HAPPY, SAFE HALLOWEEN/BONFIRE NIGHT – REMINDER FROM WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

HAPPY, SAFE HALLOWEEN/BONFIRE NIGHT – REMINDER FROM WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

With the darker nights fast approaching, it is important that students are reminded what we, as a school community, expect of them in terms of behaviour. 

Parents/carers and students should already be aware that as part of our safeguarding arrangements, the school has a two-way information sharing agreement in place with West Midlands Police, and we are active members of the local Police & Schools Panel.  This joint-approach helps us to intervene early to prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour involving our students, and provide support and up-to-date safety messages.

In partnership with the police, we would also like to remind our students about the following:-

• Anti-social behaviour: Halloween can be a scary time for people who don’t like surprises or callers at their door. Think about how your actions and behaviour affect others; elderly and vulnerable people may be frightened by ‘trick or treat’ so look out for signs in windows that people do not want callers at their door.
• Personal Safety:
  • Be aware of your surroundings, take care of friends and family members and keep valuables such as phones out of public view whenever possible.
  • Don’t drink alcohol, take illegal drugs or unknown substances; they can have a big impact on your health and safety, behaviour and your ability to do well at school and enjoy other interests and activities. They can also be addictive and have unpredictable side effects, including sudden death!
  • West Midlands Fire Service recommends that you go to an organised display; it’s the smart way to stay safe. You’ll see a lot more fireworks and it’s a lot cheaper.  Information about firework safety is available at www.saferfireworks.com
• Weapons in public places: carrying a knife will get you a criminal record which can have life-long effects on travel and job prospects.  Those who carry knives are also much more likely to be injured by them.
• Off-road bikes: These can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission. Don’t risk your life and future prospects by illegally riding these on the road.
• Remember the company you keep: if your friend breaks the law, you may also be held responsible for that crime – even if you weren’t the one directly responsible.