More than 800 school pupils learn about vital safety issues
More than 800 school pupils have been taught how to ensure their personal safety and protect themselves from danger.
The children, all aged 10 and 11, attended a series of activities at St Albans Fire Station as part of the annual Crucial Crew scheme.
Among the many subjects covered were vaping, knife crime, fire, road safety and first aid.
The programme was run by the St Albans District Community Safety Partnership, including St Albans City and District Council’s community safety team, Hertfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Students from Oaklands College’s public services course and representatives from Hertfordshire Mind Network helped with the presentations and workshops.
The sessions took place over a fortnight and involved year six pupils from 22 primary schools across the District including St Albans, Harpenden, Redbourn and Colney Heath.
Amanda Foley, the Council’s Chief Executive, said:
The aim of Crucial Crew is to encourage young people to become more aware of the dangers around them and learn how they can improve their personal safety.
We regularly review the content to make sure that it is up to date and reflects the issues facing our communities. As a result, we have continued our Lives Not Knives workshop and included one on vaping risks.
The feedback from the schools was positive. We were told pupils were engaged and focused throughout with one teacher saying their pupils were still discussing the scenarios long after the sessions finished.
Greg Duke, Area Commander, Community Safety and Partnerships at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
Crucial Crew gives us an essential opportunity to speak directly with young people about the real risks of fire and how they can keep themselves and their families safe. As pupils become more independent, building their understanding of fire safety is vital.
We value being part of this partnership and helping equip the next generation with practical skills that will stay with them for years to come.
St Albans District Neighbourhood Police Inspector Paul Caro said:
Teaching young people how to stay safe is one of the most important things we can do. Crucial Crew gives pupils practical skills and the confidence to make positive decisions when they may be faced with risky situations. It’s a brilliant way of local partners coming together to protect and educate our young people.
Photo: A Crucial Crew session.
Media Contacts: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news-and-whats