Children from All Saints Marsh C of E Academy Take Part in New Child Pedestrian Training Programme

Courtenay and Templar Class  from All Saints Marsh C of E Academy  in Newton Abbot have taken part in a new child pedestrian training programme on Friday 23rd January to help them learn key pedestrian road safety rules. 

Walking is great for children, families and the environment. A generation ago, 70% of primary school children walked to school – now it’s just over half*. To help change this, Active Devon has developed a Child Pedestrian Training programme, working with Devon County Council and Vision Zero South West, and is offering it free of charge to all schools across Devon. 

The training covered a range of essential road safety topics across a theory and practical session. Children had the chance to learn about understanding road signs and their meanings, mastering the Green Cross Code, navigating road crossings, identifying safe routes to cross, and always staying vigilant and aware. 

Miss Blakesley from All Saints Marsh said: “The children were shown not only how to cross roads safely, but what to look out for when crossing roads (road signs, lines and cars) which could all support children crossing safely. This was the first time some of our children had crossed the road on their own. Opening eyes and living experiences is how we build well-rounded children here at All Saints Marsh.”  

Walking to school is an important part of the Government’s active travel agenda and will help more children to become more active, resulting in health and environmental benefits for them, their families and the community. 

One of our Y4 children said: “That was great! I’ve always wanted to cross the road on my own. Thank you, Walkability!” whilst a Y3 child was so excited, they declared, “My mum will be so proud of me! She won’t believe I just crossed the road without her.” 

All Saints Marsh C of E Academy , hopes to build on this training by using the road safety skills during their trips out of school, around Newton Abbot and to our local areas.  

Louise Marshall from Active Devon said: “We loved the opportunity to visit All Saints Marsh and support them through this learning journey. Many of us remember learning about the Green Cross Code when we were at school and this programme helps to deliver practical advice, through different scenarios and training, to enable those children involved to feel more confident when in and around traffic, and where possible, on that walk to and from the school gates.” 

Co-designed with teachers across Devon, the programme has been designed to offer support when it is most needed and when children begin to embark on independent travel and will be available free to all primary schools across the Devon County Council area. It will integrate classroom learning with real-world experiences, empowering children to navigate their surroundings confidently and safely. 

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Contact Information 

All Saints Marsh C of E Academy allsaints@lapsw.org 01626362593 All Saints Marsh Church of England Academy - Home 

Note to editors - 

*https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/promoting-walking-in-primary-schools 

The training is funded by Devon County Council and will be available to primary schools across the Devon County Council area.