AIBU or do I need to move with the times?

Allowing her a phone might mean that she would be dawdling along, looking at it, so I suppose that's a mixed blessing.

I'm sure I let my girl walk home at that age.

Can't she walk to school and be collect at the end of the day?

the best preparation you can give to a child is to get them street wise, rather than keep them away from these things

Exactly MissA

She is 9.
I'm sure nobody will just set her off out of the door without any "practice" walks.

If there's no alleyways etc I'd say good for her for wanting to do this.

I wish more schools would encourage this... maybe they are?

I think it best to run through some scenarios with her, and ensure she knows what to do, should anything unexpected happen.

How far is the walk, and even if not with another child, are there likely to be others around, too?
It is a worry, but the best preparation you can give to a child is to get them street wise, rather than keep them away from these things.

I'm inclined to agree. I think aged 9/Year 5 is too young. I understand they need to start somewhere, so I guess Year 6, before they move on to secondary school, would be the right time to start. Even then, I'd only be happy if the child was walking with other classmates and not alone. And as long as there aren't any busy main roads to navigate. I just don't think kids are sensible enough at this age, and so many scenarios to worry about them, but I realise we have to 'let them go' at some point. I'm so glad my kids are adults now! Sorry, I know that won't allay your fears, but I think you'll just have to trust that your GD will be sensible and her parents, I'm sure, will lay down the rules of all the do's and don'ts.

I dont think the school is saying they must do it, they are saying year 5 pupils can. This is to do with their safeguarding procedures, so if no responsible adult came to collect a year 3, they wouldnt let them leave. They are just stating their position re Year Five pupils.

I dont think it is up to the school to make the decision as to what pupils can do.
This is the parents decision to make.
Every child id different and every route is different.
A reasoned judgment needs to be made depending on circumstances.
Talk to her about it, is she happy doing it?
As above, will others be doing the same route?
Use mature judgment.

How far is the school from her home? And will she be walking alone or with friends?
You have valid concerns, at 9 years old a child is still very small and unless their home is nearby and they have friends walking the route with them, perhaps with an older child, I would find this a bit risky.
In winter as you say it will be dark at 4.15 but one thing you can do is buy your GC a hi vis tunic to wear over her clothes or maybe suggest pick ups just on the days she finishes late?
If the school encourages this I imagine they will be teaching the children Road safety etc., and encouraging them to walk home in groups. The thing is your GC really wants to do this so perhaps just work with the school and parents on finding as safe a way as possible for her to walk home safely.
All the best x

My first thought was - is she able to walk to and from school with classmates who live close by or would she absolutely be on her own?
How savvy is she concerning road safety too and is the route in a well-lit area rather than lanes that might not have street lighting?
I don't think you are being silly regarding worse case scenario - I would too.