhere familiar without an adult.

Preliminary research findings summary (253KB)
Full preliminary research findings (607KB)

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Parental fear: a barrier to the independent mobility of children

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Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer Children who are able to play and travel without an adult and those who walk or cycle to school are more likely to meet Australian physical activity guidelines, according to findings from research that investigated the role that parental fear plays in shaping children's independence and physical activity, the first of its kind in Australia.

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Communication with parents and community

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Communication with parents and community

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WHO: Decade of action on road safety 2021-2030

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WHO: Decade of action on road safety 2021-2030

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In September 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 "Improving global road safety", proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. WHO and the UN regional commissions, in cooperation with other partners in the UN Road Safety Collaboration, have developed a Global Plan for the Decade of Action, which was released in October 2021.

The Global Plan aligns with the Stockholm Declaration, by emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to road safety, and calling on continued improvements in the design of roads and vehicles; enhancement of laws and law enforcement; and provision of timely, life-saving emergency care for the injured. The Global Plan also reflects the Stockholm Declaration's promotion of policies to promote walking, cycling and using public transport as inherently healthy and environmentally sound modes of transport.

Progress made during the previous Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 has laid the foundation for accelerated action in the years ahead. Among achievements are inclusion of road safety on the global health and development agenda, broad dissemination of scientific guidance on what works, strengthening of partnerships and networks, and mobilization of resources. This new Decade of Action provides an opportunity for harnessing the successes and lessons of previous years and building upon them to save more lives.

Stories from the field

Global Plan

Social media tiles

Decade of Action symbol

If you would like to receive customizable versions of any of the advocacy materials linked to the Global Plan, please contact [email protected] .

Related links

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In September 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 "Improving global road safety", proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

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WHO: 10 strategies for keeping children safe on the road. 

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WHO: 10 strategies for keeping children safe on the road. 

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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This report provides an overview of overweight and obesity in Australia-a major public health issue that has significant health and financial costs. Almost one-quarter of children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and rates continue to rise, largely due to a rise in obesity, which cost the economy $8.6 billion in 2011-12.

Additional overweight and obesity data are reported in 2 other AIHW products: Overweight and obesity in Australia: a birth cohort analysis and An interactive insight into overweight and obesity in Australia.

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A picture of overweight and obesity in Australia, Notes - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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This report provides an overview of overweight and obesity in Australia-a major public health issue that has significant health and financial costs. Almost one-quarter of children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and rates continue to rise, largely due to a rise in obesity, which cost the economy $8.6 billion in 2011-12.

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2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People 

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Minister for Transport: Minister Jo Haylen

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Minister for Transport: Minister Jo Haylen

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A Minns Labor Government will make life easier for growing communities across the state by increasing funding in the transport budget for active transport infrastructure with a $60 million investment.
Increasing funding in the transport budget for walking & cycling infrastructure
Labor will create a new fund to build more footpaths, cycle paths and other active transport infrastructure around community hubs like schools and stations which are needed by growing communities across NSW.

Currently, the transport budget has appropriated $60 million over the next four years towards active transport projects and upgrades.

Labor will top this up with an additional $15 millionper year over four years, doubling the funding available in the transport budget for walking and cycling infrastructure.

Labor's commitment brings the total funding for active transport infrastructure in the transport budget to $120 million.
Priority areas - Western Sydney & the regions
The fund will prioritise greenfield developments, where the availability of footpaths and cycle paths that connect to community hubs like schools and stations doesn't keep up with the development of new homes, even once families have moved in.

This means that Western Sydney and the regionswill enjoy the most benefit from this commitment.
Quotes attributable to Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader:
"We all want our communities to be more walkable and more cycle friendly.

"It shouldn't matter whether you're living in Leppington or Lilyfield. Everyone should have access to quality walking and cycling infrastructure.

"But under the Liberals, new and growing communities are missing out on the active transport infrastructure that makes their communities more liveable. Labor will change that."
Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport:
"Investing in active transport is good for public health, lowers emissions and congestion, improves air quality and is a cheap alternative to people to move around our communities.

"The Liberals have talked a big game on active transport infrastructure, but they just haven't been able to deliver for growing communities across NSW.

"Having safe, connected and convenient cycleways and footpaths shouldn't be a privilege confined to Inner Sydney. People in Western Sydney and the regions deserve access to infrastructure like this that makes their lives easier and gives them a real choice about how they travel.

"That's why we'll double the amount of money in the transport budget for footpaths and active transport and help build the infrastructure that makes a community a more connected and better place to live."

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Labor will make lives easier for growing communities with additional $60 million for active transport

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A Minns Labor Government will make life easier for growing communities across the state by increasing funding in the transport budget for active transport infrastructure with a $60 million investment.

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What is the Active Transport Strategy?

The NSW Government wants walking and bike riding, known as active transport, to be the preferred way to make short trips and a viable, safe and efficient option for longer trips. We estimate that more than 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips are taken per year across New South Wales. We want to double this number in 20 years.

NSW Government's Future Transport Strategy sets the vision for safe, healthy, sustainable, accessible and integrated journeys in NSW.

This Active Transport Strategy draws on the Future Transport Strategy and its vision for walking, bike riding and personal mobility. The Strategy provides a plan to guide planning, investment and priority actions for active transport across NSW.

Encouraging more people to walk and bike ride in NSW

Walking and bike riding is the most sustainable form of transport, contributing to great places, cleaner local environments, healthier lifestyles, and providing economic benefits to local neighbourhoods.

By encouraging more people to choose walking or bike riding for everyday journeys, we will improve neighbourhoods and the environment, reduce car use and traffic congestion, support busy local economies, and improve the general health of our communities.

What does the Active Transport Strategy address?

Our strategy focuses on:

15-minute local neighbourhoods that allow communities to be strong, vibrant and active by prioritising walking, bike riding and place making to local destinations and transport networks

continuous and connected cycling network infrastructure across NSW to enable more people to safely ride their bikes as part of their everyday travel

improving the safety and comfort of people walking and riding bikes by providing fit-for-purpose active transport infrastructure and appropriate road speeds

facilitating children's and young people's independent mobility by improving safe walking and bike riding options for travel to and from school

supporting multimodal journeys by integrating active and public transport

enabling first and last mile freight delivery via active transport to help customers in our centres and neighbourhoods receive goods and deliveries efficiently and discreetly from smaller, cleaner, and quieter vehicles

promoting walking and cycling to encourage behaviour change across the State

supporting emerging technology choices such as e-bikes and other micromobility devices to enable people to ride further and more often and undertake tasks usually done by car

enhancing visitor and tourism experiences including scenic rail and walking trails

working with partners such as local government and industry to accelerate change

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The NSW Government wants walking and bike riding, known as active transport, to be the preferred way to make short trips and a viable, safe and efficient option for longer trips. We estimate that more than 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips are taken per year across New South Wales.

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NSW Health: Live Life Well at School (LLW@S)

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NSW Health: Live Life Well at School (LLW@S)

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Children and Young people’s active travel

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Road Safety Education, Driver Education and Training Policy 

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Empower children and young people in NSW public schools to be safe road users now and into the future.

What do we do?

The Road Safety Education team provide quality road safety education support and professional learning to teachers in NSW public schools P-12.

Our Road Safety Education Officers located around the state:

The team:

doesn't deliver presentations to students. Instead, we work with teachers to design, develop and deliver their own quality learning experiences to best meet the needs of their students.

does recognise teachers as the expert educators of their students, and so encourages them to not engage stand-alone, one-off externally delivered events/guest speakers or programs.

Instead, we advise teachers to:

critically review services offered by external road safety providers

develop and deliver their own pre and post-event teaching and learning activities, if they choose to engage the external provider.

Download Road safety education in NSW public schools flyer (PDF) Road safety education in NSW public schools flyer - for external agencies (PDF)
Our policy

The Road Safety Education, Driver Education and Training Policy provides the framework for the planning and teaching of road safety in NSW public schools. More advice is provided in the Guidelines for effective implementation of road safety.

