700 Keighley-district schoolchildren learn vital safety lessons

The youngsters took part in the annual Stay Safe project, held for a tenth time at Keighley College.

Seven hundred Year 6 pupils – from 15 primary schools – participated in the event, which was staged over four days.

The initiative brings together a range of organisations and agencies with the aim of teaching important lifeskills to young people.

Amongst those involved are Bradford Council’s road safety team, British Transport Police, Northern Powergrid, Project 6 drugs and alcohol agency, The Dogs Trust, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Police, including neighbourhood policing officers, and the Bradford district Stronger Communities Partnership.

Organiser Dave Towers, of the Keighley Work Safe Project, says: “The fact that the event is over-subscribed every year reflects the success of the project over many years.

“Feedback gathered from teachers during the event shows that there is a continuing need for safety lessons taught by professional people covering areas ranging from weapons, drugs and alcohol awareness and road, rail, water and electrical safety, to first aid, at a level beyond what is taught within schools in the Keighley community.

“During the many years that I have organised this event, I’ve been able to adapt the scenario presentations to reflect the changing nature of child safety in wider society.

“I was particularly pleased this year to welcome West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, whose scenario addressed the potential dangers of cold water in reservoirs, rivers, canals and locks.”

Craig Kettlewell, the risk reduction district support officer with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Since taking up my position, educating children about dangerous situations has been a key element of the role.

“Every year our teams are called out to incidents which sometimes tragically involve the death of a young person in cold water, so the timing of this event in July just before children broke up for the summer holidays was ideal.”

Keighley College said it welcomed the opportunity to host the event.

Kathryn McGee, personal assistant to the principalship at the college, added: “The event gives local schools an opportunity to visit the college and see the facilities available here.

“Feedback has shown that schools find Keighley College an attractive venue for a scheme of this nature and we look forward to working with the Stay Safe Project in future years.

“We have hosted the event since 2012 and have always been delighted with the behaviour of the children attending these sessions and the overall organisation of the project.”