Living and Learning: Staying Safe in the environment
Staying safe in the environment was one of our main areas of learning during ‘Staying Safe Week’. Year 1 went on a walk around the local area and to the park to see what dangers there might be. The children were very knowledgeable about road safety and stated the importance of staying well away from the road when walking on the pavement. Fortunately, we didn’t have to cross any roads but the children had remembered the Green Cross Code in case we needed it. We also discussed the importance of staying in sight of the adult you are with and not talking to strangers.
Whilst at the park, we had a good look at the equipment and decided that it was not safe to play because it was too wet and slippy. Hopefully we can visit the park again when the equipment is safe to play on.
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Living and Learning: Staying Safe week comes to an end
The final two days of our Staying Safe themed week continued to be filled with visitors, visits and more great learning.
Thank you to Allerton Grange who supported our themed week by hosting two of our classes. Year 6 had to be very safety conscious when attempting to scale the climbing wall. The technology department allowed Year 5 to safely investigate and explore a variety of different equipment.
Rachael from the Dogs Trust visited all classes on Thursday to talk about keeping safe around dogs. The children were taught to always check with an owner to see if it is safe to stroke a dog and what to do if a dog runs towards you. Have a look at Year 3’s class news post to find out more.
Jane Cusworth from Leeds Beckett University also joined us on Thursday to cover some basic first aid with different classes. Thank you to those parents and carers who joined her for the first aid workshop at the end of the day.
On Friday, Steve from British Military Martial Arts gave some great self defence tips to the children. BMMA run a martial arts after-school club at school every Monday so contact the office if you’d like more details.
There was also a water safety theme to the day with a visit from the Canal and River Trust to help to keep us safe by rivers and canals. Key water safety messages were given such as lying down on the floor when pulling someone out of the water.
Finally, thank you to Catering Leeds, our school meal provider, who gave hand hygiene sessions to Reception and KS1 classes. Keeping our hands clean and safe from germs will protect us from becoming sick and passing on germs to others.
There have been some great safety messages across the week from all our visitors. Ask your child/children what they have learnt across the week in respect to staying safe
- online
- at home
- at school
- in their environment
Staying Safe
The children took part in lots of activities last week as part of our ‘Staying Safe’ themed week.
We also thought about our school rules and how these keep us safe.
Safety Week Summary
We have come to the end of our ‘Safety’ themed week. Year 4 have had many visitors relating to different aspects of staying safe. We would like to thank Mrs Taylor who works hard to organise the events during a themed week. She has provided us all with many interesting and exciting safety workshops.
Below are a few snippets from some of the sessions.
Safety Week: Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust
We all enjoyed a visit from Dogs Trust on Thursday. The dedicated staff help find homes for hundreds of dogs. It is important that children understand how to behave around the dogs in their homes and in the community so they can enjoy their company and remain safe. 
There are many benefits of having a dog in the family:
- they provide loyalty
- petting a dog or cat can reduce anxiety and owning a pet can aid relaxation
- walking a dog and caring for them is good exercise
- children can learn about responsibility, compassion and respect for another living thing
However, we often hear in the media of children getting bitten by dogs. Year 4 learnt all about different dog behaviours and how to remain safe around them.
The reasons dogs bite:
- protecting themselves or their property
- may be in pain
- may feel trapped
- may have been surprised by your actions
- may be very excited
Ask your child how these dogs may be feeling. Would it be safe to approach them? What does their body language tell you?
Rules when we are out and about:
Always ask before approaching any dog. (CONSENT) Ask the owner where on the body to stroke the dog.
Never touch a dog that is left alone outside a shop or similar situation.
Don’t enter a garden if a dog is loose, even if you know it.
Never run or shout around a dog. Always walk past calmly.
Do not hug a dog. How would you feel if a stranger hugged you?
So how should we behave around dogs?
Always be calm, quiet and move slowly around pets.
