Nearly 30,000 children taught about fire safety by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

Nearly 30,000 children across Hampshire have been taught lifelong lessons in fire safety this year.

The education team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) visited 28,623 pupils across key stages 1, 2 and 3 as well as in SEN schools throughout the academic year.

HIWFRS education officers carried out 472 visits reaching 69 per cent of all schools across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The interactive fire safety lessons carried out by officers, which have been described as “absolutely brilliant” by school staff, are specially designed for each age group and key stage.

Younger children join in with songs and games and listen to stories while learning about the role of the fire service and how to be safe at home.

Older children take part in quizzes and complete worksheets to show what they have learnt about fire risks and the prevention of arson.

HIWFRS education manager Judy Rice said: “I’m extremely proud of our dedicated team of education officers who deliver potentially life-saving messages to school children across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“It’s our hope that the fire safety education messages they learn now will keep the young people safe on their journey into adulthood, leaving them with a lasting knowledge of fire safety.”