The NSW Wellbeing Framework for schools is a statement of what is valued as excellence in student wellbeing in NSW public schools. It supports schools to create a planned approach to wellbeing using evidence-based strategies that are strengths-based, preventative and focus on early intervention. This includes strengthening students' cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing domains of development.

Physical wellbeing is associated with the extent to which we feel physically safe and healthy. It includes physical activity, nutrition, physical safety (such as road safety) and security, and preventative health care. Physical wellbeing enables positive health outcomes.

Whole school approach to road safety education

A whole-school approach to road safety education is where schools, parents, carers and communities work together to create a safe supportive environment for students to learn, understand, practise and apply road safety knowledge and skills.

The Road Safety Education Program uses this approach when supporting NSW government schools K-12 to:

improve quality teaching of the curriculum

create and maintain a safe supportive culture, environment, and policy

engage and liaise with parents, carers and the school community.

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Empower children and young people in NSW public schools to be safe road users now and into the future. The Road Safety Education team provide quality road safety education support and professional learning to teachers in NSW public schools P-12. Our Road Safety Education Officers located around the state: The team: doesn't deliver presentations to students.

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Excursion Policy including variation of routine

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Directions for planning and managing excursions, including incursions and other variations of routine

Changes since previous version
2022 Jul 18 - updated contact details in policy statement and implementation document, Excursion Planning and Management.

2022 May 18 - updated links in implementation document, Excursion Planning and Management, to reflect revision of the Working with Children Check forms (sections 2.1.1, 7.1 and appendix 2).

2022 Mar 07 - update to policy statement and implementation document: Excursion Planning and Management - revised overseas excursions application and approval process, including introducing a common application pack for all department schools; clarified instructions to staff in relation to privately arranged tours; more explicit instructions relating to risk management, child protection and safety, and refund of unspent excursion money. Updated related documents.

2019 Oct 16 - updated contact details and made minor style changes.

2016 Mar 14 - updated main contact details.

Inclusion of excursions involving preschool children and the applicability of the Children's Services Regulation 2004
New advice on film screenings and live performances in the context of revisions to the Controversial Issues in Schools Policy
Advice on child protection issues relating to excursions to courts where the potential for students to be placed at risk of harm by being exposed to violent or sexually explicit evidentiary material.
Further direction on excursion consent forms relating to the need to clarify parental wishes and consent
Incorporation of Commonwealth Government initiatives relating to overseas excursions
Advice on reporting of incidents occurring while on excursions in context of the revised Incident Reporting Policy and Procedures
Superseded documents
This policy replaces Excursions and Other Visits (97/137), 16 June 1997, Excursions policy PD/2004/0010 v001
Excursions policy PD/2004/0010 v002 and
Excursions policy - PD/2004/0010/V003

1. Policy statement

1. Excursions are part of quality teaching and learning programs. School excursions are structured learning experiences provided or managed by the school, conducted on or external to the school site, as determined by the principal. Incursions are a type of excursion, conducted on the school site.

2. Excursions provide educational value by supporting curriculum outcomes, in consideration of the needs and resources of the school, the needs of the students and the total learning program.

3. Excursions are inclusive. All students within a specific learning group are to be given the opportunity to participate, unless exceptional circumstances exist.

4. The department has a duty of care to students while on excursions and this duty cannot be delegated to any third party or organisation.

5. Identifying and assessing risk needs to be integrated into excursion planning to ensure appropriate risk management strategies are developed. An approved risk management plan must be implemented at all stages of an excursion.

6. The obligation to report suspected risk of harm to children and young people applies throughout all stages of an excursion.

7. Schools require the following from parents and carers before an excursion takes place. Translated documents are provided where required:

1. permission for students to participate in excursions, including activities during an excursion

2. a medical information form.

8. The Behaviour code for students applies at all times while on excursions.

9. Additional mandatory procedures apply to excursions that involve overseas travel.

2. Audience and applicability

1. All NSW government schools and preschools.

2. Excursions involving preschool children are subject to specific protocols under the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

3. Residential high schools and schools in Juvenile Justice Centres are subject to specific additional procedures with regard to students in residence.

4. The following are not covered under this policy:

1. workplace learning programs

2. privately organised tours, events or other activities - the department is not responsible for these.

3. Context

1. The department is committed to providing a safe, secure, disciplined, inclusive, and quality learning environment in which students can develop their individual talents, interests and abilities through a curriculum that fosters students' intellectual, physical, social and ethical development. Excursions Planning and Management provides detailed direction and guidance to schools.

2. School excursions vary in terms of the curriculum focus, students involved, duration of the excursion and venue. Groups participating in an excursion may be a class or a group of students drawn from a number of classes or schools.

3. Excursions can range from an incursion to an extended journey occupying a number of days or weeks requiring overnight or long-term accommodation.

4. Responsibilities and delegations

1. Principals:

1. approve all domestic excursions within Australia involving their school

2. approve their own school's participation when more than one school is involved

3. ensure that a risk assessment and management plan for the excursion has been completed

4. endorse overseas excursions and submit the overseas excursions application to their Director , Educational Leadership for approval by the Executive Director in line with the department's overseas excursions application and approval process

5. maintain records of excursions and any incidents occurring on an excursion

6. exercise a duty of care towards all students, staff and other participants

7. evaluate their school's practices for the safe conduct of excursions on the basis of past experience, systemic and locally produced risk profiles and teaching and learning outcomes

8. manage any issues or incidents arising from school excursions, consistent with the department's Controversial Issues in Schools policy and Incident Notification and Response policy (staff only)

9. ensure the appropriate infection control measures are included in the planning and are followed during the excursion.

2. Teachers:

1. may initiate and organise excursions

2. exercise a duty of care to all students

3. complete and monitor risk assessments for each planned excursion ensuring there will be adequate supervision

4. report any incidents that occur on an excursion

5. who organise an overseas excursion do so in line with the department's overseas excursions application and approval process.

3. Director s , Educational Leadership:

1. endorse an overseas excursion proposal

2. endorse an overseas excursion for the approval to their Executive Director in line with the department's overseas excursions application and approval process

3. monitor schools' compliance with this policy.

4. Executive Directors:
approve overseas excursions in line with the department's overseas excursions application and approval process.

5. Monitoring and review
The Executive Director, Curriculum and Reform monitors the implementation of this policy, regularly reviews its contents to ensure relevance and accuracy, and updates it as needed.

6. Curriculum and Reform
SecondaryEducationUnit@det.nsw.edu.au

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Directions for planning and managing excursions, including incursions and other variations of routine

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Disclaimer: This website contains projections, trends and plans based on existing data. The NSW Department of Education reviews its projections, trends and plans regularly, and when the data is updated. The department has exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of this information.

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Risk assessment template

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This plan details the steps your school will take to improve the learning outcomes and the achievement and growth of all your students.

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School excellence framework

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What is the School Excellence Framework?

NSW public schools are committed to ongoing improvement in the pursuit of excellence.

The School Excellence Framework (PDF 291.17KB) is a statement of what is valued as excellence for NSW public schools, both now and into the future. All schools have areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. The Framework identifies quality practice across the three key domains of education - learning, teaching and leading - to help schools plan and monitor strategies for ongoing improvement.

It draws on evidence from national and international research and improvement processes, including the National School Improvement Tool developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research.

The School Excellence Framework focuses on those school practices that evidence shows are most directly related to continuous, school-wide improvement and better student outcomes.

The Framework underpins the Department's new approach to planning and reporting, and will assist schools to engage their communities in identifying strategic directions, decide on improvement measures and assess their progress. As part of this new approach, schools will conduct an annual self-assessment against the Framework and report on their progress in their Annual School Report. Every five years, schools will undergo external validation in which their self-assessment is validated by a panel of peers.

This new approach to planning and reporting is outlined in the School Excellence policy, which provides direction for schools to undertake school planning and reporting, self-assessment and external validation using the School Excellence Framework.

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NSW public schools are committed to ongoing improvement in the pursuit of excellence. The School Excellence Framework (PDF 291.17KB) is a statement of what is valued as excellence for NSW public schools, both now and into the future. All schools have areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

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Physical activity health check

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Parents and carers can reinforce what their children learn at school by planning and using safe school travel routes, modelling how to be a safe road user and always following road rules. Young children, in particular, require active supervision by an adult whenever they are in a traffic environment.

