Summary Report

Safety in Action 2016

Community & Regeneration Team

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Summary Report on Safety in Action 2016 Bowles and Herstmonceux

‘Tell me - and I’ll forget

Show me – and I may remember Involve me and I’ll understand’

Results from questionnaires returned by children; staff and scenario organisers involved in Safety in Action.

Setting the scene: Safety in Action is celebrating its 25th anniversary. During this time, we have engaged with over 16,000 young people who have been able to learn about keeping safe in an interactive manner. Each year we run one event in the north of the district and one in the south. We are able to accommodate every school in Wealden that wants to attend. This year, over 1200 children participated. 576 children from 27 schools attended the week in the grounds of Bowles Outdoor Centre and a further 703 children from 21 schools attended the week in the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle. Both events took place in June/July 2016 and were open to all primary schools, private schools and special needs schools.

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Safety in Action encourages 10-11 year old children to recognise hazards and take action to keep themselves and others safe. The project is supported by various partnership agencies and is co-ordinated by Wealden District Council. The participating agencies included:-

East Sussex Fire and Rescue

East Sussex Healthcare NHS

South Coast Ambulance Service

Sussex Police

Sussex Downs College

Southern Railway

UK Power Networks (loan of interactive model)

Freedom Leisure

Wealden District Council Sponsorship was kindly given by Uckfield and District Lions Club and Servomex, Crowborough for the main school prizes. Both venues generously allowed us use of their facilities free of charge. Questionnaires were given to all the children, teachers, teaching assistants, parents accompanying children and scenario organisers who attended the event.

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Teaching Evaluation Form We randomly selected 60 Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Parent/Carer evaluation forms to use in our Summary Report at Bowles Outdoor Centre and Herstmonceux Castle.

Organisation of the event

How would you rate Safety in Action against the following criteria?

Excellent Good Fair Below expectations

Didn't answer

Arrangements prior to arrival at the event

Bowles 68% 20%

0%

4%

8%

Herstmonceux 76% 20%

0%

0%

4%

Organisation of children around the event

Bowles 84% 8%

0%

0%

8%

Herstmonceux 88% 8%

0%

0%

4%

The site facilities and setting

Bowles 92% 0%

0%

0%

8%

Herstmonceux

68%

16%

12%

0%

4%

Comments from Bowles:

Very well organised and a beautiful setting.

Car parking was too far away.

It was super. The activities were very hands on and made them think. The info shocked them enough to impact their understanding without being too frightening.

We parked as instructed in Boars Head road, but were unsure of which footpath to take, but fortunately saw Bowles kitchen staff and followed them.

Comments from Herstmonceux:

Well organised, lots to think about. Made the children really think about general everyday safety. Thankyou

Thank you to all involved for their hard work again this year.

Lots to take on board in one morning.

I understand it is tricky, but distance between some scenarios were close so there were some distractions (children should concentrate I know!). But with other groups calling was distracting at times.

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The Scenarios

Please rate each scenario for raising awareness of the hazards associated with that topic.

Excellent Good Fair Below

expectations Didn't answer

Alcohol Awareness

Bowles

52%

32%

16%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

60%

20%

12%

8%

0%

Farm Safety

Bowles

80%

12%

0%

0%

8%

Herstmonceux

76%

20%

0%

0%

4%

Countryside

Bowles

80%

20%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

88%

12%

0%

0%

0%

Water Safety

Bowles

84%

16%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

84%

16%

0%

0%

0%

Electrical Safety

Bowles

88%

12%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

96%

4%

0%

0%

0%

Personal Safety

Bowles

72%

24%

0%

0%

4%

Herstmonceux

92%

4%

0%

0%

4%

Railway Safety

Bowles

80%

20%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

88%

12%

0%

0%

0%

Dealing with an

Accident

Bowles

48%

44%

4%

0%

4%

Herstmonceux

80%

20%

0%

0%

0%

Road Safety

Bowles

92%

8%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

96%

4%

%

0%

0%

Fire Safety

Bowles

76%

24%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

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Please rate each scenario for communicating the correct actions to take to eliminate or reduce the hazard.

