Some parents may regard the provision of a School Crossing Patrol as an indication that the Authority is assuming the responsibility for the safety of their children on their journey to and from school.
This is a misconception - it is the parents' responsibility at all times.
Criteria for the provision of a School Crossing Patrol
The criteria used for deciding on the provision of a School Crossing Patrol are based on a formula which takes into account the number of Primary School children (accompanied and unaccompanied) and the flow of traffic during the busiest half hour period. The traffic/pedestrian count is carried out over an hourly period both in a morning and an afternoon. The criteria also incorporates other factors to reflect any special conditions around the sites for example:
- Ages of children
- Road junctions
- Roundabouts
- Street lighting
- Any other street furniture.
All new sites are risk assessed.
Request for the provision of a School Crossing Patrol
Requests for a new School Crossing Patrol originate from a variety of sources:
- Schools - Head Teachers and Governors
- Education Officers
- Elected Members
Requests should be made in writing in the first instance to:
Senior Road Safety Officer
Road Safety Unit
Warwickshire County Counci
PO Box 43
Shire Hall
Warwick CV34 4BR
Recruitment of a School Crossing Patrol
School Crossing Patrols are recruited from various sources:
- Schools are asked to advertise in their newsletters to parents
- An advert is placed with the local job centre
- Posters are placed around the local community
- Door to door leaflet drop carried out
Interviews of candidates are carried out by the area supervisor at the appropriate school and the candidates are always CRB checked. The successful candidate is then given a regulation uniform and trained on site.
Absence cover
If a School Crossing Patrol is absent through sickness the area supervisor will try and find a Relief Patrol to give emergency cover.
However, there is a serious shortage of relief patrols and often no relief is available. In this case, the Police are asked to give cover if they can.
If a site cannot be covered, the school is told as soon as possible and is asked to tell parents at once.
Vacant school crossing patrol site
If a School Crossing Patrol site becomes vacant the appropriate school(s) are then informed. The school(s) should then inform parents of the uncovered site.
The recruitment procedure is then carried out. The site remains uncovered until a new permanent Patrol has taken up the position. (Relief Patrols are only available for emergency cover).
Health and safety
The County Council is responsible for the Health and Safety of School Crossing Patrols at work.
All School Crossing Patrol sites are regularly risk assessed.
It may, at times, be necessary for the safety of both the patrol and the children to move to a safer site because of road works etc. in the vicinity. The school is then informed of any changes and the children should be asked to cross with the patrol at the new site. The site will revert back to the permanent position once all works are gone.
Schools should advise parents that Patrols cannot accept custody of children until they arrive. Children should remain on school premises unless they are allowed to go home on their own. The Patrol is responsible for children who come to cross at the site and must not be distracted by any children who are waiting to be collected.
Parents are also discouraged from parking or dropping off children near to school entrances or the School Crossing Patrol site. This bad practice can obscure not only the patrols vision but also that of any oncoming motorists. This can put both the Patrol and children in danger.
Schools are asked to send out requests to parents regarding this bad practice, and warned that any persistent offenders may be reported to the Police.
Extra assistance
Any extra times during the day that the school would like the School Crossing Patrol to help out at must be authorised by the School Crossing Patrol Service.
If a school would like their School Crossing Patrol to go into the school to talk to the children regarding their job or any other road safety issues, the Patrol should be approached in the first instance. They will then contact their supervisor to inform them of the visit.
The same procedure should be adopted if a school would like the School Crossing Patrol to assist in the movement of children outside of school e.g. church services.
Schools can also request a visit from the School Crossing Patrol Service. Please do not hesitate to contact the area supervisors on 01926 412661.
How you can help us
Patrols can feel quite isolated, particularly if their crossing point is not immediately outside the school.
Although Patrols are not directly employed by the school we very much hope that schools will establish a relationship with their Patrols and make them feel welcome in the school and part of the school community.
We also hope schools will arrange for Patrols to receive copies of handouts issued to parents. |