Constabulary chalks up 56 per cent of schools for new initiative

Thanks to funding from Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, the system is available free of charge to every school in Lancashire.

Inputs are split into age groups from early years (age 2) to key stage 5 (age 18), and themed across relationships, keeping safe and understanding the law. The inputs are designed by teachers for teachers, but there are also additional inputs that can be delivered by Police Officers.

In just a few months Lancashire Police has signed up 56% of the county’s school with teachers giving 873 inputs to over 26,000 student and police delivering 159 sessions to 7,000 students.

Commenting on the success of the scheme, Chief Inspector Chris Abbott said: “We want to do everything within our power to prevent local children from becoming victims of crime and education is a crucial part of this.

“Working with schools we need to educate local children about some of the dangers and risks they may face growing up so they can protect themselves, but also to make sure they know the law around key issues like anti-social behaviour so they can steer clear of crime.

“I’m delighted that over half of Lancashire’s schools have already signed up to Pol-Ed, and I hope that others will now follow so that every child in Lancashire can have access to consistent policing information and advice no matter where they are educated or where they live.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: “I’ve funded this project to support the education of our young people on challenging and sensitive topics such child sexual exploitation, anti-social behaviour, and child criminal exploitation, alongside emerging issues, risks, and consequences of crime.

“Pol-Ed represents a significant step forward in our efforts to engage with young people and educate them about the law and their safety. By providing teachers with the tools they need, we hope to foster a generation that is well-informed and confident in making safe choices.

“As the public’s voice in policing, I hope the scheme will further embed local officers in the communities they serve, leading to greater engagement, and increased trust in the police.”