A record 1,030 Year 6 pupils are taking part in interactive railway safety sessions as part of Leeds Station Safety Week.
The flagship safety initiative – now in its 10th year – got under way at the station yesterday (Monday 15 June) and runs to Friday 19 June during Rail Safety Week (15-21 June).
Numbers are significantly higher than last year, when 888 children took part – and the event now welcomes schools from Barnsley, Selby and Harrogate as well as those based in West Yorkshire.
The groups rotate through a range of engaging activities designed to bring safety lessons to life, including:
- Exclusive access inside a real-life Northern train cab, offering a behind-the-scenes look at life as a driver
- LNER’s driver simulator experience, demonstrating real-life decision-making in a train cab
- CrossCountry’s fun challenge highlighting how passengers are kept safe during journeys
- British Transport Police sessions, including demonstrations with police dogs
- Rail and water safety discussions ahead of the summer holidays – delivered by TransPennine Express, Leeds Rhinos and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
- The opportunity to speak with Transpennine Route Upgrade’s head of safety about how the programme is improving the railway between Manchester and York, while keeping customers, communities and staff safe.
- Awareness sessions from Railway Children, a charity working to protect and support young people on the railway.
The programme aims to tackle risky behaviour and improve awareness of the dangers of trespassing, distraction and misuse of the railway by giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make safe decisions.
The Foundation is also supporting the event throughout the week, helping to engage pupils through interactive, hands-on activities and discussions designed to reinforce key safety messages.
As part of our commitment to supporting young people and local communities, the Foundation is working alongside rail industry partners to ensure children have a greater understanding of how to stay safe around the railway and the career opportunities available within the sector.
Chloe Creffield, Network Rail community safety manager, said: “Reaching our 10th year of Leeds Station Safety Week is a fantastic milestone, and it’s inspiring to see more than 1,000 young people taking part this year.
“By giving pupils the opportunity to experience the station railway in a safe, controlled environment, we’re helping them understand the real-life risks and equipping them with the knowledge they need to stay safe. The enthusiasm we’ve seen from students this week has been incredible, and we’re grateful to all our partners for their support.”
A spokesperson on behalf of train operating partners added: “Working together to deliver Leeds Station Safety Week allows us to connect directly with young people in a meaningful way. The interactive nature of the sessions helps reinforce important safety messages that we hope students will remember and share with their friends and family.”
Inspector Richard Price, British Transport Police, said: “Leeds Station Safety Week is always a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with children and young people, and help them understand and respect the railways. Its importance can’t be understated as every year we see the serious consequences that can result from trespass, distraction or unsafe behaviour around trains and tracks.
“We help bring these important messages to life through interactive sessions, including demonstrations with our police dogs, which we hope will leave a lasting impression and empower pupils to make safe, informed choices. We look forward to working with our partners at Network Rail and other local organisations to make the day another successful event.”
Alex Sperr, Railway Children community engagement worker, said: “It’s great to unite with so many other organisations during Leeds Station Safety Week to help spread important safeguarding messages and ensure young people are aware of the risks that can exist on the railway. Through our interactive activity, children and young people learn how to recognise situations where someone may need help, who they can turn to for support, and how to report concerns safely.“
Jacob Harrison, Schools Officer at the Foundation, who is leading the Foundation’s activities throughout the week, said: “Leeds Station Safety Week provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people in an environment they may use every day but not fully understand the dangers of.
Through interactive activities and conversations, we’re helping pupils learn how to stay safe around the railway whilst also showcasing the wide range of careers and opportunities available across the rail industry. It’s been brilliant to see so many children taking part and engaging with these sessions.”
Leeds Station Safety Week continues to play a vital role in promoting safe behaviours, while strengthening partnerships across the rail industry and local community organisations.