Kent County Council launches fun new road safety lesson for pre-schoolers

The interactive lesson’s aim is simple but vital: to teach children the road safety code – stop, look, listen, think and hold hands – in a way that’s fun and easy to remember.

The lesson includes a short video featuring Kip the bear, the road safety mascot, who helps young children learn about road safety in an engaging way. In the video, children are introduced to the Makaton sign for each part of the road safety code. It’s designed to be paused at key moments so adults can discuss the content with the children. Alongside the video, the lesson offers a range of free resources, such as colouring sheets, posters, and a jigsaw puzzle.

So far, 240 childcare settings across Kent have signed up, meaning more than 4,000 children will benefit from this important life skill. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

“The children just loved it. They were still buzzing about it when parents collected them and they could show them their colour-in sheets. All in all, a fun and engaging activity.”

“Kip was very engaging; the children immediately listened and watched the screen. All the resources were an added extra. I will also be using them with my Afterschool club children too.”

This initiative supports KCC’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to achieve zero road fatalities and life-changing injuries by 2050. By starting road safety education at an earlier age, and encouraging parents and carers to role model positive behaviour, KCC is helping to create safer communities for everyone.

Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We all have a responsibility to be safe on or near our roads, and it is vital road safety education starts at a young age. I am thrilled we’re able to offer this fun, engaging and essential lesson for free to childcare settings across the county.

‘You can see from the feedback how the lessons are already making a positive difference. I would encourage any childcare setting, who hasn’t already signed up, to do so and take advantage of these excellent resources.

‘Parents and carers play a crucial role too. Children watch, copy and learn from adults, so their behaviour can influence young ones both now and in the future. I would also encourage everyone to reflect on their own road use and always model safe, responsible behaviour.”