999 what’s your emergency?

Reception pupils have had a very special week, learning about the emergency services. They have received not one but two very special visitors this week as part of their ‘People Who Help Us’ topic. On Monday the children were delighted with the arrival of a big red shiny fire engine from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade and on Wednesday the children were joined by two PCSOs from West Mercia Police.

During Monday’s visit from the Fire Service, the children listened intently as the firefighters talked to them about the many ways in which they help people every day, with everything from tackling fires to rescuing cats from trees and all sorts of things in-between! The firefighters gave the children a tour of their fire engine, taking the time to explain what each piece of equipment was used for. The children were surprised to learn that firefighters have permission to take water from any source during a fire emergency, including our very own swimming pool! They did however explain that they would replace the water at a later date.

The children enjoyed learning about the different pieces of fire safety equipment that firefighters wear to protect themselves when fighting fires, from the breathing equipment to the fire protective clothing and the helmets. As well as talking to the children about ways the fire service help keep the public safe from fires, they also spent time talking to the children about ways in which they could keep themselves safe. This included ensuring that smoke alarms are fitted and have working batteries in their homes and that fire doors were kept closed.

Finally before leaving the fire fighters set up their hose and each of the children had a turn at operating it. They learnt how to turn the water on and how to adjust the pressure of the water, depending on whether the fire was close or further way! The children were having the time of their lives and of course wanted to share it with Mr Butt, who was more than delighted to come and have a go with the hose himself .

As the fire engine rolled out of King’s Hawford, it gave a quick blast of its sirens and a flash of its lights to bid a fond farewell to the children!

After Monday’s excitement the children were left wondering whether a day in Reception could get any more exciting. Luckily for the children, their teachers Miss Lane and Mrs Leatherdale had another fantastic surprise visit for them on Wednesday! Under the crisp blue skies on Wednesday morning, a police van AND a police car arrived on our gravel car park, pulling up outside The Barn.

Two PCSOs from West Mercia Police emerged and joined the children inside for a quick talk. They spoke to the children about the ways in which the police work hard every day to keep them safe. Reception impressed the PCSOs with their brilliant knowledge. During the talk the children were shown the different equipment that police officers use including their helmets, belts, batons and their handcuffs! The children thoroughly enjoyed trying on the different pieces of uniform and holding the batons. They were especially impressed when they got to “arrest” Miss Lane using a real pair of handcuffs!

After the talk the children headed outside to inspect the police van and the police car. The children took it in turns to sit in the car and the back of the van! Before letting the PCSOs leave, the children had one request: they wanted to see the blue flashing lights and hear the sirens! Luckily the PCSOs were many than happy to oblige.

We are incredibly grateful to Hereford and Worcester Fire Service and West Mercia Police for taking the time out of their busy schedules to spend time with us this week. They have definitely inspired some future firefighters and police officers! Reception are now ready for any emergency.