Primary school children from across Newark and Sherwood have been stepping into real-life scenarios as part of a multi-agency programme designed to help them understand how to stay safe in a range of everyday situations.
Held across two locations in the district, the initiative gave more than 800 pupils the opportunity to take part in a full day of practical activities led by emergency services, council teams and local organisations. Each day commenced with a warmup exercise hosted by Active4 today.
Pupils moved between a series of interactive stations where they experienced first-hand how to recognise risks, make safe choices and respond in an emergency.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service challenged pupils to identify hidden dangers in everyday environments through their “Risky Room” set-up, highlighting common causes of house fires such as overloaded plug sockets and unattended appliances. Canals & River Trust as well as Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service Crews also demonstrated how to stay safe near water and how to help someone in difficulty using rescue equipment.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police led sessions focused on community safety, including discussions around crime prevention and the importance of protecting local wildlife. Pupils were encouraged to think about how their actions can impact both people and the environment, using scenario-based exercises to explore real-life consequences.
British Transport Police delivered guidance focused on the dangers of playing on railway tracks and raised awareness of many of the hidden dangers along the railway.
Murphy Plant joined the event for the first time this year, helping children understand the potential dangers and blind spots around HGV’s, and the importance of staying alert and aware when near these vehicles.
Life-saving skills were also a key part of the programme, with Newark Community First Aid teaching pupils how to respond if someone is unconscious. Children learned how to check for danger, call for help, perform CPR and locate defibrillators, giving them the confidence to act in an emergency.
Council teams played an important role throughout the day. Environmental Health officers introduced food safety in a hands-on and engaging way, while Park Rangers encouraged pupils to think about how they can care for local green spaces and protect wildlife habitats. They also highlighted the impact fires and littering can have on the natural environment.
Each activity was designed to mirror situations young people may encounter in everyday life, from being at home or outdoors, to travelling or helping others, giving them the opportunity to build practical knowledge in a supportive setting.
The sessions delivered at Sconce and Devon were made possible through funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) via the Situational Crime Prevention Fund, with the Vicar Water sessions funded by Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “What makes this programme so effective is that it puts young people at the centre of the experience. They’re not just being told what to do, they’re actively working through situations, asking questions and learning by doing. By bringing together so many different organisations, we’re able to give pupils a broad understanding of safety that covers all aspects of their daily lives, from home and school to the outdoors and their wider community.”