Chiltern Railways launch virtual programme to promote rail safety for school children

Chiltern Railways have teamed up with Heart of England Community Rail Partnership to produce a new rail safety programme for schools.

The safety programme, aimed at KS2 primary pupils, includes a video, lesson plan and activities featuring key safety messages from Chiltern Railways, Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP).

The aim of the programme is to raise awareness of the dangers of trespassing and to build up confidence in young people when using the railway. Previously Chiltern Railways have delivered rail safety presentations in schools across their network, however due to Covid restrictions this has not been possible. In order to continue supporting schools and communities, Chiltern have worked with partners to develop a new virtual rail safety programme which will enable them to engage with more young people than ever before.

Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways said, “The safety of our customers and those who live along our railway line is Chiltern Railway’s top priority and I am pleased that with this new programme, we can now engage with more schools across our network, ensuring young people understand how to stay safe on the railway. With the support of Network Rail, the BTP and the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership, we want to make as many young people as possible aware of the importance of rail safety.”

Julia Singleton-Tasker, Heart of England Community Rail Partnership Officer said, “Staying safe on the railways is such an important message. It’s been great to work in partnership with Chiltern Railways to deliver an educational video where different organisations have collaborated to achieve a resource that can be used in schools.”

Year 5 pupils at Kingsway Community Primary School in Leamington Spa were the first to try out this virtual rail safety programme. Alex Atkinson, teacher at Kingsway Community Primary School said “We are delighted to have been the first school in the region to benefit from this rail safety programme. Pupils were really engaged with the content and learned vital lessons on how to stay safe on the railway. The programme also highlighted to our pupils the opportunities for travel outside their immediate communities, something many families may not have the opportunity to experience.”