Walking to school alone

So the other night DS1 (6yrs) commented that when he turned 7 he would like to walk to school alone. *Sniff* My baby is growing up!

He doesn't turn 7 until next June (and we haven't agreed to him wlaking to school alone then yet) so we have plenty of time and I was thinking about what I would expect of him before allowing him to walk to school alone.

We live close to the school (approx 500m) though there is a bend in the road so I couldn't stand at the gate and watch him all way. He has to cross 2 roads however both have road patrols on them. He's a pretty sensible kid and he usually checks for cars at driveways.

What else should we be doing to prepare him for walking to school alone?

Edited by mummydee - 12 September 2012 at 9:58am

Does you school have a walking school bus? My kids go on our one & it is such piece of mind.