A NEW scheme to keep year six pupils, aged 10 and 11, safe has been launched by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and its partner agencies.
The service has worked closely with West Mercia Police’s Road Safety Team to set up Safe Zone – an interactive safety and behaviour project which aims to encourage good citizenship and reduce accidents, injury, crime and protect young people through education and awareness.
The year group was chosen as it was one where many pupils gained more independence.
The programme is normally delivered physically to schools but it’s been necessary to adapt ways of working for this year due to the pandemic.
HWFRS said it was important the current restrictions did not prevent year six students in Worcestershire from missing out on vital information so the programme was delivered virtually.
Caroline Webster from the HWFRS prevention team said everyone was excited to welcome students tot the Year 6 Virtual Safety Challenge Safe Zone.
“We hope they enjoy taking part and that it empowers them to make positive choices when faced with situations where they may be unsure how to react.
“The key safety messages raise awareness of how to stay safe in different environments – whether in the home, outdoors or online.
“They cover both personal and community safety.”
The messages include issues surrounding fire, road, water, electrics, anti-social behaviour and personal safety.
She added they were grateful to West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion for funding support and Western Power Distribution, The Royal Life Saving Society UK, West Mercia Police and North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership for the specialist content they provided.
And she thanked Information Solutions and The Web Orchard for creating the website.
Visit safe-zone.uk to reach the Safe Zone Challenge which can be accessed on all browsers, apart from Internet Explorer.
