Pupils across the Federation of Ripley CE, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Schools have been taking part in a dedicated road safety initiative, aimed at helping children travel to and from school more safely and confidently. With increasing concerns about traffic congestion, parking near school entrances and reduced visibility during winter months, the federation has placed a renewed emphasis on developing responsible habits among its learners.
Throughout the Autumn term, children engaged in a series of Road Safety Awareness activities carefully designed to make important messages memorable and practical. Pupils learned about safe crossing points, the importance of being alert near roads and how to stay visible during darker mornings and afternoons.
Local PCSOs visited the federation’s schools to support the learning. At each site, pupils took part in a “parking patrol”, politely reminding drivers to avoid blocking school gates, zig‑zag zones and pavements—spaces essential for ensuring safe visibility and access for all families and ran a Road Safety Competition to design an image for banners.
In particular, the road outside Ripley CE School is used as a ‘rat-run’ when there are jams on the Harrogate Road. The school urges members of the public to be mindful that rush hour is also the time when children are dropped off and picked-up and to stick to the main Harrogate Road. At Beckwithshaw, the road is very dangerous also due to being on a corner of a main route into Harrogate also.
Executive Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead Victoria Kirkman emphasised that pupil safety is a shared responsibility across the community:
Our priority is to ensure every child in our federation feels safe and confident as they travel each day. By working together with families, local partners and our wonderful pupils, we can create a calmer, safer environment around each of our school sites. We ask members of the public to be mindful of our school locations and children’s safety.
Parents across the federation have responded positively, noting improvements in both children’s awareness and the behaviour of drivers at drop‑off and collection times. Many families have also taken part in the federation’s Walk to School encouragement days, promoting healthier, safer and more sustainable travel options.
The federation plans to continue embedding road safety education throughout the year, with follow‑up assemblies, new pupil‑led campaigns and ongoing work with local partners.
As the winter season continues, families are encouraged to allow extra time for journeys, use safe crossing points and model careful behaviour around busy roads. By keeping road safety a shared priority, the Federation of Ripley CE, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Schools aims to ensure every child arrives at school ready to learn—and returns home safely.
