Primary school children are signing up for the exciting new Staffordshire Police Junior Cadets scheme which celebrated a graduation ceremony in Rugeley earlier this week (Monday 14 July).
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 is now expanding 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 Chancel Primary School on Monday.
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 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 just over 12 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.
“PCSOs already play a crucial role in local schools and giving them responsibility for the Junior Cadets will only strengthen these relationships further.
“We’re working with the force to meet our aim of having at least one Junior Cadet scheme in every local policing area so that as many children can benefit as possible.”
PCSO Debbie Gardner, who’s spent eight years working with the school added: “The Junior Cadets Scheme has been a great success enjoyed by all. The Cadets have gained confidence in completing numerous tasks, either on their own or as a team.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with both these young people and the staff at Chancel Primary and can see that this scheme definitely improves relationships between the police and young people. Many thanks to the Head teacher Mrs Blankley, 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 www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
