It’s time for schools, workplaces, and the government to take action. We need policies that encourage, support, and—if necessary—enforce father participation in school runs. No more absent dads. No more mums doing it all alone.

Encourage More Dads to Join the School Run!

Why This Matters?

The school run is an important part of a child’s daily routine, but too often, it’s seen as a ‘mum’s job.’ Many dads want to be more involved in drop-offs and pick-ups, but work schedules, societal expectations, and lack of encouragement often get in the way.

Children benefit greatly when both parents share responsibilities. Seeing dads involved in the school run strengthens their bond with their children and sets a positive example of shared parenting and gender equality.

 

What We’re Asking For

Schools to Normalize Dads on the School Run

• Schools should actively encourage fathers to participate in drop-offs and pick-ups.

• Parent newsletters, school events, and PTA communications should represent and include dads in discussions about school life.

• Schools should track father participation and create initiatives to increase engagement.

Workplaces to Support Flexible Schedules for Dads

• Employers should be encouraged to provide flexible start and finish times to allow dads to do the school run.

• The government should offer tax incentives to businesses that support work-life balance for fathers.

• Workplaces should adopt “parental school run hours” similar to maternity/paternity benefits.

 

National Awareness Campaigns to Promote Shared Parenting

• The government should fund public awareness campaigns to challenge the stereotype that the school run is just for mums.

• Schools, local councils, and media should promote father involvement in parenting through positive messaging and role models.

• Celebrity dads and community leaders should be engaged to help normalize dads doing the school run.

Government Action: Policies to Support Dads on the School Run

We call on the UK Government to:

Strengthen flexible working policies so fathers can adjust their work hours for school runs.

Improve paternity leave and shared parental leave, making it easier for dads to be actively involved.

Require schools to track and report father engagement in school life to ensure progress.

Fund father support programs to help dads stay engaged, especially single fathers.

 

Consequences for Fathers Who Consistently Avoid School Runs

Financial Penalties for Non-Involvement Fathers who have the ability but repeatedly refuse to engage in school runs or school-related responsibilities could face reduced tax benefits or financial penalties, similar to child maintenance enforcement.

Impact on Parental Rights & Legal Custody – For separated parents, lack of school involvement should be considered in custody and visitation decisions. Courts should weigh whether a father is actively involved in the child’s daily life before granting equal parenting rights.

Mandatory Parenting Classes – Fathers who are identified as uninvolved without valid reasons could be required to attend parenting workshops or intervention programs to understand the impact of their absence.

Workplace Accountability & Reporting – Fathers working for companies that offer flexible parental policies but do not take advantage of them should be flagged for non-engagement, encouraging internal HR follow-ups to assess why they are not participating.

Public Recognition & Social Accountability – Schools and communities should encourage public acknowledgment of engaged fathers while tracking data on those who are uninvolved. This visibility can add social pressure for more dads to step up.

Sign this petition to demand that fathers take equal responsibility for the school run! Mums shouldn’t have to do it alone—let’s push for real change in schools, workplaces, and government policies. Add your name and share to make a difference!