Pupils in Thurrock learn ‘crucial’ road safety lessons

A week-long event has seen children in Thurrock learn the importance of keeping safe while walking to school and out with friends.

Crucial Crew is a national multi-agency safety education initiative aimed at pupils aged 10-11 years. 

The objective of the workshop is to equip Year 6 pupils with essential skills to keep them safe for the transition to senior school. This includes developing their judgement, decision making and risk assessment skills in order to increase their self-esteem and confidence.

The Crucial Crew workshops are usually followed up in schools, where important safety messages are reinforced.

The Thurrock event (8-12 July) was attended by more than 700 pupils. Each child received a bag (donated by the Co-op Distribution Centre) filled with information and goodies given by the agencies – including the local road safety team.

Pedestrian training in the county
The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) offers pedestrian training for year 5 pupils across Essex, Southend on Sea and Thurrock. As part of the training, pupils take part in an interactive classroom discussion, followed by a road-side session.

Year 5 pupils at schools in six priority towns across Essex are also given the opportunity to learn about the dangers posed by speeding drivers, by taking part in a ‘Speed Watch’ session with road safety and police officers.