Road safety is everyone's responsibility.

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Parents and carers can reinforce what their children learn at school by planning and using safe school travel routes, modelling how to be a safe road user and always following road rules. Young children, in particular, require active supervision by an adult whenever they are in a traffic environment.

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DoE Road Safety Education Unit

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Students who use public transport to travel to and from school need to follow Transport for NSW’s code of conduct.

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Students code of conduct on public transport 

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Students code of conduct on public transport 

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Transport for NSW

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Using public transport with students

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Primary school with Kiss and Drop

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Travel Access Guide Primary School template.pdf

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High School with Public Transport

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Travel Access Guide High School template.pdf

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Transport for NSW: Travel to and from school 

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Transport for NSW: Travel to and from school 

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Transport for NSW information for parents on safe active travel.

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What would you do? Distraction around transport

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3 videos addressing distractions, wheels and pedestrians.

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Tram safety – What would you do? Distraction around trams

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Including bus, train and light rail activities.

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Safety Town has interactive road safety education resources for NSW students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

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On the Move passenger safety (high school)

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On the Move passenger safety (high school)

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Passenger safety

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On The Move has merged with connectnow.

You will shortly be redirected to the connectnow agent portal where you can log in and submit connection requests, view reports
and access resources.

If you have any questions or issues, please contact connectnow's Partner Support team on 1300 554 323.

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Checklist

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DoE Legal unit

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NSW Health

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Your primary aged child is still developing an understanding of danger and safety. While they are often keen to do things for themselves, an adult must always be responsible for your child in the traffic environment.

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Parent information

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Walk safely to school day parent resources .pdf

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10 week challenge

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Students and staff record and track their physical activity over a 10 week period as they aim to be more active, more often.

Registering for the 10 week Challenge

Registration for the 10 week Challenge will open early March 2022. See our 'Registration' page for more information.

2022 PSC Tracker updates:

All schools will now complete a new "PSC student recognition" registration step which includes PSC Student Medals and PSC Student Ambassadors.

PSC Student Medals will be dispatched as part of the PSC starter kit. From ongoing feedback, we are providing schools with the opportunity to request an additional medal for presentation to another student. Make sure you store it in a safe place and send yourself a calendar reminder for Term 4 of where you have put it.

PSC Student Ambassadors support the running of sport and physical activity initiatives in their school so students can be 'more active, more often'. Many schools use these Ambassadors to assist with the administration of running either or both the 10wC or RAA. For ambassadors helping in 10wC, an option to give them admin access to the e-wall charts will be provided. Facilitators will create an easy to remember login password for all Ambassadors replacing the individual student ambassador codes.

CSV file upload improvements to participants names. The PSC Tracker now better identifies participant name errors that may occur with CSV upload.

Activ8 your W orkplace - RAA staff challenge. On the "Challenge options" registration section, schools are able to opt in for the RAA staff challenge, as part of Activ8 your Workplace. The initiative was launched last year for corporate staff and is now open to all school staff. Keep an eye on the webpage for updates next term.

Need to update your school's 10wC Facilitator details?

Did you know that any current Principal or PSC Facilitator (10wC Facilitators) can update Facilitator's details in the PSC Tracker*? If they are unable to do this, or you wish to to be removed from our PSC Facilitator database please complete the 2022 PSC Facilitator form or email psc@det.nsw.edu.au.

10 week Challenge Launch videos

Show your class the PSC 10wC Launch video at the start of your challenge.

* Disclaimer: This link is provided with the intention of increasing the information available to you. The NSW Department of Education has no control over linked websites, and is not responsible for the views, opinions, standards or information expressed on linked websites. The provision of a link does not imply that the NSW Department of Education endorses those websites or the people or companies who own them, and vice versa. Please also refer to NSW Government's full disclaimer regarding links to external sites.

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State of New South Wales, Department of Education, Australia

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Students and staff record and track their physical activity over a 10 week period as they aim to be more active, more often. Registration for the 10 week Challenge will open early March 2022. See our 'Registration' page for more information.

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Resources and support for physical activity in schools

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The NSW Premier's Sporting Challenge's aim is to promote increased participation in sport and physical activity, leading to healthier, more active lifestyles. Our motto is to get 'more students and staff more active, more often'. Teachers can access a range of resources to support not only the delivery of PSC programs in their school, but any activity-focused initiative they deliver to their students and staff.

Many of program areas within the School Sport Unit have a 'participation' focus, and as always upskilling staff or providing them with resources is highly valued.

Below are a number of links to pages within the PSC as well as other SSU program areas with the focus on getting 'more students and staff more active, more often'.

Premier's Sporting Challenge

Find resources specific to PSC initiatives.

- Registration/pre-challenge organisation

- Recording the 10wC

- Mid-challenge certificates

- Concluding the 10wC

- 10wC@Home

- Registration/pre-challenge organisation

- Administering RAA

- RAA workout/activity resources

The Teacher resource hub contains a wide range of sport and physical activity resources and professional learning to support educators in planning and implementing quality sport and physical activity lessons to meet the requirements of the Sport and Physical Activity Policy. Within the Teacher resource hub you will find resources targeted to the following areas:

Teaching and learning resources

School sport and physical activity

Embedding physical activity across the school day

Improving wellbeing through sport and physical activity - School Health Check

School carnivals

TPL opportunities provided by the SSU

Teachers and school leaders can find requirements and guidelines for implementing safe sport and physical activities in NSW public schools. Within the policy and guideline section of our website you will find resources targeted to the following areas:

Sport and physical activity policy

Sport safety guidelines

Policy advice and support

Sample whole school physical activity timetables

Awareness presentation for sport safety guidelines

Health and Safety (DoE intranet page)

Teachers and parents/carers can find information on school swimming and water safety programs and learning resources.

Opportunities for students with disabilities to get involved in sports are available at various levels throughout the school sport structure, from participation to elite.

Parents, teachers, and students can browse Schools Sports Associations to find representative sport events and results for students aged 8 to 19 years old.

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State of New South Wales, Department of Education, Australia

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Resources and support for physical activity in schools

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The NSW Premier's Sporting Challenge's aim is to promote increased participation in sport and physical activity, leading to healthier, more active lifestyles. Our motto is to get 'more students and staff more active, more often'. Teachers can access a range of resources to support not only the delivery of PSC programs in their school, but any activity-focused initiative they deliver to their students and staff.

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Safety Town (K-6): Excursions using public transport 

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Safety Town (K-6): Excursions using public transport 

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Transport for NSW

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Each child and adult in the excursion group requires their own Opal card.

Child/Youth Opal cards are for personal travel including school excursions using public transport.

Schools are encouraged to ask parents to provide their child with a Child/Youth Opal card prior to school excursions. It is important to ensure there are sufficient funds on each card to cover the excursion travel expenses.

School Opal cards are for travel to and from school on school days only. School Opal cards do not include travel to school excursions, after-school care, sport and other activities away from school.

Schools can also have additional topped up Child/Youth Opal cards for students who have forgotten or lost their Opal card, or have insufficient funds to travel.

Adults travelling with the student group will need to use their own Opal card.

Students aged 16 years and older must carry their Transport Concession Entitlement card. These are issued by the school as proof of concession entitlement.

Schools should contact their local transport operator for school excursion travel and ticketing information outside the Opal network and in regional NSW.

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Each child and adult in the excursion group requires their own Opal card. Child/Youth Opal cards are for personal travel including school excursions using public transport. Schools are encouraged to ask parents to provide their child with a Child/Youth Opal card prior to school excursions.

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Department of Education

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Introduction to cycling professional learning  Welcome to the myPL portal - MyPL

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Sample letter non helmet wheeled devices.docx

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Transport for NSW

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Riding safely information for parents/carers.

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Keep your child safe

Your primary aged child is still developing an understanding of danger and safety. While they are often keen to do things for themselves, an adult must always be responsible for your child in the traffic environment.

