Local charity, Hull Children’s University which specialises in bringing classroom learning to life by providing a wide range of unique experiences to help raise the aspirations and confidence of local children, has launched a brand new partnership with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
On 30 June, children from Woodland Primary School were the first pupils to take part in the ‘Humberside Fire & Rescue Experience’ at Calvert Lane Station. They explored the diversity of jobs available within the fire service. from what happens when a 999 call comes in, how the appliances are dispatched, health and fitness and the Service's core pillars of Public Safety, enabling the children to develop awareness of fire, water and road safety.
The children worked in ‘watches’ and take part in a variety of teamworking activities throughout the day. They experienced an operational fire station and real-life work scenarios within a safe and secure environment. At the end of the day the children took part in a Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and Children’s University Pass Out Parade, celebrating their learning journey.
Group Manager Allen Cunningham (left) and Chair of the Fire Authority Cllr John Briggs (second left) attended the event and presented certificates to all the students.
Lisa Whitton from Hull Children’s University was delighted with the first event:
“It’s fantastic to team up with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to create this exciting new module, which gives children an insight to the Fire Service and the variety of career opportunities to aspire to in the future, whilst learning important fire, water and road safety messages. Activities throughout the day highlighed all areas of the National Curriculum and key skills including the importance of team work, communication and problem solving. I feel this experience will bring learning to life for all the children involved, who will leave the experience feeling more confident and new aspirations for their future.”
Jamie Morris, Education and Development Centre Manager, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service agreed the day was a great success:
“Humberside Fire and Rescue Service are extremely pleased to be supporting Hull Children’s University in the delivery of the experience day. The day provides a unique opportunity for children to learn key safety messages through their active participation in a range of workshops, while developing a greater insight into the role of the Fire Service within the community. The Education and Development Centre welcome the children and look forward to providing a memorable and worthwhile experience.”
Hull Children’s University was founded by John Buttrick in June 1996. Being an inclusive organisation, they take full classes on their experiences and are currently working with 79% of primary schools in Hull. The initiative has grown in success; over the past 12 months they have taken 5,510 young people on experiences and worked with 88 young people via our looked after in care project. We are supported by 210 HCU volunteer mentors who strive to ensure the children gain the most from their Children’s University experiences. Hull Children’s University has also expanded into the East Riding of Yorkshire working with ten schools who have taken part in 42 experiences, engaging 1,090 children this academic year.
To find out more about Hull Children’s University, or if you are an organisation or business who would like to support them, please email Lisa Whitton on lisa.whitton@hull.ac.uk or call on 07759 300495 or 01482 466045.