Plans to create a permanent home for an initiative giving safety education to children are progressing.

A site has been earmarked for the Crucial Crew initiative in Stevenage close to the roundabout at the junction of Gunnels Wood Road and Hitchin Road alongside the fire service training centre. It is hoped to start on construction soon. Organisers aim to raise the £1.5m needed to pay for it through various means including sponsorship, grants, local councils, the National Lottery and fundraising.

Crucial Crew started in Stevenage and there are now six schemes in the county - with another one planned. Currently, Year 6 pupils receive the training. A major expansion of the service is planned when the new centre opens.

There are 524 primary schools in the county and it is the intention to provide safety education for all age groups within these. Organisers also plan to include groups from toddlers through to senior citizens on courses based around bogus callers, slips and trips, safe medicines, and safety in the home.

The annual two-week Stevenage scheme - now in its 15th year - was held last month at the Bowes Lyon Centre and played host to 1,500 Year 6 children from 33 local schools. There were 10 different safety scenarios highlighting the dangers on building sites, rail tracks and roads. Children also learn about first aid, Internet safety, dog management, stranger danger and safe medicines.

Every child received a certificate, a workbook containing follow-up work and was marked both as an individual and as part of a team for prizes.

One of the visiting teachers said:

"Many thanks for giving the children learning opportunities they may not have otherwise received. The children thoroughly enjoyed the activities and gained a lot from them - we look forward to the follow-up work we will be doing back at school and being invited back next year."

Another said:

"A fantastic learning experience for the children. It really opens their eyes to all the dangers around them."

Source: The Comet Newspaper