Active Response Security Services based in South Yorkshire are behind a community initiative aimed at protecting primary school children.
The idea was by Managing Director Michelle Bailey. She says: “Whilst death and injury on sites among children is reducing according to national figures provided by HSE, the numbers are still astonishing and we cannot afford complacency. We all have a shared responsibility to keep our children safe and this is a common danger that presents itself to us often whilst providing security on sites. We wanted to develop a fun, interactive way of educating our young ones on how to recognise dangers and avoid them. We decided to develop a series of HD videos using a 3D animation character that could be used by teaching staff to engage children and alert them to varying dangers. Episode one deals with avoiding building sites and derelict/void buildings and will appear in schools in early July 2016.”
The project is being fully funded by Active Response and has no cost implications to schools wishing to use it. Animascot of London was engaged to develop the 3D character and design and produce the first video of the series. Active Response, after engaging in focus groups, decided on a bee character “Bee Active”, and the character and story theme as light and humorous; however they also highlight the difficulties children could find themselves in when entering unauthorised or derelict areas.
The pre-launch with guests will take place on June 24, in Barnsley, although schools nationally will be encouraged to use this teaching tool.
Senior figures from South Yorkshire Police and local members of parliament will join other guests. Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner will address the audience.
Michelle, pictured, adds: “We have always been passionate about safeguarding and invest heavily in staff training, this initiative seemed a natural next step for us and we are very excited to be working in partnership with educational authorities – helping to get this message across. Building sites, derelict building may seem fun but hide many hidden dangers.”
