Road Safety Week Awareness
As part of Road Safety Week organised by the road safety charity Brake, our children have been learning vital skills to help them stay safe on the roads around our village and beyond. This year's theme focused on safe walking and cycling, particularly relevant for our rural community where many families walk or cycle to school along roads without pavements.
Expert Visitors to Our School
Local road safety officers from Oxfordshire County Council visited the school to deliver assemblies and workshops to different year groups. Their engaging presentations combined important safety messages with interactive elements that kept children focused and interested. The officers brought with them a range of props including high-visibility clothing, bicycle helmets, and even a model pedestrian crossing.
In the whole-school assembly, children learned shocking statistics about road accidents involving children, but more importantly, they learned how most of these accidents could be prevented through simple safety measures. The message was empowering rather than frightening - children have the power to keep themselves safe by making good choices.
Practical Learning for Our Youngest Pupils
Our younger children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 practised the fundamentals of road safety using our playground road markings. With supervision from teaching staff, they rehearsed the "stop, look, listen and think" routine before crossing. They learned to look left, right and left again, to keep looking while they cross, and to walk rather than run across roads.
The Foundation Stage children particularly enjoyed a role-play session where they took turns being pedestrians and (very slow-moving!) vehicles. This hands-on approach helped them understand road safety from multiple perspectives and reinforced the message that roads are shared spaces requiring care from everyone.
Year 1 and 2 pupils explored the meaning of different road signs through a matching game. They were surprised to discover just how many different signs exist and enjoyed testing their parents' knowledge when they went home! Understanding road signs is an important first step in becoming an aware and safe pedestrian.
Discussions for Older Pupils
Older pupils in Key Stage 2 engaged with more complex road safety topics. Year 3 and 4 discussed the dangers of distractions such as mobile phones when walking near traffic. The road safety officers shared examples of real incidents where pedestrians had stepped into the road while looking at their phones, prompting thoughtful discussions about when it's appropriate to use devices and when full attention is needed.
Year 5 and 6 focused on cycling safety, particularly relevant as many children this age begin cycling more independently. Topics covered included the importance of wearing properly fitted helmets, using lights and reflective clothing, positioning on the road, and anticipating the actions of other road users. Several children who regularly cycle to school shared their own experiences and tips.
Creative Responses
Throughout the week, children have channeled their learning into creative projects. Every class designed eye-catching road safety posters which are now displayed around school. The winning designs from each year group will be laminated and displayed at key points around the village, including near the school gates and at the village hall.
Year 4 wrote persuasive letters to the parish council requesting improved road safety measures near the school. Their well-argued letters highlighted specific concerns and proposed practical solutions. We have forwarded these letters to the council and look forward to hearing their response.
Year 2 created a road safety song to the tune of a popular nursery rhyme, which they performed in Friday's assembly. The catchy lyrics about stopping, looking and listening had the whole school singing along, ensuring the safety messages will stick in children's minds long after Road Safety Week has ended.
A Reminder for Parents and Carers
We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents about safe practices during the school run. Please park considerately at drop-off and pick-up times, avoiding the yellow zigzag lines which must be kept clear at all times. These lines exist to ensure children can be seen clearly when crossing near the school gates.
If possible, we encourage families to walk or cycle to school when weather and circumstances permit. Not only does this support your child's health and the environment, but it also provides valuable opportunities to practise road safety skills in real situations with adult supervision.
For those who must drive, please consider parking a short distance from school and walking the final stretch. This reduces congestion directly outside the gates and gives children experience of walking safely near roads.
Ongoing Road Safety Education
Road safety is woven into our curriculum throughout the year, not just during this special week. Children revisit key messages regularly through PSHE lessons, and practical skills are reinforced during school trips and outdoor learning sessions. Year 6 pupils will also have the opportunity to complete Bikeability training later in the school year.
Thank you to the road safety officers for their excellent workshops, to our staff for embracing this important topic across the curriculum, and to our children for engaging so enthusiastically with their learning. Stay safe on the roads, everyone!