Excellent Good Fair Below

expectations Didn't answer

Alcohol Awareness

Bowles

44%

36%

20%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

60%

16%

16%

8%

0%

Farm Safety

Bowles

60%

32%

0%

0%

8%

Herstmonceux

76%

20%

0%

0%

4%

Countryside

Bowles

76%

24%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

88%

12%

0%

0%

0%

Water Safety

Bowles

76%

24%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

80%

20%

0%

0%

0%

Electrical Safety

Bowles

64%

32%

0%

4%

0%

Herstmonceux

88%

12%

0%

0%

0%

Personal Safety

Bowles

80%

16%

0%

0%

4%

Herstmonceux

96%

0%

0%

0%

4%

Railway Safety

Bowles

84%

16%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

84%

16%

0%

0%

0%

Dealing with an Accident

Bowles

56%

36%

4%

0%

4%

Herstmonceux

84%

16%

0%

0%

0%

Road Safety

Bowles

88%

12%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

92%

8%

0%

0%

0%

Fire Safety

Bowles

80%

20%

0%

0%

0%

Herstmonceux

100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

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Comments from Bowles:

Alcohol Awareness

The children enjoyed the scenario using the goggles. It was useful to see the units broken down.

May have been pitched a little high age wise. The pupils didn't know how to answer some of the questions about themselves drinking.

It was good for the children to see how little alcohol can affect them, not to get pressured by their peers.

Farm Safety

I liked the variety of dangers that were demonstrated: particularly the bottle of coke that was lying on the ground.

The model of the cows in the field was a great improvement as the children could see the issue easier.

Good scenario but too little time to go into details.

Water

Good scenario, quite an eye opener for the children as we don't live near the seaside.

Children were made aware of what the flags mean - helpful to know. They'll use this skill again - so very useful.

The rescuing scenario was a little rushed, but they were able to understand.

Electrical

Some of the language used (circuit-breaker) was not familiar and they didn't know what they should do with it (lawnmowing) Fab model!

The children really enjoyed the interactive model and had some great discussion.

13A plug covers are dangerous. If you turn a socket cover upside down and insert it you can bypass the safety design. See ROSPA.

Interactive scenario great session. Children impressed what they could learn.

Personal Safety

This is an excellent scenario. The children in the group I watched were completely innocent of what was going on! They gave all their details. The instruction afterwards was clear and well delivered. Spoke about snapchat and other social media.

Part of this was a lot of the policewoman telling rather than the children being involved but it did reinforce things we've done in school. Interesting that the focus is now on e-safety. I feel the children still need the opportunity to think/experience the old 'stranger' scenario. However, glad you've introduced an element of e-safety.

Was great to watch the children through the window without their knowledge.

Railway Safety

Children learnt that going on a railway is an offence resulting in prison, fine and a criminal record.

Very clear scenario, a lot to take in but needs to be explained to the children to keep them safe.

Engaging speaker - got the message across clearly and managed the group well.

Dealing with an accident

Good scenario, children learnt many things today. This was an area they didn't know too much about.

Good interaction, positive feedback to children.

In the past we have had a practical demonstration of how to put someone into recovery position. How to attract attention.

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Road Safety

Pupils made mistakes and learnt a lot such as how far it takes for a car to stop at 30mph.

Very good at being firm and clear. Excellent shocking facts! Great to get them active and involved in doing things.

Well delivered scenario and particularly useful as most of these children seem to travel everywhere by car.

Fire Safety

Super activity - got the kids really involved. Plug activity was fab (extension lead). Safety of mobile phone chargers could have been a good activity,

Good scenario that related fire to safety in the home. Good interactive session where they really had to think. Liked the addition of looking carefully at plugs.

Very good activity looking at the appliances around the home to raise awareness on overheating equipment/plugs

Great for children to be involved in the 999 role play call!

Countryside

Fences/gates/electric fences - may have been helpful to cover walking in the countryside (either here or in farm safety)

Great explanations, children were engaged and learnt a lot. Funny presentation which helps.

A child picked up the toxic barrel by mistake, which served for a great lesson.

Comments from Herstmonceux:

Alcohol I think it might be good to explain the dangers of drinking before the

ages of 18. Permanent damage to liver/brain, as that was not communicated. Love the drunk goggles demo though.

Allowed the children to think about their reactions to peer pressure.

Maybe a bit more of a scare to make them realise how serious it is.

Farm Safety

Particularly engaging for the children in our class who live on a farm.

Interesting scenarios that they wouldn’t think about e.g. dog walking

Water Safety

Again, super questions to find out what children knew, clear explanations on flags on the beach. Perhaps could have been shown a better way of throwing the rope, as first attempts weren't too successful.

Very impressed with the student who explained the water safety. All children understood the importance of water safety.

Electrical Safety

Always a great scenario to re-inforce electrical hazards and ways to avoid or deal with electrical accidents.

Interactive model was great for inspiring interest and awareness for children and getting children talking and explaining.

Excellent info from Trevor Green (MBE).

