Child Friendly Warwickshire

With an established programme that’s been running for over 20 years, fire crews and Prevention Team staff visit Year 1, Year 5 and Year 7 pupils to discuss fire safety, creating a progressive golden thread that runs throughout a child’s education.

One of the ways this is done is through the use of Fire Safety education boxes – filled to the brim with useful resources to make learning fun. These popular boxes were revamped in November last year, and got a fantastic response when bookings opened. Delivered and collected by a member of the Prevention Team or a WFRS volunteer, the boxes are thoroughly cleaned between bookings. Eight different education settings booked a box across just one week, and 31 bookings were made for future dates!

The first eight bookings provided essential learning through play to 250 of the youngest members of the community, and the brilliant uptake is evidence of just how popular this resource is. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue are proud to promote fire safety messaging from a very early age, and are encouraging all the nurseries, schools and childminders who have booked a box to spread the word and tell colleagues and friends about the service.

Booking can be done via this online form.

WFRS also offer a box of resources aimed at children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, which includes lesson plans for specialist school delivery. To book a SEND education box, just complete this online form.

The three step approach to fire safety education for SEND pupils

1. Once a booking form has been completed, a member of the Prevention Team will contact the setting and arrange a suitable date and time to visit. This is an opportunity to meet the children and introduce the importance of fire safety. Time will be spent with the class teacher to look through the resource box and answer any questions regarding content and use.
2. The resource box will be left with the setting for a period of 3 weeks. The box is full of fire safety information, games, books and interactive activities for the children to use and enjoy. WFRS recognise that every child has individual needs, so we encourage the teacher to use the resources as they feel appropriate, either on a 1-1 basis or in a group lesson. Guidance notes are included to support different fire safety messages. Teachers may choose which resources are suitable for use with the children in their class. We hope that WFRS have catered for varying levels of need and that this is reflected in the choice and type of activities available.
3. The Prevention Team member will return to the setting to collect the resource box. At this session, we encourage parents to attend to receive fire safety advice and ask any questions regarding risk reduction and staying safe at home and book a safe and well check if required.

For more detail about what the education boxes contain, click here.

A fire engine with the words Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service on the side and a ladder along the top

If you wish to arrange a visit from your local crew, please contact your nearest station directly. A visit could include looking around the engine and equipment, using the hose, talking about the role of a firefighter, and asking questions. Please be aware that the crew may be required to leave suddenly if they are required at an emergency.

For more information on WFRS education programmes, visit warwickshire.gov.uk/firesafetyeducation. To contact the Community Fire Prevention team, please email cfs@warwickshire.gov.uk. A variety of games aimed at KS1 and KS2 children can be found on the Education Hub: apps.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-education-ks1-ks2. StayWise offers resources for teachers about blue light emergency services – visit staywise.co.uk/blue-light-users for more information.