Year 6 pupils from Cwmdar Primary School have launched a road safety campaign, aimed at positively changing the behaviour of parents and those who drop off and pick up children from school – in a bid to improve pupil wellbeing.
Concerned that the busy road outside school, coupled with some pupils not using the green cross code and parents lack of parking discipline, will lead to an accident, pupils took matters into their own hands to come up with innovative ways to drum home important road safety messages.
The school was granted nearly £1,500 from local energy company, Pennant Walters, and working in partnership with Cwmdare4Cwmdare (C4C), the Police and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Road Safety Officer, Rachel Evans, they set about developing a road safety campaign.
Year 6 pupils quickly got to work and established a road safety poster competition, where winning designs have been placed on the railings by the roadside. The school also delivered kerbcraft sessions to year 2 pupils and year 5 and 6 pupils, who usually complete the cycling proficiency course.
Headteacher at Cwmdar Primary, Marie Evans, explains:
“As a school we are constantly monitoring the wellbeing and safety of our pupils but had become increasingly concerned with the dangers drop off and pick up were proving to our children.
“When we received this money from Pennant Walters, through C4C, we were delighted and decided to put it to effective use, helping to engage parents and others who do the school run.
“The pupils have all been engaged and we are thrilled that we now have such a powerful set of tools to help address behaviours.”
Cwmdar Primary launched its Road Safety Week, inviting parents and family members to school to show them how they can positively make a difference to pupil wellbeing by taking simple actions.
Year 6 pupil, Ellie, added:
“We know how many families are in a rush at drop off and pick up times, but we get worried that there’ll be an accident outside school and that would be just awful. We really hope that parents will take notice of our campaign and help make our school and community a safer place.”
Pennant Walters funded the campaign through a fund linked to its Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support Cwmdar Primary and various other community groups in the area.
Pennant Walters managing director Dale Hart said:
“We are pleased that this money has allowed the pupils to take a steer and bring this road safety campaign to life. The safety of pupils and everyone in the local area is vital and it is hoped this campaign will make a positive difference to the entire community.
“Our wind energy projects come with community funds that we use to invest in projects such as this and our aim is to bring very real benefits to the communities in the vicinity of our projects, providing financial assistance and expertise where we can.”
Cllr. Ann Crimmings, Secretary of C4C, added:
“C4C was set up to work in partnership with organisations to make a difference to the village – this initiative highlights the impact of such projects. I hope the community will continue to listen to the message of the children – to keep them safe.”
