Safety in Action 2022

Pupils at Victoria Road Primary School in Ashford have been presented with a cheque for £200 following their successful completion of this year’s Safety in Action event.

After a two year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, almost 1,200 year 6 pupils from primary schools across the borough took part in the latest event which was held at Ashford Fire Station from 20 to 28 June.

The event aims to empower children with knowledge of, and skills to respond to, some of the hidden dangers and pressures they may encounter when they leave primary school to join secondary school.

All schools were scored for their behaviour, interaction with the presenters and their attitude on the day, with the pupils of Victoria Road receiving the highest score, closely followed by Pluckley Primary. Along with the cheque, students also received a ‘Safety in Action’ branded water bottle.

The workshops covered; Fire Safety; Anti-Social Behaviour, Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol, Road Safety, School Attendance, Rail Safety, Internet Safety, Personal Choices and Responsibilities/Mental Health, First Aid and Water Safety. These topics were chosen based on feedback from children who attended previous events together with guidance from partners to identify current topical problems.

The programme is funded and delivered by members of Kent Police, KCC Community Wardens, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, British Transport Police, KCC Road Safety Team, KCC Early Help Team and Ashford Borough Council among others.

Cllr Peter Feacey, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Transitioning from primary school to secondary school can be both exciting and overwhelming – even more so given the extra challenges students have faced over the last two years.

“With the invaluable support of our community safety partners we have been able to deliver a number of important safety messages to pupils from across the borough.

“Our aim is to empower these children to feel wiser and better prepared to deal with the decisions they may face in the next stage of their young lives.

“I would like to thank all the children who attended for their impeccable behaviour and enthusiasm throughout the week and wish them the very best for when they start at their new schools this Autumn.”

Image of KCC warden Peter Beasley and Cllr Peter Feacey with children from Victoria Road Primary School