New book piloted in Birmingham schools

A new early learning book is being piloted in 37 primary schools across Birmingham in an effort to reduce child traffic casualties in the area.

‘The Conies: Walking to School Safely Journal’, a 40-page illustrated book, has been produced by the not-for-profit organisation ‘DriveSafe & StaySafe’ with the support of the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership.

It was officially launched by West Midlands’ assistant police and crime commissioner Ashley Bertie (pictured centre) at the West Midlands Fire Service Headquarters, in front of local councillors, teachers and members of the police and fire services.

The first 2,700 copies of the book have been delivered, along with teachers’ guides, to 37 primary schools in locations identified as child accident ‘hot spots’.

Every Key Stage 1 pupil (4-6 years) at the chosen schools will receive a copy of the book, which has been designed to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) learning and development requirements.

---

Related stories

DriveSafe puts focus on child safety with ‘The Conies’
15 September 2015

---

Assistant PCC Ashley Bertie said: “This book will provide an innovative, fun and lively way for children to learn of the dangers on our roads and what they can do to look after themselves and their families.

“The West Midlands is one of the youngest regions and Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe, and our young people are our future. I would like to thank Fay Goodman and her team at DriveSafe & StaySafe for a project that will not only have significance for our region but also nationally and hopefully internationally as well.”

---

Want to know more about children and road safety? 
Online library of research and reports etc – visit the Road Safety Knowledge Centre
Key facts and summaries of research reports – visit the Road Safety Observatory