Your child is a vulnerable road user. They are still developing the skills that help them to judge the direction of sound and the speed and distance of vehicles. Your child is physically small, making it harder for drivers to see them. They may be easily distracted and tend to only be able to focus on one thing at a time. This means that they find it difficult to deal with sudden changes in the traffic environment.

Your child may be able to tell you the rules and how to keep safe near in and around vehicles, but in reality, will not always be able to apply them.

Read the road safety information below about how to help keep your child safe. Share the information with all of the adults who care for your child.

Also take some time to explore and talk about the Safety Town activities with your child.

Share what they learn at school
At school, your child learns about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). Help them practise the road safety messages they learn at school by using and sharing them whenever you are out and about.

Pedestrian safety

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Hold a grown-up's hand when

you cross the road

you're on the footpath

you're in the car park

Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Starting school means lots of changes for you and your child. It is crucial to plan and talk about safe travel to and from school with your child.

Starting school probably means your child will see themselves as a "big kid". They may even want to travel to school by themselves, with friends or siblings. However, your young child is still developing many of the skills they need to be safe in a road traffic environment.

Until your child is at least 8 years old, hold their hand:

on the footpath

in the car park

when crossing the road

Up until at least 10 years old, supervise your child very closely, holding their hand when crossing the road. If a hand isn't available they should hold an arm, bag, clothes or the pram.

In the early years of your child's schooling, there are many road safety considerations for you to think about.

The route to and from school may be unfamiliar
Plan a safe route together and practice walking it on weekends or school holidays. As you walk together, talk about all the things you are doing to keep you both safe.

Most journeys to and from school are in peak hours
Roads are full of people and vehicles. The roads around schools are busy places and can make the journey to school hazardous. Always closely and actively supervise your child. Hold hands together when walking on the footpath and crossing the road. You should do this until they are at least ten years old.

The beginning and end of the school day can be hectic
Entering or leaving the school can be a source of great excitement or even stress! Your child may not be focused on their own safety. Arrange a safe place to meet inside the school grounds or on the school side of the road. Never call your child across the road.

Using and sharing pedestrian road safety messages
At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.

Hold a grown-up's hand when you're:

on the footpath

in a carpark

crossing the road

You probably already know that your child can easily be distracted! As a pedestrian, they are small and can be difficult for drivers to see. Developmentally, your primary aged child is still learning the skills to predict or identify dangers, judge speed and know which directions sounds come from. They tend to act impulsively too.

You are responsible for your child's safety. Talk with your child about safe behaviour on the footpath. It is not a safe place to play. Discuss the dangers of vehicles that may be entering or exiting driveways.

Until your child is at least 8 years old, hold their hand:

on the footpath

in the car park

when crossing the road.

Up until at least 10 years old, supervise your child very closely, holding their hand when crossing the road. If you cannot be with your child, organise for another trusted adult to accompany them.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Hold a grown-up's hand when

you cross the road

you're on the footpath

you're in the car park

Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

As your child gets older they are likely to want to become an independent traveller.

Walking to and from school with your child helps ease traffic congestion, reduces your carbon footprint, promotes physical activty and provides a talking point about road safety. The Transport for NSW website has more information on active transport.

Before allowing your child to walk to school by themselves, talk with them about the responsibility and the importance of making safe decisions. Remind them that the decisions they make will affect their safety, and that of other road users.

You know that what works for one child may not work with another. Every child acts differently around traffic. Ensure you know how your child may act or react in a changing traffic environment. This will help you to decide when to allow them to walk to school independently.

Before you let your child to walk to school independently, plan the journey together and have a practice run.

You should also ensure your child knows and understands:

the pedestrian road rules

their responsibility as a pedestrian towards the safety of others

the importance of not using mobile phones and other devices in the traffic environment

a safe, alternative way home if something changes

Other pedestrian safety tips include:

Always use pedestrian facilities if available.

Never assume that a driver can see you or will stop for you.

Make sure drivers see you and have stopped before you cross the road or driveway.

Check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb and when crossing driveways.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Walking together to and from school

Walking to and from school with your child helps ease traffic congestion, reduces your carbon footprint, promotes physical activty and provides a talking point about road safety. The transport for NSW website has more information on active transport.

When you walk with your child, talk about safe behaviour. Always demonstrate correct pedestrian behaviour. The best way you can help your child to be a safe pedestrian is to:

give them lots of supervised practice with you or another trusted adult.

talk with and teach your child about being alert in a road environment.

always hold your child's hand.

explain why the place you have chosen is the safest place to cross the road.

point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways.

use pedestrian crossings and traffic lights correctly.

teach your child to keep turning their head in both directions to look and listen for traffic as they cross the road.

talk with them about everything they need to think about to keep safe when walking.

explain why they should look and listen before crossing a driveway, road or carpark.

talk with your child and reinforce Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road together

STOP! one step back from the kerb.

LOOK! continuously look both ways.

LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic.

THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Walking together also helps you to observe if older children are ready to cross the road independently.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Hold a grown-up's hand when

you cross the road

you're on the footpath

you're in the car park

Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

You and your child should always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one available. It is the safest point at which to cross a road. Share how to use the different pedestrian crossings with your child when you are out walking together. Model the correct behaviours - they learn from you.

Children's crossings

Children's crossings are usually part-time crossings that operate before and after school hours. They can also operate at other times when children use the crossing for excursions or during break times. When the red 'Children Crossing' flags are displayed, you must stop at the white line if pedestrians are waiting to cross. Drivers must remain stopped until the crossing is clear of pedestrians.

Pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings)

Talk with your child about waiting until all vehicles have stopped before starting to cross. Some drivers may not stop for pedestrians. If you are driving, you must slow down and stop when a pedestrian steps onto a marked crossing. You must give way to any pedestrian on the crossing. Crossings with poor visibility have zigzag white lines painted on the road to warn drivers.

If there is school crossing supervisor, hold hands with your child and wait together on the footpath, at least one step back from the edge of the road, until the supervisor indicates that it is safe to enter the crossing.

If you are driving, you must stop until the crossing supervisor's hand-held sign is no longer displayed, or until the supervisor indicates that you may proceed through the crossing.

Pedestrian traffic signals

Always wait for the light to change to the green walk signal before crossing. Make sure that vehicles stop before you cross, and don't walk if vehicles are moving through the crossing or if the red don't walk signal shows. When approaching traffic lights, you must not start to cross on the flashing red don't walk signal. You must wait for the green signal before you start to cross. At some intersections, pedestrian countdown timers have replaced the flashing red man don't walk signal. The countdown timers show how many seconds you have left to finish crossing before oncoming vehicles will be given a green light. If you haven't started to cross, the countdown timers can help you decide if it's safe to do so.

Pedestrian refuge islands

Pedestrian refuge islands are not pedestrian crossings. They are installed on busy or wide roads to help you cross in two stages. Sometimes they are used with a pedestrian crossing when a staged crossing is required.

Texting, talking or playing on the phone or other device, makes your child vulnerable when walking in the traffic environment.

While using devices, children focus their vision, hearing and concentration on the device instead of thinking about keeping safe. Your child should put away all devices before they start their journey. Talk with them about how this helps limit distractions and keeps them alert to possible dangers. It is good practice to teach your child from a young age to always concentrate when walking in the traffic environment.

Going on holidays is an exciting time for you and your child. Travelling to different places often means new surroundings and traffic conditions. Roads, footpaths and pedestrian facilities may look different in holiday areas. Whether it's a holiday by the beach, in the city or the bush, chances are there will be different road conditions. While you may be relaxed, it is important to talk to your child about the differences in the road and traffic environment.

Holiday parks and camping grounds also bring their own set of road safety challenges for your child. There will be more children out walking and riding bikes and scooters. Remember:

The best way to keep your child safe on or near the road is to hold their hand.

Talk to your child daily about road safety.

Remind other adults and carers about this too.

