Young Police Cadets scheme launched at Kidderminster school

The scheme was launched at St Mary's Primary School, in Stoney Lane, on Wednesday (January 11) and it is hoped it will build better relationships with older primary school children and to more closely engage with them.

Leading with a flexible and engaging lesson plan, officers from Broadwaters Safer Neighbourhood Team will deliver one hour sessions over a six-week period, working in and around the curriculum.

Some of the areas that will be covered during the scheme include safety of children, communication, road safety and anti-social behaviour. The basics of a police constable's role will also be discussed, as well as the role of radio use and the security of their own and others property.

The youngsters will be kitted out with West Mercia Police baseball caps, t-shirts and notebooks.

Sarah Perrett, headteacher of St Mary's, said: "We are very excited that a group of our pupils have been selected to take part in the Young Cadets pilot scheme - the first we have run in this school.

"Building strong links with the police in our community is vital and it will also enable our pupils to gain a greater understanding of the role police play in our society, and in their community.

"The workshops that will be provided will cover a range of subjects from road safety to how to keep safe.

"I believe that this opportunity promises to provide life skills that our pupils can refer to and share with others."

The final stage of the scheme will be a 'passing out parade' where the cadets will receive certificates of achievement.

PCSO Sarah Francis added: "The Junior Cadets scheme is a really positive, fun and engaging school-based project that is designed to help build stronger relationships with younger children at a local community level.

"We have seen in other schools how much children, their parents, teachers and ourselves gain from the experience and we are looking forward to beginning classes in St Mary's Primary School."