Crucial Crew
“Crucial Crew is an interactive fast paced event that allows young people to engage and discuss safety issues in a safe open environment.”
This a typical quote from a School Community Police Officer (SCPO) about Crucial Crew which is a multi-agency event for year 6 pupils that aims to deliver a series of important messages in regard to Personal Safety. The event is an integral part of The All Wales School Liaison Core Programme and forms part of the Personal Safety Strand. During their visit to Crucial Crew pupils attend a carousel of workshops.
Partner agencies which impart their particular expertise include:
1. Capita Symonds
2. Western Power Distribution
3. Trading Standards
4. Food Standard Agency
5. British Red Cross
6. The Countryside Agency
7. The Forestry Commission
8. Drugaid
9. Network Rail
The carousel of interactive workshops cover a wide variety of aspects of personal safety including internet safety, safety in the countryside, health and safety on the farm yard, the dangers of litter in the countryside, the importance of wearing cycling safety helmets, emergency first aid, fire risks within the home, road safety including the importance of wearing seatbelts, the dangers of electricity, and the importance of personal hygiene and the dangers of food poisoning.
Workshop facilitators note that, “Crucial Crew allows young people to come out of their usual environment, and to experience up to 8 workshops on personal safety that help to prepare them for possible dangers in the outside world.”
Furthermore, “Crucial Crew allows us to deliver sharp, relevant and effective messages to a large number of pupils in a short period of time.”
It is also seen by teachers as an integral part of children’s personal safety education and a very worthwhile event.
“A very worthwhile experience for the children. Pupils took a lot from the day. The pupils are certainly more aware of personal safety issues”
“Another fantastic visit for our children. Great staff who can tailor their sessions well for the needs of our children. An event enjoyed by all staff and children”
The pupils enjoy the variety of inputs delivered in Crucial Crew. The workshops are sharp and dynamic and it is evident that the pupils benefit greatly from the event.
“The workshop on internet safety was great and really made me think.”
“The workshops provided us with a lot of good advice about staying safe.”
The SCPOs enjoy the opportunity to meet so many of the year 6 pupils over a short period of time and to reinforce some of the messages delivered by them in schools.
“An excellent event that informs children on life choices and how to keep safe and all the while having fun.”
“Crucial Crew provides good learning opportunities for pupils at a vital stage of their education and development.”