It’s never too soon to start learning about road safety. Like all knowledge systems, a good foundation is crucial. This is why the Road Safety Unit runs the Safer Steps project. <br><br>Through this programme, children under 5 learn fundamental road safety principles. Nurseries and playgroups are loaned a Safer Steps box, which contains a variety of different road safety teaching resources and child-size role playing equipment. Through reading, playing and other activities, young children can develop a basic understanding of potential dangers on the road and how to stay safe when they are near traffic. We currently distribute 18 boxes of resources on a rolling programme across the borough. In 2004, 52% of nurseries in Islington participated in the Safer Steps project.<br><br>Safer Steps co-ordinator Natalie Loudon said:<br><br>“You’re never too young to learn about road safety. Children are exposed to the danger of the roads from an early age and the more awareness they have of how to be safe, the better. In the last three years, we have loaned the resources to 239 nurseries and estimate that more than 5000 children have benefited from the Safer Steps programme.”<br><br>For further information, members of the public can contact Natalie Loudon, Road Safety Project Co-ordinator on 2061.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009