If a strange dog runs up to you or if the dog you are visiting is very excited to see you:
- stand still
- make no noise
- if you are carrying food or toys, drop them away from you
- fold your arms
- look away from the dog
- move away slowly
- never run
This will make you very boring to the dog and help him to calm down
If you are knocked to the ground:
- roll up into a ball with your face to the ground
- make no sound
- cover your face with your hands
Thank you Dogs Trust
Living and Learning: Giving Consent
Continuing our learning about staying safe, Year 4 thought about consent and what this actually means.
First of all, what is consent?
“It means you say yes.” commented Emma.
Consent is the act of giving permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
“Do we always have to give our consent?”
“We can say no and not feel bad about it,” stated Musa.
“Why do we ask for permission?”
“You can ask to play with someone’s toys or ask your friend if they’d like to play your game,” said Jasraj.
“Asking for permission can keep us safe. If your parents say no then you should accept that,” quoted Sami.
“Never consent to competitions online,” suggested Mrs Freeman.
The children went on to name occasions where they believed they should ask others for their consent.
“Would you like to play this online game with us later?”
“No, I’d rather not as it’s not really my thing. Thank you for asking.”
We talked about respecting boundaries and that each and every one of us has the right to say NO! This doesn’t have to be said rudely but it is very important that if you don’t want to do something then you don’t give your permission.
The important thing to remember about consent is that you should always respect others when they say ‘no‘. That is their choice to make, not yours! Even if you might not like their choice you should always respect it.
“Can I take your photo?” asked Mrs Freeman.
“Yes, of course that’s fine,” replied Sami.
“I’d prefer it if you didn’t,” said Jess.
“Thanks for asking but no,” stated Noah.
“I’m not happy about that so no,” mentioned Felix.
Year 4 were taught that they have the right to withhold consent or to give consent at a later date. Giving consent and knowing that it can be withdrawn at any time, is all part of staying safe. Using the poem below, the children used some inference skills to decipher the effects peer pressure can have on individuals and the importance of saying yes/no for the right reasons.
Peer Pressure 
The fear of being left out is what it’s all about
No one wants to get laughed at or be the odd one out
No one likes to feel rejected put down and dejected
we all love to feel accepted, we’re all affected
but you have to learn to be your own person
just be yourself and aim to be your best version
You’re not a robot programmed to follow without thinking
just acting brainless with empty eyes blinking
I understand the pressure it doesn’t stop as you grow
It’s natural to follow where everyone goes
and sometimes it’s ok to go with the flow (follow the crowd)
but other times you have to swim against the tide and so (do your own thing)
you’ll have to say no, when everyone says yes
and be firm with your choice deep in your chest
and overcome that fear of being left out
because that’s what peer pressure is really all about.
Year 4 showed empathy, understanding, maturity and a good understanding throughout our lesson.
Well done!
Living and Learning: Staying safe around water
The Canals and Rivers Trust worked with us today to discuss how we can be safe near water. The children were really good at spotting what would be a hazard but they learnt lots of new, useful information too.
We know not to jump in after somebody if they are in trouble in the water. At home, ask us why this is important.
We know how to use a life belt properly. At home, see whether we can tell you the dos and don’ts of this.
And, we know what we can do to help somebody who is in trouble in the water (while waiting for a response from 999), keeping ourselves safe too. A home, ask us what we could use instead of a rope to help somebody…
…and, find out why one of us is lying on the ground during this rescue attempt – they’re not just being lazy!
Canals and rivers – be safe!
There are lots of dangerous situations when near a river or canal. Luckily, Year 3 had an expert from the Canals and Rivers Trust to fill us in on how to be safe.
We learnt:
- We can’t stand on lily pads. We are too heavy and will fall in!
- We can’t walk on ice – we’re too heavy and that will break too.
- We can’t swim against the current in the river. It’s too strong and we can get lost.
- Say yes to life jackets.
- For emergencies at a canal or river the operator will send a fire engine.
Always:
- “Wear a life jacket when near water. Even if you’re a good swimmer!”Sasha.
