Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report from the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the Crucial Crew programme available to all year 5 pupils from Halton schools. On average 1600 students attended the programme and learned safety messages delivered by various department’s from Halton Borough Council, Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue. The programme took place over a two week period in February/March each year.

            During the programme the children were involved in seven scenarios provided by partners from Halton Borough Council’s Road Safety Team, experts in travel / personal safety, Health Improvement Team, Fire Service, Police, School Health Nursing Team and Safeguarding Children’s Board. The safety scenes taught young people about the recovery position, online safety, arson and stop drop and roll, road safety, hidden sugars in foods and mindfulness, amongst other important issues.

            Funding initially came from Halton Safeguarding Board, Safer Halton Partnership, Halton Unison and Crimebeat, which enabled the event to take place and was organised by Halton Borough Council’s Road Safety Team. However, because of reducing resources, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep this valuable work going.   The cost of transport to the Stadium for all the schools who wished to take part was funded by Crucial Crew.

            Members were advised that a new facility was now available in Lymm called Safety Central.  Safety Central is a state-of-the-art safety and life skills education centre. It was the first centre of its kind in the country, blending an operational fire station and training facility with a unique visitor experience. As part of this centre, Safety Quest was a one-day experience where all Halton pupils would learn so many different safety messages.

            Cheshire Fire Authority, the elected body which was accountable, was funding the running costs of Safety Central, enabling Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Warrington schools to visit for free. Schools would need to arrange transport to and from the centre. Members of the Board were invited to contact PC Tetlow to arrange a visit to the Centre.

            The Board discussed the opportunities the Partnership could explore to identify funding for the transport cost so that all year 5 children could attend over a 5 week period during the year.

            RESOLVED: That Officers investigate the funding possibilities to cover the cost of transport for Halton Primary Schools to attend Safety Central and a further report be brought back to the Board.