Passenger safety

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the passenger safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about in the car.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Click clack front and back

Always buckle up safely

Get in and out of the car on the footpath side

Wait till the bus has gone and then use a safe place to cross

Child car seats

National child restraint laws

Children up to the age of six months must be secured in an approved rearward facing restraint

Children aged from six months old but under four years old must be secured in either a rear or forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness

Children under four years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows

Children aged from four years old but under seven years old must be secured in a forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat

Children aged from four years old but under seven years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows, unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in an approved child restraint or booster seat

Children aged from seven years old but under 16 years old who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened are strongly recommended to use an approved booster seat

Children in booster seats must be restrained by a suitable lap and sash type approved seatbelt that is properly adjusted and fastened, or by a suitable approved child safety harness that is properly adjusted and fastened.

If your child is too small for the child restraint specified for their age, they should be kept in their current child restraint until it is safe for them to move to the next level.

If your child is too large for the child restraint specified for their age, they may move to the next level of child restraint.

It is recommended that children up to and including 12 years of age should always sit in the rear seat, even though children 7+ years can legally occupy the front seat of a vehicle.

Five-step test

The five-step test can help assess whether your child is big enough to be safely restrained by a seatbelt. Answering Yes to each step means your child is ready for a seatbelt. The child should be able to:

1. Sit all the way back against the seat back

2. Bend their knees comfortably over the front edge of the vehicle seat

3. Sit with the sash belt across their mid-shoulder

4. Sit with the lap belt across the top of their thighs

5. Stay seated in this position for the whole trip.

Find more information about moving your child to the next type of child car seat, or from a booster seat to an adult seatbelt, as well as answers to other common questions on the Child Car Seats website FAQs section.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when fitting child car seats. If you are unable to locate the fitting instructions, contact the manufacturer or search for the instructions online.

To ensure correct and safe installation of your child car seat, have it checked by an Authorised Restraint Fitter.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the passenger safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about in the car.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Click, clack front and back

Always buckle up safely

Get in and out of the car on the footpath side

Ensure your child always gets in and out of the car through the Safety Door. This is the rear kerb-side door of the car. Never allow your child to get in and out of the car on the traffic side. Your child should remain in the car until an adult opens the Safety Door.

Help your child buckle up. Make sure their seatbelt is not twisted. It is a good habit to make sure all passengers are securely buckled into a child car seat, booster seat or seatbelt before you start the car.

Never leave a child of any age in a vehicle without adult supervision. A small child may rapidly suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion and consequent organ failure. Children could play games with car controls that may lead to danger.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the passenger safety messages by using and sharing them whenever you are out and about in the car.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Click clack front and back

Always buckle up safely

Get in and out of the car on the footpath side

On and off the bus safely

Your child is most at risk just after getting off the bus. To reduce this risk, meet your child at the bus stop, never on the opposite side of the road.

At the bus stop, hold hands and stand with your child, well away from the passing traffic. Never wait close to the kerb.

Wait until the bus has driven off before choosing the safest place to cross the road. Then follow the usual road crossing procedures with your child.

STOP! One step back from the kerb.

LOOK! For traffic to your right, left and right again.

LISTEN! For the sounds of approaching traffic.

THINK! Whether it is safe to cross.

Teach your child to turn their head in both directions to look and listen for traffic as they cross the road. Remember, until your child turns 10, hold your child's hand whenever you cross the road.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the bus safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about on a bus.
Seatbelts
As newer models come into service, if a bus is fitted with seatbelts, children must buckle up.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Wait until the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross the road

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Bus safety for school students has more information on how families can help keep children safe getting on and off buses.

Familiarise yourself with the Code of conduct for school students on buses.

Informal school bus stops are not sign-posted and usually found in rural areas. They may be at the front of a property, or on the side of the road. Drivers may find it difficult to see children at informal school bus stops.

Families should take special care when using informal school bus stops. Remember:

At the bus stop, hold hands and wait as far back from the passing traffic as possible

Meet your child AT the bus stop after school. NEVER wait on the opposite side of the road

Wait till the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross the road

If you cannot be with your child, organise for a trusted adult to take your place.

Staying on the bus a bit longer to travel to another bus stop may reduce the need for your child to cross the road.

The Centre for Road Safety website has advice to help those involved in selecting or reviewing locations of informal school bus stops.

Safety on wheels

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the safety on wheels messages by reinforcing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 2 Students in Stage 3

Research shows that helmets reduce head injuries by up to 74 per cent in crashes with motor vehicles. Wearing a helmet from the moment they start learning to ride will help your child to develop it as a habit and reduce the risk of head injuries.

Early helmet wearers will also be more likely to continue to wear helmets throughout their life.

Your child must wear a helmet when riding a bike in a public place. It is the law. It is important that the helmet is correctly fitted and complies with the Australian and New Zealand Standards. A helmet that is not correctly fitted and fastened does not provide enough protection in a crash.
Choosing and using a helmet

Always choose an approved helmet with a standards approved sticker.

Pick a helmet with a bright colour so it can easily be seen.

Choose the right size so it doesn't cover your eyes or ears.

Look for a light weight helmet with adjustable straps and fitting system.

Avoid attaching anything to the helmet.

Never wear a damaged helmet.

The Centre for Road Safety website has detailed information on selecting and fitting helmets.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn safety on wheels messages by using and sharing them whenever you are riding together.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 2

Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

​Ride your bike away from the road

Students in Stage 3

Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

Ride your bike away from busy roads

Until they are at least 10 years old, your child should ride off-road away from vehicles and driveways. While your child may learn skills such as balancing, pedalling and steering quite easily, they are still learning skills that help them to judge speed, distance and the direction of sound. Your young child will often ride with their head down, concentrating on pedalling, not the environment around them. Your child needs ongoing adult help in safe, off-road locations to gradually develop all their skills.

Your older child may want to ride to and from school. This helps to ease traffic congestion, reduce your carbon footprint and promotes physical activty. Consider whether the infrastructure in your area supports your child riding safely to school. Also, check with your school about their guidelines for students riding to and from school. The Roads and Maritime Services website has more information on safe cycling acrosss NSW.

The safest places to ride bikes, scooters and skateboards are within fenced areas. This helps your child from riding or falling onto the footpath or the road.
Children between 10 and 12 should ride away from busy roads. Children under 16 and adult riders accompanying and supervising them may ride on the footpath, unless there are signs specifically prohibiting cycling.
When riding on the footpath, cyclists must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians. On shared paths, riders are encouraged to leave a metre of space, where possible. Your child also needs to take special care at driveways where vehicles may be driving in or out.

Plan your route using quieter streets, bicycle paths or shared paths, if possible. At intersections, your child and adult riders accompanying them, must dismount and wheel the bike and cross the road as a pedestrian.

Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades

Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should always wear an approved helmet, properly fitted and fastened, as well as protective pads on their knees and elbows.
Bicycle helmets with a standards approved sticker, properly fitted and fastened provide the best head protection.
Remind your child to be considerate of pedestrians. Your child should keep to the left and ride in a courteous manner that does not cause other road users to react suddenly. They need to slow down or walk in busy areas.

Your child will be more visible wearing bright, light coloured or reflective clothing. They should ride in a safe place off-road and away from vehicles and driveways.

Your child should avoid using foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades in car parks and on roads.

Dropping off and picking up at school

Driving and parking near schools

The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and vehicles outside schools. Parking signs are planned with your child's safety in mind.

It is helpful for everyone if you park safely, even if you have to walk further to the school gate. This is a good time to model positive road safety behaviour and physical activity for your child.

Slow down near any crossings around the school. At a supervised crossing, follow the directions of the school crossing supervisor. Crossing supervisors manage traffic to help primary school children use the crossings on roads near and outside of schools.

Drop your child off and pick them up on the school side of the road. Calling out to them from across the road is dangerous - they may run to you without checking for traffic. This will help keep all children as safe as possible during the busiest times of the school day.

You should always:

park legally

avoid dangerous manoeuvers such as U-turns and three-point turns

give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering or exiting driveways

avoid using the school car park or driveway

avoid parking in the school bus bay

make sure your child uses the Safety Door (rear kerb-side door) to get in and out of the car.

Dangerous driving behaviour around schools puts children at risk.

Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child - they will learn from you.

40km/h school zones

The 40km/h school zones operate at all school sites on gazetted school days, including school development days. The 40km/h school zone slows traffic around schools. The 40km/h speed limit must be observed, even if school children cannot be seen.

