Kent Rolls Out Essential Road Safety Lessons for Pre-Schoolers
Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a new free road safety programme aimed at pre-school children aged three and four. The lessons focus on teaching young children the fundamental road safety code: Stop, Look, Listen, Think, Hold Hands. This initiative is designed to give Kent’s youngest residents a strong foundation in road safety at an age when early learning can make a lasting difference.
The programme has been welcomed across the county as a proactive step towards making Kent’s roads safer for all. Early feedback shows that children are engaging with the lessons enthusiastically, giving parents and carers new tools to help keep their children safe outside the home.
Meet Kip the Bear: Making Road Safety Engaging
A Fun Approach to Serious Learning
At the heart of the lessons is Kip the bear, Kent’s friendly road safety mascot, who helps bring important messages to life for young children. The programme includes an animated video featuring Kip, which uses clear Makaton signs alongside speech and visuals to appeal to all learning styles. This combination supports children who are still developing language skills and helps make the learning process more inclusive.
Resources Beyond the Screen
In addition to the video, KCC provides a range of free materials including colouring sheets, posters, and a jigsaw puzzle featuring Kip the bear and key safety messages. These resources give parents and childcare providers hands-on ways to reinforce the road safety code in a fun and memorable way, helping children remember important safety steps long after the lesson.
Why Starting Young Matters: KCC’s Vision for a Safer Kent
The Foundation of Vision Zero
KCC’s Vision Zero strategy aims for zero road fatalities and serious injuries on Kent’s roads by 2050. Introducing road safety education early plays an important role in achieving this goal. Teaching children from the pre-school age builds lifelong habits, helping to create safer behaviour patterns that reduce risks as they grow.
The Critical Role of Parents and Carers
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at KCC, highlights the importance of parents and carers in shaping children’s road behaviour. He states, “Children learn most by watching the adults around them. When parents show safe road-crossing habits and explain the reasons behind these, children are more likely to do the same.” This initiative supports parents and childcare providers with effective ways to model and teach road safety in everyday life.
Making a Difference: Early Feedback from Kent’s Childcare Settings
The free programme is already reaching more than 240 childcare settings in Kent, engaging around 4,000 young children. Nurseries and preschools have reported positive outcomes, commenting on how well the children respond to Kip the bear and the interactive materials.
One nursery manager shared, “Our children loved following Kip’s adventures and using the colouring sheets. It sparked lots of questions and conversations about road safety that we can build on during daily activities.” Such feedback demonstrates the programme’s ability to combine safety education with enjoyable learning experiences.
How Kent’s Childcare Providers Can Access This Free Programme
Childcare settings in Kent interested in joining the road safety lessons can easily sign up by emailing roadsafety@kent.gov.uk. Once registered, providers receive access to all lesson materials and resources at no cost. The programme is designed to fit smoothly into existing early years activities, providing practical support for educators.
For broader information about KCC’s road safety efforts, childcare providers and parents can visit the official road safety website at Kent County Council Road Safety.
Practical Road Safety Tips for Kent Families
Everyday Safety Habits for Parents
Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing what children learn at nurseries. Some practical tips include always holding hands when near roads, explaining the meaning of traffic signals in simple terms, and encouraging children to use safe crossing points like pedestrian crossings or traffic islands.
It is important for adults to put away mobile phones and maintain full attention during road crossings to model safe behaviour. Practising the road safety code “Stop, Look, Listen, Think” with children regularly will help make these actions second nature.
Turning Journeys into Learning Moments
Daily walks, trips to the shops, or car journeys offer excellent opportunities to discuss road safety. Parents can point out safe places to cross, talk about the sounds of traffic, and explain why holding hands is important. These conversations reinforce the safety code and help children apply it outside of lessons.
Leading by Example: A Parent’s Guide
Children closely observe how adults behave on the road. Whether walking, cycling, or as passengers in cars, parents who consistently use seat belts, cross at designated points, and follow road rules give their children powerful examples to follow. This role modelling is one of the most effective ways to keep young learners safe.
Building a Safer Future for Kent’s Children
Kent County Council’s new road safety lessons for pre-schoolers reflect a simple but vital aim: to protect the county’s children from road dangers and contribute to safer communities for everyone. This initiative, combined with family involvement and community support, helps lay the groundwork for a future where no one loses their life or sustains serious injury on Kent’s roads.
Continued participation from nurseries, parents, and carers will be key in creating a lasting culture of safety. KCC remains committed to providing valuable tools and education to support this goal, ensuring Kent’s youngest residents grow up confident and safe near traffic.
