Children across Essex have taken part in a wide range of road safety activities this week in support of Beep! Beep! Day, the national initiative led by Brake. Coordinated by the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), the day focused on educating young children and their families about how to stay safe on and near roads.
Across multiple districts, pupils from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 6 engaged in interactive sessions, roadside training, and community engagement activity, reinforcing key safety messages and supporting the Vision Zero ambition to eliminate death and serious injury on the roads.
In Colchester, a visit to Seymour House Nursery on Brinkley Lane introduced preschool children to road safety through play-based learning. Using a large road mat, children were taught the Green Cross Code (stop, look, listen, and think) and encouraged to practice these steps in a safe, engaging environment. A key focus throughout the session was the importance of always holding hands with a trusted adult near roads. The children responded enthusiastically and demonstrated strong engagement with the activities.
A number of schools across Chelmsford and Harlow also took part in the week’s programme. At Cold Norton Primary School, Jerounds Primary School, St Alban’s Catholic Primary School and Cooks Spinney Primary School, pupils from EYFS and Year 5 participated in age-appropriate sessions combining classroom learning with practical safety advice.
At Abbots Hall Primary School, Year 5 pupils took part in a structured road safety presentation followed by a roadside activity, helping them apply their learning in a real-world environment.
In Basildon, sessions at Mildmay Primary School and Cherry Tree Primary School focused on both pupil and parent engagement. Reception workshops brought together children and families, using interactive elements such as singing and signing to reinforce key safety messages. Parents were encouraged to sign the Vision Zero pledge and discuss local road safety concerns.
At Cherry Tree Primary School, further sessions were delivered to Year 5 pupils, followed by outdoor pedestrian training. Pupils explored real-life scenarios, including understanding safer designated crossing points. The sessions also encouraged pupils to reflect on safety messages creatively, with children producing posters highlighting safe crossing practices.
Additional enforcement and engagement activity took place at the school the following day, led by South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP), reinforcing safe parking messages with parents and carers.
In other parts of the county, schools including Holy Trinity CE in Halstead, Monkwick Infants, Colne Engaine, Dedham Primary and Burrs Infants in Clacton hosted sessions reaching hundreds of pupils and adults.
A “mini day of action” was also carried out at Tiptree Heath School. Parking enforcement officers issued penalty notices for illegal parking during school drop-off, while pupils took part in a School Speed Watch initiative. Ten drivers were recorded exceeding the speed limit, with speeds ranging from 35mph to 41mph in a 30mph limit. One fixed penalty notice was issued, and pupils had the opportunity to directly engage with drivers, reinforcing the importance of safe speeds in school areas.
These activities highlight the breadth of work delivered by the partnership in primary schools, combining education, engagement, and enforcement to support safer behaviours. By working closely with schools, parents and local partners, the programme helps children develop lifelong road safety awareness and confidence.
More information about the SERP’s work in primary schools can be found here:
https://saferessexroads.org/teachers/primary-schools/