Most school zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days.

There are a small number of non-standard school zone times in NSW. They are identified by red/orange school zone signs to show non-standard times. Signs at these schools show the times that apply.

All NSW schools have school zone flashing lights to warn drivers that they must slow down to 40 km/h. Drivers caught speeding in school zones during double demerit periods face more severe penalties. The Centre for Road Safety website lists the publically notified school days in NSW.

Driving near school buses

A 40 km/h speed limit applies to traffic passing a school bus that is setting down or picking up school children. This speed limit is for all traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus, whether the bus is stationary or moving.

You must obey the 40km/h speed limit when the rear wig-wag lights on the bus flash. Flashing lights on the front of buses also warn oncoming motorists that children are close by.

Buses are large, heavy vehicles. They can't stop quickly, therefore, when you are driving, you should:

reduce speed to 40 km/h when bus lights are flashing

give way to buses

watch for children crossing

not merge too closely in front of buses

never park in or near a bus stop or bus zone.

Driveway safety

They're counting on you

On average, more than five children are killed and 47 seriously injured in driveways each year across Australia.

In NSW, six children have been killed and 15 seriously injured in driveways since January 2013.

We all have a role to play when it comes to driveway safety.

Your young child counts on you to supervise them near vehicles, separate play areas from driveways and see where they are at all times.

Remember to:

Supervise
When your child is around driveways, they should be actively supervised by an adult who is holding their hand. Ensure that young children are placed securely in a vehicle before moving it.

Separate
Treat the driveway like a road. Do not let your child use the driveway as a play area. Separate play spaces from garages and driveways. Home features including fences, high handles on garage doors and self-closing doors or gates can help.

See
​​All vehicles have blind spots. Even though reversing sensors and cameras can help reduce blind spots, it can still be hard to see a small child until it is too late. Do not become complacent. Get into the habit of walking around your vehicle before starting it, especially when leaving an area where a young child could be present.

Watch TV personality Scott Cam in our video, Driveway Safety - They're Counting On You.

The video has advice for parents and carers, drivers and residents. It has tips on home design that may help reduce the risk of a driveway tragedy.

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Your primary aged child is still developing an understanding of danger and safety. While they are often keen to do things for themselves, an adult must always be responsible for your child in the traffic environment. Your child is a vulnerable road user.

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Sample document

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A guide to bicycle maintenance_eight point check.docx

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Riding activities

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Safety Town has interactive road safety education resources for NSW students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

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School resources

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Bicycle Network

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National Ride2School Day
Friday 25 March 2022
Join more than 350,000 students across the nation who will ride, walk, scoot and skate to school on Friday 25 March 2022.

REGISTER NOW

Get your school involved

National Ride2School Day is Australia's biggest celebration of active travel and one of the best days on the school calendar. It is a day full of fun and colour where students, teachers and parents discover the joy of riding and kick-start healthy habits for the future.

REGISTER NOW

National Ride2School Day 2022

The countdown is on...

Resources

Browse and download our resources below for information and tips to help you get the most out of the day.

A snapshot of 2021

Help us spread the word

Download our media kit to promote National Ride2School Day to your school community! The social tiles and samples posts make sharing the event quick and easy.

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

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National Ride2School Day | Bicycle Network

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Friday 25 March 2022 Join more than 350,000 students across the nation who will ride, walk, scoot and skate to school on Friday 25 March 2022. REGISTER NOW National Ride2School Day is Australia's biggest celebration of active travel and one of the best days on the school calendar.

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Planning and implementing considerations for schools

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Department of Education

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Keep them safe

Research shows that many children and young people like to walk or ride to school. They enjoy this time for being social, independent and outdoors.

Help them keep safe by modelling and teaching good road user behaviours from a young age.

Until they are at least 8 years old always hold your child's hand when walking on the footpath, in the car park and when crossing the road.

When your children are between 8 and 10 years old, supervise them very closely when they are near traffic and crossing the road.

For all children, including older ones (age 11 and above) regularly remind them to be safe and responsible pedestrians by:

sharing the footpath and walking on the left

looking out for vehicles entering or leaving driveways

putting mobile phones and earphones away, so you or your children are not distracted by music, texting, emailing or searching the internet when walking

using safe places to cross such as pedestrian crossings, traffic lights or a school crossing, if available.

showing respect to other pedestrians.

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Research shows that many children and young people like to walk or ride to school. They enjoy this time for being social, independent and outdoors. Help them keep safe by modelling and teaching good road user behaviours from a young age.

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Walking together for families

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Keep your child safe

Your primary aged child is still developing an understanding of danger and safety. While they are often keen to do things for themselves, an adult must always be responsible for your child in the traffic environment.

Your child is a vulnerable road user. They are still developing the skills that help them to judge the direction of sound and the speed and distance of vehicles. Your child is physically small, making it harder for drivers to see them. They may be easily distracted and tend to only be able to focus on one thing at a time. This means that they find it difficult to deal with sudden changes in the traffic environment.

Your child may be able to tell you the rules and how to keep safe near in and around vehicles, but in reality, will not always be able to apply them.

Read the road safety information below about how to help keep your child safe. Share the information with all of the adults who care for your child.

Also take some time to explore and talk about the Safety Town activities with your child.

Share what they learn at school
At school, your child learns about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). Help them practise the road safety messages they learn at school by using and sharing them whenever you are out and about.

Pedestrian safety

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Hold a grown-up's hand when

you cross the road

you're on the footpath

you're in the car park

Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Starting school means lots of changes for you and your child. It is crucial to plan and talk about safe travel to and from school with your child.

Starting school probably means your child will see themselves as a "big kid". They may even want to travel to school by themselves, with friends or siblings. However, your young child is still developing many of the skills they need to be safe in a road traffic environment.

Until your child is at least 8 years old, hold their hand:

on the footpath

in the car park

when crossing the road

Up until at least 10 years old, supervise your child very closely, holding their hand when crossing the road. If a hand isn't available they should hold an arm, bag, clothes or the pram.

In the early years of your child's schooling, there are many road safety considerations for you to think about.

The route to and from school may be unfamiliar
Plan a safe route together and practice walking it on weekends or school holidays. As you walk together, talk about all the things you are doing to keep you both safe.

Most journeys to and from school are in peak hours
Roads are full of people and vehicles. The roads around schools are busy places and can make the journey to school hazardous. Always closely and actively supervise your child. Hold hands together when walking on the footpath and crossing the road. You should do this until they are at least ten years old.

The beginning and end of the school day can be hectic
Entering or leaving the school can be a source of great excitement or even stress! Your child may not be focused on their own safety. Arrange a safe place to meet inside the school grounds or on the school side of the road. Never call your child across the road.

Using and sharing pedestrian road safety messages
At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.

Hold a grown-up's hand when you're:

on the footpath

in a carpark

crossing the road

You probably already know that your child can easily be distracted! As a pedestrian, they are small and can be difficult for drivers to see. Developmentally, your primary aged child is still learning the skills to predict or identify dangers, judge speed and know which directions sounds come from. They tend to act impulsively too.

You are responsible for your child's safety. Talk with your child about safe behaviour on the footpath. It is not a safe place to play. Discuss the dangers of vehicles that may be entering or exiting driveways.

Until your child is at least 8 years old, hold their hand:

on the footpath

in the car park

when crossing the road.

Up until at least 10 years old, supervise your child very closely, holding their hand when crossing the road. If you cannot be with your child, organise for another trusted adult to accompany them.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Hold a grown-up's hand when

you cross the road

you're on the footpath

you're in the car park

Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

As your child gets older they are likely to want to become an independent traveller.

Walking to and from school with your child helps ease traffic congestion, reduces your carbon footprint, promotes physical activty and provides a talking point about road safety. The Transport for NSW website has more information on active transport.

Before allowing your child to walk to school by themselves, talk with them about the responsibility and the importance of making safe decisions. Remind them that the decisions they make will affect their safety, and that of other road users.

You know that what works for one child may not work with another. Every child acts differently around traffic. Ensure you know how your child may act or react in a changing traffic environment. This will help you to decide when to allow them to walk to school independently.

