Hundreds of children across Staffordshire are learning essential road safety skills and boosting their confidence thanks to a special road safety programme.
The Stepping Out Scheme is designed for children in Years 3 and 4 (aged 7–9) and helps them develop the confidence and skills they need to walk safely in their local area.
The training is delivered by the Staffordshire County Council’s Road Safety Education and Training Officers on behalf of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership.
Children from Chadsmead Primary Academy in Lichfield have been the latest to take part in the scheme and develop their road safety skills, including recognising hazards, stopping at kerbs, knowing where and how to look for traffic and how to cross the road safely.
The final stage is an observed walk, during which children independently walk the route they have practised, supported by parents and school staff. This allows their newly learned skills to be assessed in a safe, supervised way.
Last year, the Stepping Out scheme was delivered to more than 3,500 children across Staffordshire and Stoke‑on‑Trent, and aims to educate more children over the next year.
Anthony Screen, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience visited Chadsmead school to take part in the training. He said:
“Stepping Out is a fantastic example of how working with schools, parents and partners can make a real difference to children’s safety.
“This training helps children understand how to spot hazards, stop safely and cross roads with confidence. It’s about giving them the skills they need to walk independently while reassuring parents that those skills are being learned in a safe and supportive way. By giving young pedestrians practical, real‑world experience, we’re helping them feel more confident and safer in their local communities.”
Gemma Grainger, Headteacher of Chadsmead Primary Academy said:
“We are extremely proud of how our pupils engaged with the Stepping Out programme. Road safety training like this is invaluable in helping children develop the awareness, confidence and independence they need to stay safe in their local community. We are very grateful to Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership for delivering such practical, real-world learning that will have a lasting impact on our children’s safety.”
Stepping Out is one of a range of road safety education and training programmes available to schools across Staffordshire and Stoke‑on‑Trent and is funded by the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership. To find out what support is available for your school, contact roadsafetyeducation@staffordshire.gov.uk
