A RECORD number of pupils from across West Kent gathered at the Salomons Estate last week to learn how to stay safe.
More than 1,600 children from 56 primary schools attended this year’s Safety in Action course.
Year Six children were warned about some of the dangers they may face as they become more independent and prepare to enter secondary school.
Co-ordinated by Salus, the Kent-based organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, the interactive event delivers a range of scenarios designed to highlight safety issues and how to deal with them.
Martin Carter of Salus said: “Safety in Action is all about providing real life learning for these pupils, giving them the skills and information to help in their transition to secondary school.”
The course was supported by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, Kent Police, Kent County Council, British Transport Police, Drive to Ensure, Kenward Trust, Hopkins+ and UK Power Networks.
Markerstudy Leisure provides the venue near Tunbridge Wells free of charge as part of its support for child safety.
Andrew Daniells, its Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is an extremely valuable experience. The grounds of the estate provide the space and safety needed for such a large-scale exercise involving so many youngsters.”
Such was the popularity of the programme that next year the venue will move to Markerstudy’s Bewl Water in order to accommodate the extra numbers.
The event was funded by the councils of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks, and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
For more information on Salus, visit www.salusgroup.org.uk.
