MINI POLICE AMBASSADORS FROM COWES LEARN VITAL SAFETY LESSONS

9 pupils from Lanesend Primary School in Cowes have been learning how to keep themselves and others safe through a new ‘Mini Police’ project run by the town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The Year 6 pupils met with PCSO Poppy Yeo after school for an hour each week over an 8-week period, taking part in lessons and activities covering topics that can affect children and young people. These included road safety, personal safety and the ‘Clever Never Goes’ initiative, misuse of drugs, hate crime, and the roles of the police.

Some of the sessions were scenario-based or practical, including the chance to use police speed guns while learning about road safety. The group also explored how to stay safe online and outdoors.

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With the summer holidays now here, the pupils will take their new skills and knowledge with them as they move on to secondary school.

PCSO Poppy Yeo has said:

“I’m so proud of all of the children who took part in the Mini Police project.

“They dedicated their time to learn about issues of safety so that they could become ambassadors for their year group and pass on their learning to their peers.

“Some of the sessions we hosted were scenario-based or practical, including giving the children the opportunity to use our speed guns whilst learning about road safety.

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“They were also taught the importance of staying safe both online and outdoors through the Clever Never Goes initiative, which is a child-friendly alternative to the ‘stranger danger’ message.

“I hope that this learning will have a really positive impact on them, particularly at this crucial time of their lives when they are about to move on to secondary school.

“This was a project that we have piloted in Cowes, and I hope that we can bring this initiative to other schools in the area and further afield in the future.”