- Tell the person in the water that you’re going to get someone to help them.
- Lie down on the floor when pulling someone out of the water.
- Call 999 in an emergency.
- Calm the person in trouble down by talking to them:
“Can you swim?” Evie.
“Calm down, someone is coming to help you.” Edris.
“Use a life buoy!” Aadil.
Remember – always throw the buoy near the person so you don’t hurt them.
Never:
- Sit on the side of a river or canal. Water levels rise and fall, boats go past and you could fall in.
- Swing on ropes from trees over a river. You could fall in.
- Throw things into water. This is dangerous and could kill wildlife.
- Go on a boat without a life jacket.
- Jump into the water to save someone.
- Use a life buoy like a hoop ring game. You could knock someone unconscious.
Living and Learning: staying by assessing risk
Continuing our learning about staying safe, Y6 went to Allerton Grange today to use their climbing wall. Not only did we have a great time, but we learnt about why the harness and helmet were essential for this sort of activity and were taught how to behave when undertaking an activity with greater risk involved.
The children loved the climbing; many conquered fears; and their behaviour was exemplary.
Miss Rushbrooke learnt how to keep others safe too by being the belayer for the climbers.
Lots of us made it to the top and those that didn’t pushed themselves out of their comfort zone.
Dogs Trust
Today, the Dogs Trust came into our classroom – we were very excited!
Dogs trust look after stray, abandoned or mistreated dogs. Dogs are mistreated when when they haven’t been looked after, maybe not fed or walked. When dogs are in these situations they feel sad, worried, lonely heartbroken and terrified. Dogs Trust help them to feel happy again.
At Dogs Trust, a dog has its own kennel where they sleep. They have a walk every day and get to play with other dogs. They also look after them by feeding them.
What do we feed a dog?
Hope: “Dog food not burgers and chips!”
We done Hope – you’re right! Burgers and chips can hurt a dog’s tummy.
Dogs Trust also bathe them, give them clean water and pick up their poo. We talked about how important it is to pick up a dogs’ poo with a bag and not touch it as it can be full of dangerous germs that can hurt people.
Dogs Trust can’t keep dogs forever. They help to re home dogs with a loving new family.
Leah: “What happens if no one picks that dog?”
We learnt that most dogs get a home quickly and if they don’t then the Dogs Trust list carry on looking after them.
Dogs use their teeth to communicate. They can bite when they’re scared or anxious so we need to be careful and treat them carefully. We can make them feel like that without even knowing we’re doing it.
We met Lucy. Her elderly owner had died and Lucy was very sad and scared. Lucy was matched up with an elderly man who was looking for a dog. They now go on short walks together.
We then discovered how to think dog smart.
We wouldn’t stroke a dog:
- When it’s going to the toilet.
- When it’s barking.
- If it’s guarding something.
- If they have a jacket on that say please don’t stroke me.
- If the owner says “No.”, No means no.
- If the dog is in bed.
- If we don’t know the dog and the owner isn’t around.
How to stroke a dog safely:
- Ask the owner. The dog has to be with the owner to be stroked.
- If the owner says no – no means no.
- We then wait for the dog to sniff us.
- Stroke at the side of the head. We don’t go over the top of the dog’s head.
What if a dog comes running towards us? If we move it could excite the dog even more. We should cross our arms and tuck our fingers in. This makes us look boring to the dog.
We must not panic if the dog jumps at us or knocks us over. There is probably an owner on their way to get the dog. We would curl up as small as possible and tuck our faces into our tummies.
Dogs can’t show is their feelings in their facial expressions. We still need to treat them with respect and adapt our actions to suit to how they are feeling. Dogs can shake, curl up, shy away, their tails tuck under their legs.
When this happens, we should respect the dog, move away and give them space.
Angry dogs growl and show their teeth. When this happens we need to drop whatever we are doing and move away.
We then saw some situations and voted on our thumbs if we thought it was safe to stroke or not.
Great learning, Year 3!