Road safety education

Primary schools and under 5s

Lessons and activities

Nursery and reception

You can set a good example for young children through your own behaviour on the road. This will help them learn good road safety skills that they can use throughout their lives. 

Suggested activity: introduce the basics

Take some time to:

  • ask them what they might see and hear when they're outside. Get them to make some noises of the traffic they have seen or heard before
  • ask them to give you an example of traffic. Explain it's something that travels on the road and has wheels to move. Perhaps look out of the window and see how many different types of traffic you can spot together
  • explore the idea that traffic is much bigger and heavier than our bodies
  • introduce that we must follow a set of rules to keep ourselves safe when out walking, called the green cross code: ‘stop, look, listen and think’ 
  • explain why it’s important we have to do every stage - see if they can remember it
  • ask your child to hold your hand. Explain it’s safer for them to hold your hand when outside and when crossing the road.

Get free resources from the Children’s Traffic Club.

Worksheets and resources

Key stage 1 (years 1 and 2):

Key stage 2 (years 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Home activities

Primary schools and under 5s

We offer schools, nurseries and other organisations road safety lessons specifically designed to cover a range of age related topics and skills.

The lessons are delivered by safer journey officers, who are also available to consult on issues connected with road safety education, active travel and school crossing patrols.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Green Cross Code

A Road Safety Officer will visit students in person to introduce the Green Cross Code rules of Stop, Look, Listen and Think.

The session promotes the importance of holding hands with grown-ups whilst crossing the road and gives an introduction to basic road safety vocabulary.

This session is delivered through a combination of PowerPoint and role play and lasts around 45 minutes.

For more information on road safety EYFS education lessons, email sarah.savage@medway.gov.uk.

Key stage 1

Year 1: Road safety walk

Basic on-site training led by a Road Safety officer to provide young pedestrians with an introduction to the road and roadside environment. Students will refresh their knowledge of the Green Cross Code and will then cross the road whilst chaperoned, identifying safe places to cross.

This session lasts around 1 hour.

The school is responsible for children during this activity using the school’s own health and safety criteria.

Year 1 and 2: Scooter skills week

An interactive fun lesson to practice scooter skills such as steering, swerving and braking.

Led by teachers, students will practice their skills on their own playground tarmac.

To register your interest and receive a lesson plan and resources, email roadsafety.education@medway.gov.uk.

Key stage 2

Year 3 and 4: Road safety sequencing

This lesson is run by a Road Safety Officer and will refresh students knowledge of the Green Cross Code. It will also explore the importance of putting a sequence into the correct order and how this translates to crossing the road.

This session lasts around 45 minutes.

Year 5 and 6: Seatbelt Sled

An interactive session providing children with key safety and legal seatbelt information. During the session children receive an opportunity to experience a ride on a 'seatbelt sled'. 

Sessions are available during Term 5.

Year 5 and 6: Independent Travel

A classroom-based lesson run by a Road Safety Officer. It is designed to be delivered during Term 6 to support Year 6 students transition to secondary school. 

The lesson will cover important topics such as route planning, what a hazard is and how to best overcome it. 

This session lasts around 45 minutes.

For more information on key stage 2 road safety lessons, email roadsafety.education@medway.gov.uk.

Bikeability

Year 6: Bikeability

Training takes place at your school over 2 days. The first session is in the playground, and if Level 1 is achieved training continues on the road.

Up to 8 pupils per course age 10+. Schools can book more than one course.

For more information, email bikeability@medway.gov.uk or call 01634 331 095.

You can also find information about our educational sessions in a downloadable and printable Road Safety Education leaflet.