Project Fact Sheet 3: Safety in Action

Summary of the project

Safety in Action has been successfully running in Wealden for 16 years. This annual event aims to teach young children (10 to 11 year olds) from Wealden based primary schools, how to deal with potentially dangerous and sometimes life-threatening situations. There are 10 scenarios, that the children have to deal with, which range from being approached by a stranger, reacting to a fire, dealing with an accident, recognising the dangers which exist on a farm etc. The Council organises the event, but works in partnership with all the emergency services and other agencies (see below under ‘Key Partners’). There is also a competition element to the event with the school attending, which obtains the highest mean score winning a prize. There are also prizes for the school doing the best in each individual scenario.

Aim

To teach children about how to deal with a range of potentially dangerous and life threatening situations, thereby preventing accidents and keeping the children safe.

Links to Council Objective(s) and Community Strategy Theme(s)

Objective 2: Promoting a healthier and safer community

Objective 3: Developing a more prosperous and sustainable local economy

Community Strategy Theme: Health and Social Care and Safety

Evaluation Methods

Evaluation sheets completed by pupils, teachers and agencies attending. An annual evaluation meeting is held after the event to review the project and evaluation sheets are completed by children, students and scenario organisers. The level of knowledge about the issues raised during Safety in Action was higher in those attending.

Performance Target(s)

95% of teachers rating the event overall, ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, as a learning experience.

Lead Officer

Sophie Hepworth, Specialist Environmental Health Officer, Wealden District Council

T: 01323 443275 F:01323 443320 E: sophie.Hepworth@wealden.gov.uk