Switch on to rail safety

At the younger end of the age range, children are invited to join Switched On travels with Suzi. Through this resource children will learn the importance of staying with an adult. They will also begin to identify and understand the sounds and signs on the railway that keep us safe and warn us about potential danger. The focus is to make the rail environment come alive through role-play, storytelling and scenario analysis using Suzi’s interactive Journey map and earning special Switched On badges.

The messaging is then further developed for 7–11-year-olds where children are encouraged to be Switched On for every journey as they prepare for making their own first independent journeys. With a focus on developing good judgement and decision making skills, Switched On for every journey not only asks children to identify potential dangers on their own journeys but to also spot risky behaviours in others.

The approach for older children and teens: Living Switched On, is far more nuanced. We know that many young people are able to discuss ’best practice‘ responses to a range of rail safety discussions, however, they underestimate the impact of others’ behaviour and how that might change their own ability to calculate risk. The activities don’t just share facts and ask young people to make easy decisions – they instead draw them into the psychology, science and subtle signs that could keep them safer around the tracks.

Our client, Louise McNally (Suicide and Trespass Prevention Lead at Network Rail) said: “Rail safety isn't currently on the national curriculum but it is essential that children understand the dangers which are present on and around the railway, especially if they live in close proximity to the rail infrastructure. Hopscotch has helped to bring the subject alive, so that children want to learn, as well as ensuring the delivery of rail safety lessons is as easy as possible for teachers. Their expert knowledge and guidance have helped produce easy to use, engaging, and potentially life-saving, educational materials with the added bonus of their team being a joy to work with.”

It will be used by Network Rail and the rail industry as part of their school’s safety engagement programmes, as well as rolled out to schools and educators nationwide. Parents, carers and other youth groups are also able to make to use of this free educational programme by the new Switched On website: www.switchedonrailsafety.co.uk