Whitehaven pupils` presentation to councillors helps make junior school safer

Pupils from St James’ Junior School in Whitehaven have helped make the school safer after they made a presentation to councillors at Copeland Local Committee.

Teachers, parents and pupils alike became concerned that heavy traffic at the school was creating a hazard. When a councillor suggested they take their thoughts on how to improve the situation to the district’s local committee, pupils prepared a presentation based on a survey they had carried out of traffic flow around the school. They also made suggestions for how the area around the school might be made safer.  

Head Teacher Mrs Winzor said: “Top of our list was a barrier in front of the new pedestrian entrance: the gate had been moved some years ago but new traffic markings and other safety features had not changed at the same time, so it was a particularly hazardous area.

“We took the survey results to local committee and told councillors about our thoughts for improvement.   Councillors were impressed by our presentation and although there was not sufficient money to do all of the work on our list, they were able to agree to funding the barrier there and then.   We were delighted that the barrier was installed within six weeks.”

Harry aged 10 was one of the pupils who spoke at the Local Committee meeting.  He said: “There are lots of cars around the school in the morning and at home time which might be dangerous, especially for the really little children.

“I was excited when Mrs Winzor asked if we’d like to tell councillors about our ideas for making it safer for pupils around the school.

“When we got there I was a little bit nervous but when I started speaking it was ok.   We told them about the traffic and the other things like the walking bus and the cycle shelter that make it easier and more fun for children to walk and cycle to school.”

“The councillors asked us some questions about our ideas.  That was fine really because they were just making sure that the things we were asking for really needed doing.”  

St James’ pupils have also previously benefitted from a cycle shelter after applying to a neighbourhood forum for funding to improve sustainable transport options at the school. 

Mrs Winzor continues: “It’s vital that children become aware at a young age of the importance of playing an active part in their community and of democracy and citizenship, too.  

“Presenting at local committee has not only helped improve road safety at our school but also helped our pupils to understand that they do have a chance to influence how organisations like the council work and the decisions are made about the area in which they live.”

For more information contact the Copeland Area Support Team.