Keep your child safe as school resumes

NOW that the new school year has started, thousands of returning and new pupils will be flocking to schools every weekday.

Some might travel by car, walk or use other transport to get to school.

Brighton Beach communications officer, Cpt Louise Le Roux urges parents and guardians to make the safety of their children a priority. “The safety of children while on school premises is not just the responsibility of the governing body and teachers, but children themselves, parents, guardians, and caregivers. A safe and secure learning environment can only be achieved through team work,” she said.

Children must adhere to the school rules as set out in the code of conduct which will minimise conflict within the learning environment. The key towards a safer school environment is respect.

“Respect yourselves, respect others and respect the rules of the school,” she added.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can assist their children’s educational institution and police by applying the basic back to school safety guidelines to kick off the 2017 educational year on a safe note:

Ensure the mode of transport being used by your children conforms to the Road Traffic Act. Ensure the driver has a valid public driver’s permit, driver’s license, and the vehicle is roadworthy.

When being dropped off at their schools, children must enter the school where it is safer and not loiter outside, in the street or at shopping complexes. The same applies when making their way home. If your child is collected from the school premises, ensure that they are aware of the pick-up point.

Children must not deviate from the route set out for them by their parents when travelling on foot, bicycle, taxi, bus or train to and from school.

Encourage your child not to talk to strangers or accept lifts or free novelties from them.

Parents must ensure all medicines for their children are handed over to the teachers. The medicine must ha e a letter and confirmation that the medicine was handed over. Pupils are not permitted to have any form of medication on their person or in school bags. They are also not allowed to consume such without adult supervision on school premises. They are not allowed to administer medication themselves or to fellow pupils while on school premises.

Ensure that the parent’s/guardian’s or caregiver’s current information is updated on school records. The school and police often experience difficulty in tracing parents in cases of emergency, as cell phone numbers, work contact details as well as home and work addresses are outdated. Ensure that you have a current photo of your child on hand.