Before you let your child to walk to school independently, plan the journey together and have a practice run.

You should also ensure your child knows and understands:

the pedestrian road rules

their responsibility as a pedestrian towards the safety of others

the importance of not using mobile phones and other devices in the traffic environment

a safe, alternative way home if something changes

Other pedestrian safety tips include:

Always use pedestrian facilities if available.

Never assume that a driver can see you or will stop for you.

Make sure drivers see you and have stopped before you cross the road or driveway.

Check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb and when crossing driveways.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Walking together to and from school

Walking to and from school with your child helps ease traffic congestion, reduces your carbon footprint, promotes physical activty and provides a talking point about road safety. The transport for NSW website has more information on active transport.

When you walk with your child, talk about safe behaviour. Always demonstrate correct pedestrian behaviour. The best way you can help your child to be a safe pedestrian is to:

give them lots of supervised practice with you or another trusted adult.

talk with and teach your child about being alert in a road environment.

always hold your child's hand.

explain why the place you have chosen is the safest place to cross the road.

point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways.

use pedestrian crossings and traffic lights correctly.

teach your child to keep turning their head in both directions to look and listen for traffic as they cross the road.

talk with them about everything they need to think about to keep safe when walking.

explain why they should look and listen before crossing a driveway, road or carpark.

talk with your child and reinforce Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road together

STOP! one step back from the kerb.

LOOK! continuously look both ways.

LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic.

THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Walking together also helps you to observe if older children are ready to cross the road independently.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the pedestrian safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Hold a grown-up's hand when

you cross the road

you're on the footpath

you're in the car park

Students in Stage 2

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

Students in Stage 3

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross the road

You and your child should always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one available. It is the safest point at which to cross a road. Share how to use the different pedestrian crossings with your child when you are out walking together. Model the correct behaviours - they learn from you.

Children's crossings

Children's crossings are usually part-time crossings that operate before and after school hours. They can also operate at other times when children use the crossing for excursions or during break times. When the red 'Children Crossing' flags are displayed, you must stop at the white line if pedestrians are waiting to cross. Drivers must remain stopped until the crossing is clear of pedestrians.

Pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings)

Talk with your child about waiting until all vehicles have stopped before starting to cross. Some drivers may not stop for pedestrians. If you are driving, you must slow down and stop when a pedestrian steps onto a marked crossing. You must give way to any pedestrian on the crossing. Crossings with poor visibility have zigzag white lines painted on the road to warn drivers.

If there is school crossing supervisor, hold hands with your child and wait together on the footpath, at least one step back from the edge of the road, until the supervisor indicates that it is safe to enter the crossing.

If you are driving, you must stop until the crossing supervisor's hand-held sign is no longer displayed, or until the supervisor indicates that you may proceed through the crossing.

Pedestrian traffic signals

Always wait for the light to change to the green walk signal before crossing. Make sure that vehicles stop before you cross, and don't walk if vehicles are moving through the crossing or if the red don't walk signal shows. When approaching traffic lights, you must not start to cross on the flashing red don't walk signal. You must wait for the green signal before you start to cross. At some intersections, pedestrian countdown timers have replaced the flashing red man don't walk signal. The countdown timers show how many seconds you have left to finish crossing before oncoming vehicles will be given a green light. If you haven't started to cross, the countdown timers can help you decide if it's safe to do so.

Pedestrian refuge islands

Pedestrian refuge islands are not pedestrian crossings. They are installed on busy or wide roads to help you cross in two stages. Sometimes they are used with a pedestrian crossing when a staged crossing is required.

Texting, talking or playing on the phone or other device, makes your child vulnerable when walking in the traffic environment.

While using devices, children focus their vision, hearing and concentration on the device instead of thinking about keeping safe. Your child should put away all devices before they start their journey. Talk with them about how this helps limit distractions and keeps them alert to possible dangers. It is good practice to teach your child from a young age to always concentrate when walking in the traffic environment.

Going on holidays is an exciting time for you and your child. Travelling to different places often means new surroundings and traffic conditions. Roads, footpaths and pedestrian facilities may look different in holiday areas. Whether it's a holiday by the beach, in the city or the bush, chances are there will be different road conditions. While you may be relaxed, it is important to talk to your child about the differences in the road and traffic environment.

Holiday parks and camping grounds also bring their own set of road safety challenges for your child. There will be more children out walking and riding bikes and scooters. Remember:

The best way to keep your child safe on or near the road is to hold their hand.

Talk to your child daily about road safety.

Remind other adults and carers about this too.

Passenger safety

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the passenger safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about in the car.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Click clack front and back

Always buckle up safely

Get in and out of the car on the footpath side

Wait till the bus has gone and then use a safe place to cross

Child car seats

National child restraint laws

Children up to the age of six months must be secured in an approved rearward facing restraint

Children aged from six months old but under four years old must be secured in either a rear or forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness

Children under four years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows

Children aged from four years old but under seven years old must be secured in a forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat

Children aged from four years old but under seven years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows, unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in an approved child restraint or booster seat

Children aged from seven years old but under 16 years old who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened are strongly recommended to use an approved booster seat

Children in booster seats must be restrained by a suitable lap and sash type approved seatbelt that is properly adjusted and fastened, or by a suitable approved child safety harness that is properly adjusted and fastened.

If your child is too small for the child restraint specified for their age, they should be kept in their current child restraint until it is safe for them to move to the next level.

If your child is too large for the child restraint specified for their age, they may move to the next level of child restraint.

It is recommended that children up to and including 12 years of age should always sit in the rear seat, even though children 7+ years can legally occupy the front seat of a vehicle.

Five-step test

The five-step test can help assess whether your child is big enough to be safely restrained by a seatbelt. Answering Yes to each step means your child is ready for a seatbelt. The child should be able to:

1. Sit all the way back against the seat back

2. Bend their knees comfortably over the front edge of the vehicle seat

3. Sit with the sash belt across their mid-shoulder

4. Sit with the lap belt across the top of their thighs

5. Stay seated in this position for the whole trip.

Find more information about moving your child to the next type of child car seat, or from a booster seat to an adult seatbelt, as well as answers to other common questions on the Child Car Seats website FAQs section.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when fitting child car seats. If you are unable to locate the fitting instructions, contact the manufacturer or search for the instructions online.

To ensure correct and safe installation of your child car seat, have it checked by an Authorised Restraint Fitter.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the passenger safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about in the car.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Click, clack front and back

Always buckle up safely

Get in and out of the car on the footpath side

Ensure your child always gets in and out of the car through the Safety Door. This is the rear kerb-side door of the car. Never allow your child to get in and out of the car on the traffic side. Your child should remain in the car until an adult opens the Safety Door.

Help your child buckle up. Make sure their seatbelt is not twisted. It is a good habit to make sure all passengers are securely buckled into a child car seat, booster seat or seatbelt before you start the car.

Never leave a child of any age in a vehicle without adult supervision. A small child may rapidly suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion and consequent organ failure. Children could play games with car controls that may lead to danger.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the passenger safety messages by using and sharing them whenever you are out and about in the car.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Click clack front and back

Always buckle up safely

Get in and out of the car on the footpath side

On and off the bus safely

Your child is most at risk just after getting off the bus. To reduce this risk, meet your child at the bus stop, never on the opposite side of the road.

At the bus stop, hold hands and stand with your child, well away from the passing traffic. Never wait close to the kerb.

Wait until the bus has driven off before choosing the safest place to cross the road. Then follow the usual road crossing procedures with your child.

STOP! One step back from the kerb.

LOOK! For traffic to your right, left and right again.

LISTEN! For the sounds of approaching traffic.

THINK! Whether it is safe to cross.

Teach your child to turn their head in both directions to look and listen for traffic as they cross the road. Remember, until your child turns 10, hold your child's hand whenever you cross the road.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the bus safety messages by using them and sharing them whenever you are out and about on a bus.
Seatbelts
As newer models come into service, if a bus is fitted with seatbelts, children must buckle up.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Wait until the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross the road

Hold an adult's hand when you cross the road

Use a safe place to cross

Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

Bus safety for school students has more information on how families can help keep children safe getting on and off buses.

