20 June 2006
Learning by mistakes: Safety in Action 2006
Children from 17 different Wealden primary schools will be making mistakes next week…and learning from them as part of Safety in Action at Herstmonceux Castle.
This annual event, organised by Wealden District Council, is designed to test young people’s knowledge and survival skills through a range of simulated emergencies.
“This ‘hands–on’ safety event gives youngsters the opportunity to test their reactions to crisis situations in a safe and controlled environment,” said Councillor Mrs Pam Doodes, Cabinet member for Health and Safety on Wealden District Council.
“We see over 600 children during the week. Some remember the best course of action to take, but to others, it provides a useful reminder as how situations can appear in real life. Involving them is crucial to their understanding.”
“Once again we are working in partnership with the emergency service and other organisation, which is one of the great strengths of Safety in Action Week”
Safety in Action is taking place from Monday June 26 to Friday June 30 2006.
The agencies participating include:-
- Sussex Police
- Health and Safety Executive/Plumpton Agricultural College
- Network Rail
- Coastguard Agency
- Weald Primary Care Trust/PCT (NHS)
- East Sussex Fire and Rescue
- EDF Energy
- Ambulance Service
- Wealden Animal Welfare Service
Typical simulated dangers which the children will have to tackle include:
- A youth throwing bags onto a railway line.
- An arson attack.
- Being approaches by strangers.
- Helping with a casualty and summoning the emergency services.
And at the end of a busy week of activities for Wealden schools, there is the possibility of prizes. Edf Energy has put up an award of £150 for the school achieving the most points after taking part in all scenarios, and Servomex, Crowborough, has donated £150 for the Lawrence Reeve Memorial trophy which will be presented to the school achieving the highest marks in the road safety scenario.