Personal Safety

Great new one linked to social media that is obviously at the forefront of life for children at the moment.

Children were easily led, they were fully aware about not giving info away but didn't necessary practise what they preached. This scenario highlights the dangers and raised their awareness of them.

Sometimes it was unclear whether the police lady was talking about the stranger’s point of view or from her point of view so at times the children were confused. However, the children were clear that you don’t give out details to strangers.

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Railway Safety

This was a crucial session as children showed very limited understanding of the dangers and what to do (calling 999).

Good for relating the local dangers to the children (e.g. what Polegate station contains).

Really got the children thinking about electricity at home and safety there compared to danger of electricity at a rail station. Children friendly explanations.

Could have mentioned dangers associated with level crossings, and also crossing a railway line where there is a footpath as there is in Uckfield.

Dealing with an accident

Very useful info - good demo. Could do with some info on how to keep yourself safe first - assessing the situation first.

Great that the children were able to get involved with being the volunteer which is being put into the recovery position.

Need a bit more info about how to deal with an emergency.

Visual prompts for recovery position would be helpful for visual learners (posters etc).

Road Safety

Good hands on and practical activity covering a lot of info and scenarios. I think a greater link to the consequences for them - e.g. this is why because…

A timely reminder for all even when they're Yr 6. Great for the more to Yr 7 in Sept when they will inevitable be more independent.

Fire Safety

Good scenario with lots for the children to do and make it feel like a real - life experience. Relevant to everyday life, pupils had to think hard about what they were doing.

Great recap of hour to make a 999 call and what to expect when asked questions.

Countryside

Children asked questions which was positive. Barry and Sue were very knowledgeable and approachable.

Allowed the children to use excellent team work and explain their knowledge. What they need to do in a situation explained clearly

Good to let them know who to contact if they spot anything - most thought either police or to leave it.

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Concluding questions: Overall, the teachers were asked to rate the children’s knowledge on the issues raised during Safety in Action BEFORE & AFTER the events? 1= Very low, 10= very high.

Very Low Very High

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pre Bowles 0% 0% 16% 12% 12% 16% 28% 4% 4% 0%

Post Bowles 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 20% 44% 28%

Very Low Very High

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pre Herstmonceux

0% 0% 4% 12% 16% 32% 28% 0% 0% 0%

Post Herstmonceux

0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 8% 56% 28%

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Overall, how would you rate Safety in Action as a learning experience?

Excellent Good Fair Below expectations

Bowles 100% 0% 0% 0% Herstmonceux 88% 12% 0% 0%

Do you think the pupils enjoyed the learning event? Bowles: Yes 100% No 0% Herstmonceux: Yes 100% No 0% Would you like to bring a group of children next year? Bowles: Yes 100% No 0% Herstmonceux: Yes 100% No 0% Did you, as a teacher//helper, learn anything from this event? Bowles: Yes 90% No 10% Herstmonceux: Yes 100% No 0% Comments from Bowles: It is great to come and do interactive learning. As an adult this was a reminder about safety and first aid. Many of these children are taken to and from school by car; each other’s houses; parties; sports events by car etc. Therefore, they are not used to crossing roads or railway stations. Fire and electric situations were also very useful. Farm safety was excellent. Thank you very much for organising this event, always good to recap. I learnt lots of information that I will pass onto other pupils at school and also to my children at home, it would be amazing if there could be tea/coffee facilities for staff - we would pay! But I can appreciate this would be difficult Comments from Herstmonceux: Thank you for all the volunteers giving up their time for the children. There was a lot of info which may be too much - hopefully some of the messages will be remembered by them. Encouraged a lot of discussion among the children. They all gained a great deal from this experience. A great afternoon with obviously dedicated professionals.

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Scenario Organiser Evaluation Forms

9 scenario organisers returned the forms for Bowles and Herstmonceux. Organisation of the event

How would you rate Safety in Action against the following criteria?

Excellent Good Ok Unsatisfactory N/A Communication with

you and your organisation before

the event

89% 11% - - -

The usefulness of the pre-Safety in Action meeting in

March

22% 33% 11% - 33%

(did not attend)

The children’s briefing prior to undertaking the

scenarios

44% 56% - - -

Organisation of the children around the

event 67% 33% - - -

The timings of the scenario

22% 56% 22% - -

The children’s de-briefing after the

event 44% 56% - - -

The refreshments you received during

the event 56% 22% 22% - -

The site facilities

and setting 56% 44% - - -

Overall performance

56% 44% - - -

Do you have any additional comments to make about the organisation of the event? Ambulance - Bowles - long walk to my particular scenario causing delayed start. Fire service - Would have been nice to have had the street name sign. Both well organised again. The organisation of both Bowles and Herstmonceux is always superb. Timings still tight, although latest layout at Bowles was better than previous and delays were minimised.