Familiarise yourself with the Code of conduct for school students on buses.

Informal school bus stops are not sign-posted and usually found in rural areas. They may be at the front of a property, or on the side of the road. Drivers may find it difficult to see children at informal school bus stops.

Families should take special care when using informal school bus stops. Remember:

At the bus stop, hold hands and wait as far back from the passing traffic as possible

Meet your child AT the bus stop after school. NEVER wait on the opposite side of the road

Wait till the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross the road

If you cannot be with your child, organise for a trusted adult to take your place.

Staying on the bus a bit longer to travel to another bus stop may reduce the need for your child to cross the road.

The Centre for Road Safety website has advice to help those involved in selecting or reviewing locations of informal school bus stops.

Safety on wheels

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn the safety on wheels messages by reinforcing them whenever you are out and about.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 2 Students in Stage 3

Research shows that helmets reduce head injuries by up to 74 per cent in crashes with motor vehicles. Wearing a helmet from the moment they start learning to ride will help your child to develop it as a habit and reduce the risk of head injuries.

Early helmet wearers will also be more likely to continue to wear helmets throughout their life.

Your child must wear a helmet when riding a bike in a public place. It is the law. It is important that the helmet is correctly fitted and complies with the Australian and New Zealand Standards. A helmet that is not correctly fitted and fastened does not provide enough protection in a crash.
Choosing and using a helmet

Always choose an approved helmet with a standards approved sticker.

Pick a helmet with a bright colour so it can easily be seen.

Choose the right size so it doesn't cover your eyes or ears.

Look for a light weight helmet with adjustable straps and fitting system.

Avoid attaching anything to the helmet.

Never wear a damaged helmet.

The Centre for Road Safety website has detailed information on selecting and fitting helmets.

At school, your child will learn about road safety as part of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Help them learn safety on wheels messages by using and sharing them whenever you are riding together.
Students in Early Stage 1 to Stage 2

Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

​Ride your bike away from the road

Students in Stage 3

Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

Ride your bike away from busy roads

Until they are at least 10 years old, your child should ride off-road away from vehicles and driveways. While your child may learn skills such as balancing, pedalling and steering quite easily, they are still learning skills that help them to judge speed, distance and the direction of sound. Your young child will often ride with their head down, concentrating on pedalling, not the environment around them. Your child needs ongoing adult help in safe, off-road locations to gradually develop all their skills.

Your older child may want to ride to and from school. This helps to ease traffic congestion, reduce your carbon footprint and promotes physical activty. Consider whether the infrastructure in your area supports your child riding safely to school. Also, check with your school about their guidelines for students riding to and from school. The Roads and Maritime Services website has more information on safe cycling acrosss NSW.

The safest places to ride bikes, scooters and skateboards are within fenced areas. This helps your child from riding or falling onto the footpath or the road.
Children between 10 and 12 should ride away from busy roads. Children under 16 and adult riders accompanying and supervising them may ride on the footpath, unless there are signs specifically prohibiting cycling.
When riding on the footpath, cyclists must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians. On shared paths, riders are encouraged to leave a metre of space, where possible. Your child also needs to take special care at driveways where vehicles may be driving in or out.

Plan your route using quieter streets, bicycle paths or shared paths, if possible. At intersections, your child and adult riders accompanying them, must dismount and wheel the bike and cross the road as a pedestrian.

Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades

Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should always wear an approved helmet, properly fitted and fastened, as well as protective pads on their knees and elbows.
Bicycle helmets with a standards approved sticker, properly fitted and fastened provide the best head protection.
Remind your child to be considerate of pedestrians. Your child should keep to the left and ride in a courteous manner that does not cause other road users to react suddenly. They need to slow down or walk in busy areas.

Your child will be more visible wearing bright, light coloured or reflective clothing. They should ride in a safe place off-road and away from vehicles and driveways.

Your child should avoid using foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades in car parks and on roads.

Dropping off and picking up at school

Driving and parking near schools

The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and vehicles outside schools. Parking signs are planned with your child's safety in mind.

It is helpful for everyone if you park safely, even if you have to walk further to the school gate. This is a good time to model positive road safety behaviour and physical activity for your child.

Slow down near any crossings around the school. At a supervised crossing, follow the directions of the school crossing supervisor. Crossing supervisors manage traffic to help primary school children use the crossings on roads near and outside of schools.

Drop your child off and pick them up on the school side of the road. Calling out to them from across the road is dangerous - they may run to you without checking for traffic. This will help keep all children as safe as possible during the busiest times of the school day.

You should always:

park legally

avoid dangerous manoeuvers such as U-turns and three-point turns

give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering or exiting driveways

avoid using the school car park or driveway

avoid parking in the school bus bay

make sure your child uses the Safety Door (rear kerb-side door) to get in and out of the car.

Dangerous driving behaviour around schools puts children at risk.

Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child - they will learn from you.

40km/h school zones

The 40km/h school zones operate at all school sites on gazetted school days, including school development days. The 40km/h school zone slows traffic around schools. The 40km/h speed limit must be observed, even if school children cannot be seen.

Most school zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days.

There are a small number of non-standard school zone times in NSW. They are identified by red/orange school zone signs to show non-standard times. Signs at these schools show the times that apply.

All NSW schools have school zone flashing lights to warn drivers that they must slow down to 40 km/h. Drivers caught speeding in school zones during double demerit periods face more severe penalties. The Centre for Road Safety website lists the publically notified school days in NSW.

Driving near school buses

A 40 km/h speed limit applies to traffic passing a school bus that is setting down or picking up school children. This speed limit is for all traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus, whether the bus is stationary or moving.

You must obey the 40km/h speed limit when the rear wig-wag lights on the bus flash. Flashing lights on the front of buses also warn oncoming motorists that children are close by.

Buses are large, heavy vehicles. They can't stop quickly, therefore, when you are driving, you should:

reduce speed to 40 km/h when bus lights are flashing

give way to buses

watch for children crossing

not merge too closely in front of buses

never park in or near a bus stop or bus zone.

Driveway safety

They're counting on you

On average, more than five children are killed and 47 seriously injured in driveways each year across Australia.

In NSW, six children have been killed and 15 seriously injured in driveways since January 2013.

We all have a role to play when it comes to driveway safety.

Your young child counts on you to supervise them near vehicles, separate play areas from driveways and see where they are at all times.

Remember to:

Supervise
When your child is around driveways, they should be actively supervised by an adult who is holding their hand. Ensure that young children are placed securely in a vehicle before moving it.

Separate
Treat the driveway like a road. Do not let your child use the driveway as a play area. Separate play spaces from garages and driveways. Home features including fences, high handles on garage doors and self-closing doors or gates can help.

See
​​All vehicles have blind spots. Even though reversing sensors and cameras can help reduce blind spots, it can still be hard to see a small child until it is too late. Do not become complacent. Get into the habit of walking around your vehicle before starting it, especially when leaving an area where a young child could be present.

Watch TV personality Scott Cam in our video, Driveway Safety - They're Counting On You.

The video has advice for parents and carers, drivers and residents. It has tips on home design that may help reduce the risk of a driveway tragedy.

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Your primary aged child is still developing an understanding of danger and safety. While they are often keen to do things for themselves, an adult must always be responsible for your child in the traffic environment. Your child is a vulnerable road user.

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Homebush West PS Walking School Bus website 

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Homebush West PS Walking School Bus website 

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Walking School Bus - Homebush West Public School

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A Walking School Bus™ is a group of primary school children who walk to and from school along a safe and enjoyable set route, accompanied by a minimum of two parent driver/supervisors per ‘bus’.

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Walking activities

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Safety Town has interactive road safety education resources for NSW students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

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Stage 4 and 5 Pedestrian activities

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Teacher Toolkit

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Road Safety education in schools: What to do and what not to do 

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Road Safety education in schools: What to do and what not to do 

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Road Safety Education in schools_ what to do and what not to do

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Professional learning opportunities.

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A suite of road safety professional learning workshops to assist schools in effectively implementing road safety education.