Several streets around Peasedown St John have been given a spring clean, thanks to the village’s mini-police team.
The team of junior police officers spent an afternoon last week picking litter and tidying up pathways and public open spaces around and near to Peasedown St John Primary School.
The partnership initiative between the school and PCSOs from Avon & Somerset Police sees children from Year 5 each year being given the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in ‘real life’ scenarios.
School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said:
“The Mini-Police initiative is a police engagement programme that we’ve been running successfully alongside the police for the past five years with children in Year 5. Children must apply and be interviewed for the role. They are each given a uniform and attend regular training sessions led by the PCSOs. Topics covered often include traffic and speed awareness with a visit from the local police speed enforcement team and first aid training.”
Last week though the team had a go at litter picking, which saw several bags of rubbish collected.
“During last week’s session we took the children out into the community to take part in some all-important litter picking,” added Ruth, “The children loved it and really felt like they were giving something back to their local village. Many of them said they can’t want to get out and do it again!
The Mini Police programme helps children build confidence, self-esteem, and life skills. It also helps children understand policing and community safety and builds trust between children and the police.
For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit their website www.psjprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary
