Children from Western Springs Primary School in Rugeley took part in a Staffordshire Police Junior Cadet graduation ceremony this week.
The original Cadet scheme, for 14 to 17-year-olds, was initiated in 2013 by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between police and young people and promote good citizenship. Successful units are already up and running in Cannock, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent with more soon to follow.
The programme has now expanded with Junior Cadet schemes being launched in primary schools for eight to ten-year-olds across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The Rugeley-based unit graduated at a special passing-out parade at Western Springs Primary School yesterday (Monday 13 October).
A specially-selected group of ten children have taken part in six one-hour sessions, led by local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Debbie Gardner during school time, covering areas including road safety, police investigations and anti-social behaviour. The sessions culminated in a school assembly about anti-social behaviour and the negative effects it can have on people’s lives.
The junior Cadets were presented with certificates for completing the sessions by Cannock Chase’s Local Policing Team (LPT) Commander Chief Inspector Stephen Morrey and PC Bradbury at the graduation ceremony. The children also received their own pocket books to fill in during sessions along with a Junior Police Cadet baseball cap and t-shirt for completing the course.
The scheme is being run at no cost to the children or their schools with all expenses met by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, a registered charity which is funded by donations from businesses and individuals.
Mr Ellis said: “In 18 months the Cadets scheme has already made a real difference to the lives of many young people – some from challenging backgrounds.
“It’s fantastic that primary school children are now becoming Junior Cadets and taking part in a fun-packed programme which teaches them how to become responsible citizens.”
PCSO Debbie Gardner added: “I have enjoyed working with Western Springs Primary School to deliver Cadets Scheme. The confidence of these young people has grown each week and I feel that the scheme has had a positive impact on them. Many thanks to Headteacher Shirley Wellings, plus all the staff and children at the school.”
Businesses are being invited to become Patrons and Sponsors to fund the Cadets Service. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. For more details visit
