Posted on Monday 17th October 2022
Staffordshire Lollipop Lady Wendy Duncan
Staffordshire Lollipop lady Wendy Duncan is lending her hand to a new campaign to help recruit more school crossing patrol officers in the county.
The 53-year-old has been helping children cross the roads in Staffordshire safely for 12 years. She’s now sharing her love for the job as part of a drive to recruit more officers.
Wendy said:
“Being a lollipop lady is brilliant and I absolutely love it.
“It’s a great thing to do and helps keep me feeling young, fit and active. My favourite part is seeing the children in the morning and making them smile. This is always a joy and knowing that I’m helping them get to and from school safely is a rewarding experience. Over the years, I’ve got to know many of the children and families too, and watching them grow up into young adults themselves is great.
“There’s no experience necessary as full training and the uniform and lollipop are provided. It’s only a couple of hours a day too which means you can fit other commitments around it or even other jobs or hobbies. It also feels good knowing that you’re giving something back to your local community.”
David Williams, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said:
“Our army of around 230 School Crossing Patrol officers provide an invaluable service keeping our children safe on the way to and from school.
“We have husband and wife teams, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons and generations of families who have handed down the trade.
“Most people can be a lollipop person, there’s no age limit and you don’t need to have any experience or qualifications. Having good communication skills and being friendly and reliable is helpful.
“We do have a number of vacancies right across the county, so I’d encourage people who think it’s for them to have a look and apply.”
Staffordshire has around 220 patrol officers working across the county. The youngest is 23, with the average age around 59. Many of the County’s patrols have worked for the service for up to 40 years. Pay starts at £9.79 per hour and there are vacancies available right across the county. People can find out more at Job Search | WM Jobs or by calling the recruitment hotline on 0300 111 8049