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How would you rate the Safety in Action Workbook for reinforcing the learning points made in your scenario?

Comments: The reason I have answered N/A is because I have not seen this. Does not answer questions fully. Info not applicable to all. Fire Safety: Exit plan activity ' around home' is confusing. Our key messages get out, stay out, call 999 does not feature. Order of 999 call is wrong. On honest reflection how would you rate your scenario as raising awareness of hazards and communicating the correct actions to take?

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Comments: Fire safety: The smoke raises awareness and the 999 call is an ‘in action’ way to communicate the correct response Farm safety: New system of looking around site scenario before beginning it was helpful but consumes up to 2 minutes of 10. Tried simpler message this year with changed emphasis between different mini scenarios. Is there anything that you would change next time?

Comments: Ambulance: Always room for improvement but being my first attempt, I can work on this! Alcohol Scenario: Make the topic more suitable for yr 6’s – go into more detail about peer pressure and how to avoid it, what to do when you see a person who has consumed alcohol. Personal Safety: change scenario - so it does not get passed on from year to year. New parking system at Bowles was a tad confusing and little help if running late. Extend time spent at each event from 10mins to 12mins. I just think it is important to update the scenarios every year to reflect current data and incidents in the area.

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Children’s evaluation forms

Bowles week: 80 children’s evaluations were selected at random. Herstmonceux week: 80 children’s evaluations were selected at random. The children were asked to rate Safety in Action:-

I thought that Safety in Action was... (10 stars = really good! 1 star = awful)

At which 3 scenarios did you learn the most?

(These do not total 100% because children were asked to list 3 scenarios.)

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stars

Bowles

Herstmonceux

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Pupil questionnaire analysis

A questionnaire was given to schools who attended the event. Several schools returned the questionnaires before and after the event. This enabled us to measure the knowledge acquired and retained by the children. The results will also enable us to make further improvements to Safety in Action.

Question Answer Bowles Herstmonceux

Pre Event Post Event Pre Event Post Event What is the emergency phone number?

999 97% 98% 98% 100%

What is the stopping distance in paces or meters when travelling at 30mph?

Over 23 metres 7% 80% 10% 82%

What would happen to you if you touched a third rail on a railway line?

Seriously harm or kill you !

40% 92% 45% 88%

Can you think of something dangerous you might find in a farmyard?

Examples include tractor, hay bales, slurry pit and animals

70% 93% 75% 97%

What would you do if you saw someone setting fire to a bin?

Do not confront them, call 999, tell your parents, teacher or a Police or Fire Officer

52% 87% 48% 90%

Does alcohol slow-down or speed-up how a person reacts to a situation?

Slow-down 42% 77% 35% 82%

How do you check for breathing if someone appears unconscious?

See if their chest is rising and falling, listen for breathing by putting your ear to their nose

47% 87% 55% 88%

What should you do if a football goes into an electrical substation?

Leave it alone and do not enter the substation

45% 93% 42% 82%

What is the most important thing to consider when helping someone?

Keeping yourself safe 12% 55% 20% 60%

What could you use to help someone who has fallen in a lake or river?

Rope, buoyancy aids, clothing etc

37% 80% 55% 85%

What would you do if you found a syringe on the pavement whilst out with your friends?

LEAVE IT ALONE and report to parents or a responsible adult

47%

92%

45%

78%

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Draw a picture that shows something you learned by visiting Safety in Action

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Summary

The results of the evaluation are very positive, as it demonstrates that children's knowledge has improved from attending Safety in Action. Conclusions

Generally the feedback is extremely supportive of these events. The points raised by the questionnaires will be discussed at the evaluation meeting in September 2016. Acknowledgements Our sincere thanks go to all the agency representatives, volunteers and sponsors who work together to make our “Safety in Action” event happen. Special thanks are given to our main sponsors:- Uckfield Lions Club Money for the main school prize Servomex, Crowborough Money for the school achieving the highest marks in road safety The Safer Wealden Partnership Emergency telephones and student

transport Bowles Outdoor Centre and For their hospitality and support Queens University, Canada at allowing us to use their grounds to Herstmonceux Castle. hold the event Public Service students for helping Sussex Down College with a variety of tasks All the volunteer staff from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Kat Jenner & Sophie Hepworth

Community and Regeneration Team – August 2016