21
Jun
2013
By Calvin at 11:21 GMT, 12 years ago
I’ve not covered ‘SchoolWatch’ on these news pages before, but what an excellent initiative this is. I’m sure the Met won’t mind me re-posting this news story about a new SchoolWatch scheme in Bethnal Green.
Tower Hamlets Police and the Bethnal Green Academy are leading the way in school route safety by introducing a new safety scheme for students.
The SchoolWatch scheme is aimed at improving the safety and security of students across Tower Hamlets as they make their journey to and from school.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between police, Bethnal Green Academy, charity ‘London Citizens’, the council and a number of other key agencies.
Bethnal Green Academy is the first school in Tower Hamlets to convert to academy status and likewise they are the first school to launch a SchoolWatch.
The scheme, that officially launches on Wednesday 26th June at Bethnal Green Academy comprises two parts:
Mapping ‘Safer Routes’ into and out of schools taking into consideration transport hubs and available CCTV. These routes are then recommended to the students.
Identifying and advertising ‘Safe Havens’. These could be shops, businesses, social housing sites or other venues along the Safer Routes that will provide a temporary refuge for a student if needed.
PCs Duncan Evans, Matt Selby and Bethnal Green Academy were the driving force behind developing the scheme. Together they have designed a logo, produced publicity, established agreements with local shops and businesses and obtained the resources needed to make the system work.
Mark Keary, the Principal of Bethnal Green Academy, said: “The safety of our children is every adult’s responsibility. SchoolWatch provides an opportunity for people and organisations to genuinely care about our young people and our community as a whole. SchoolWatch not only protects our young people, it also develops in them a sense of civic responsibility. It is an investment in our future.”
Dave Stringer, Chief Superintendent, said: “SchoolWatch will help provide actual security for students and increase their perception of safety. Both of these strands will contribute to a sense of well being for our young people and their families.”
Support has been overwhelming with many people keen to get involved. Safer Routes will be patrolled during relevant times by senior students wearing high visibility SchoolWatch tabards and the Safe Havens will be identifiable by the SchoolWatch logo displayed in a prominent position.
Technology within the schools will keep students and staff informed of how the scheme operates and helpful maps have been produced relevant to the area. So far, across the borough, 35 Safe Havens have been identified that will have regular visits from police officers.
The aim is to roll out the scheme across the Borough, so that it will be in operation at every school within Tower Hamlets in time for the new school term in September 2013.
Further information:
SchoolWatch flyer – click here
The Citizen Organizing Foundation: http://www.cof.org.uk/
Original story Metropolitan Police http://content.met.police.uk/News/Bethnal-Green-Academy--the-first-school-on-the-borough-to-launch-a-School-Watch/1400018151092/1257246745756
Related:
Safer School Partnerships: http://www.justice.gov.uk/youth-justice/prevention/safer-school-partnerships
