At Journey Homes, we believe that a home is more than just walls and roofs; it’s being part of a community where everyday life is safer, healthier, and more sustainable. That’s why we were delighted to support St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in South Weald by sponsoring new “Safe Journey” high-visibility vests for their Walking Bus initiative.
Led by Headteacher Mr Iain Gunn, St Peter’s continues to nurture not only academic excellence but also values that build confidence, care, and connection for pupils, families, and the wider village community.
The Walking Bus is a simple but brilliant idea: groups of children walking to school together along an agreed route, supervised by adults. It’s designed to make the school run safer, greener, and healthier by cutting down on car journeys, promoting physical activity, and encouraging social interaction.
By walking instead of driving, families help to reduce congestion, improve local air quality, and experience the natural beauty of South Weald each morning — something we at Journey Homes feel is truly special.
One of the loveliest things about St Peter’s School is its setting. Nestled in the heart of South Weald, the surrounding landscape is rich with trees, fields, and wildlife. Many children taking part in the Walking Bus pass by Vicarage Wood, Journey Homes’ latest development of eight beautifully crafted new homes.
This peaceful stretch of countryside, where birdsong fills the air and the winding lanes are framed by ancient oaks, perfectly captures what we love most about this part of Essex. It’s a landscape that invites people to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
It’s also a fitting backdrop for a scheme that encourages sustainable living, whether that means walking to school, building responsibly, or creating homes that blend seamlessly into the local environment.
To help the children travel safely, we provided a set of bright yellow high-visibility vests, each featuring the St Peter’s School logo and the words “Safe Journey” printed proudly on the back.
These vests are more than just safety gear; they’re a shared symbol of care.
• They help ensure children are visible to drivers and cyclists in all light conditions.
• They give pupils a sense of belonging and pride in their school.
• And they remind everyone who sees them that small steps can make a big difference.
Seeing the Walking Bus make its way through South Weald, a cheerful line of yellow vests against the greenery, is a reminder of everything community life should be: safe, supportive, and full of purpose.
Both St Peter’s and Journey Homes share a commitment to nurturing healthier, more connected communities.
St Peter’s champions Eco Schools and Healthy Schools initiatives, encouraging pupils to understand the impact of their choices on the environment. At Journey Homes, we take a similar approach by building thoughtfully, supporting local causes, and fostering sustainable habits that benefit residents and neighbours alike.
Our philosophy has always been simple: fine homes for every step of your journey — and that includes the smallest journeys, like walking to school.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr Gunn, the dedicated staff, parents, and volunteers who make the Walking Bus possible. It’s inspiring to see people working together to create a safer, more environmentally conscious community.
We’re proud that the children of St Peter’s will now walk to school not only with confidence and visibility, but also carrying a message that reflects everything Journey Homes stands for — safety, sustainability, and a sense of belonging.