Visits to schools to explain Police roles

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.033120

I note you seek access to the following information:

A) If the police comes to school to explain their roles etc,
B) How they are helping the people etc?
C) Would it be something possible to arrange?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

QA - If the police comes to school to explain their roles etc,

The Met Police have a number of dedicated Safer Schools Officers deployed across London where they in the first instance support secondary schools, PRUs, colleges. Where resources allow, Safer Schools Officers will also deliver various engagement activities within primary schools or alternatively can be delivered by local neighbourhood wards police officers and PCSOs. Such topics delivered would be keeping safe, protecting valuables/property and internet safety.

To support KS1 age groups, officers can deliver assembles or classroom sessions where pupils ‘meet the police’ by discussing their roles along with children trying on their uniform and seeing the equipment and vehicles they use. Some local teams where they have capacity may support emergency services days or attend school fetes so young people get an opportunity to meet and chat with their local police team.

QB - How they are helping the people etc?

The role of Safer Schools Officers within primary schools can be described as follows:
• A primary school Safer School Officers engages with staff and pupils in primary schools. The role is primarily engagement driven, therefore carries an additional profile:

• Deliver key preventative messages on key policing themes to keep young people safe in their transition to secondary school.
• Work with Primary schools to identify and provide early intervention and diversion to those at risk.
• Provide educational inputs at key times utilising the preventative education plan.
• Arrange Junior Citizen Scheme events across many boroughs to provide early intervention to year 5/6 pupils.
• Regularly liaise with local agencies, including the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to coordinate and facilitate effective delivery of messages.

QC - Would it be something possible to arrange?

This question falls under normal business, and is not dealt with under FOIA.

I note that your school is outside of the MPS jurisdiction, so I would suggest contacting your local force to make enquiries.