School
Crossing
Patrol Policy
Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Contents
Page 3
The School Crossing Patrol service
Page 3
Authority to stop traffic
Page 4
Supervision of the service
Page 9
Reporting Incidents
Page 11
Incident report form
Page 13
Contacts
Appendices
Appendix 1
Uniform
Appendix 2
FAQ
Appendix 3
Personal specification - School
Crossing Patrol
Appendix 4
Interview questions
2
Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Background
The school crossing patrol service has been jointly managed by individual schools, HR
(schools) and the Road Safety Team until March 2012. No single team had overall
responsibility. In April of that year, a process began where the overall responsibility for the
management of the service would transfer to Road Safety. This created a clearer structure
for staff, efficiency savings and enhanced budgetary control.
Aim
The aim of this amended policy is to complete the final stage of this centralisation of the
service into the Safer Journeys Team with Road Safety during 2013.
The School Crossing Patrol service
Our School Crossing Patrols (SCPs) do a vital job in seeing children across the road at
often the last and most vulnerable point of their journey. They are also eyes and ears
protecting children from danger near schools.
SCPs were recognised in the UK by the School Crossing Patrol Act 1953 and instituted on
1 July 1954, through the School Crossing Patrol Order 1954. This allowed local authorities
to provide School Crossing Patrols to assist children to cross roads on their way to and
from school, between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm. Previously police authorities and traffic
wardens were responsible for this service. The act enabled these professionals to
concentrate on their other duties.
However this is not a statutory duty and remains a permissive function, which means that it
is carried out at the discretion of the Highway Authority - Medway Council.
The responsibility for any child's safety on the way to and returning from school is
that of the parents or carer.
Authority to stop traffic
The Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (sections 26 and 28) defined the criteria for which a
SCP has the power to stop vehicles. Since that time legislation has been updated and while
very similar to the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, the Transport Act 2000 “allows school
crossing patrollers to cross any pedestrian who offer their selves to cross the road during
patroller’s duty times”. It also allows operating times to be determined by each
authority providing the service.
If drivers do not stop, the penalties may include:
- a fine of up to £1000;
- three penalty points;
- disqualification.
Failing to stop for a uniformed School Crossing Patrol warden is an offence contrary to
section 28(3) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic
Offenders Act 1988.
Section 270 of the Transport Act 2000, which came into force on 30 January 2001,
amended the 1984 Regulations to allow SCPs to operate “at such times as the authority
thinks fit”. Therefore, SCPs may now work outside the hours of 8am to 5.30pm and can
stop traffic to help anyone (child or adult) to cross the road.
Provision of a school crossing patrol facility does not remove parents’ or
carers’ responsibility for their child’s safety when traveling to or from school.
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Supervision of the service
Responsibilities
All SCPs are employees of Medway Council; contracted as members the Safer Journeys
Team. Existing contracts prior to 2013 will be amended to transfer staff from school staff to
reflect this.
The Safer Journeys Team will manage the service by:
 Risk assessing new sites, ensuring the necessary Highways measures are
undertaken.
 Risk assess existing sites annually to ensure the necessary Highways measures are
maintained.
 Advertise and recruit site-specific staff for all SCP sites.
 Train and monitor new and existing SCPs.
 Completing and managing all personnel and salaries issues in a timely manner.
 Ensure that any reports regarding drive throughs or abusive behaviour are reported
and recorded.
 Ensure that all SCPs are properly equipped to carry out their work safely and in
accordance with local and national guidelines.
 Liaise with schools in all matters relating to the service that SCPs provide.
 Review and publish service policy, handbook and procedure documents ensuring
that all relevant staff are aware of these.
 Promotes the service to raise public awareness.
School will support the provision of the service by:
 Assisting in the recruitment process by advertising posts within the school community
on behalf of the Safer Journeys Team and providing a senior staff member to be a
part of the interview process.
 Providing space for interviewing and training staff and storing equipment.
 Enabling communication between the patrol and the SJT as needed, including the
Council intranet for personal administration.
 Inform the SJT of any concerns related to the SCP concerning sickness, absence,
timekeeping and competency.
 Deals with any behavioural issues raised by the patrol concerning children.
 Provides the child protection contact for the patrol to report safeguarding concerns to.
 Liaise with SJT in all concerns relating to the service that the SCPs provide.
 Provide a means of communication between SCPs and the SJT by email and phone.
Who’s who in the Safer Journeys Team (also refer to contact details on page 13)
Claire Harris – first point of contact for all issues
Pamela Pounce – SCP monitoring officer and record keeper. Pam will train and monitor
new SCPs and keep a record of sickness and staff in post
Su Ormes – manager responsible for Road safety Education and the SCP service.
Contact if Andy and Pam are not available, or your concern is with the service you receive.
Bryan Shawyer - Road Safety Manager. Responsible for all aspects of Road Safety
including Road safety education and Engineering
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
HR role (NOT HR schools): Advisor for all corporate employment issues via the Safer
Journeys Team
All formal disciplinary action will be managed as per any other Medway employee therefore
it is important that all SCP’s are able to access the selfserve4u website via the school to
familiarise themselves with Medway Council’s policies.
Recruiting and employing the SCP and their relief is the responsibility of the
Safer Journeys Team. However the schools involvement is crucial to nurture a sense of
belonging to the school for the SCP. The headteacher or their representative will assist in the
recruitment by advertising the role within the school community and attending the interview,
providing a location in the school for the interview. The school representative will be the first
point of contact for day-to-day reporting and providing support and handling of any
immediate problems the SCP may have.
School
Crossing
Patrol
School
Crossing
Patrol
School
School
All issues that the patrol has
with the operation of the site
must be referred to the Safer
Journeys Team
Safer
Journeys
Team
All issues related to the
behaviour or welfare of
the children should be
referred to the relevant
school contact
School
Any issues that the school
have with the patrol’s
operation should be
referred to the Safer
Journeys Team
Safer
Journeys
Team
Any admin issues that the
school have (payroll or
discipline) should be
referred to the Safer
Journeys Team
Safer
Journeys
Team
Safeguarding of children
All SCPs will be subject to an enhanced CRB check before employment and updated every
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
three years. This will be completed either by the Safer Journeys Team. It is the SCP’s
responsibility to ensure that their CRB status does not lapse. The SCP should notify the
Safer Journeys Team if they require an updated check.
All patrols will receive safeguarding advice as part of the initial training provided by the Safer
Journeys Team. As soon as practical after employment, all SCPs will receive level one
Basic Awareness in Child Protection as provided through Medway Safeguarding
Children Board. Should a school wish to update this training alongside any training provided
to its support staff, the SJT must be informed. However there will not be any reimbursement
to the school to cover cost of this training.
Attributes of a patrol
This document is to accompany any medical forms or request for a medical that a SCP or
prospective SCP requires. This following section outlines the purpose of the job, and the
physical requirements and working conditions it entails, to help individuals and professionals
make a decision about a person’s ability to carry out the role of a SCP.
Purpose of job
To ensure control and safe passage of pedestrians, including children, across the road at
designated locations.
Requirements
• To be physically able to move on to and off the road. (Average walking speed
three feet per second or 1 metre/second)
• To be able to work in all weather conditions.
• To be physically fit and able to deal with emergency traffic situations,
putting the safety of pedestrians and themselves first.
• To be able to operate switches, keys etc on traffic light control boxes,
pedestrian crossings and other equipment.
• To have the physical and mental capacity to judge and deal with, as
best as possible, potentially dangerous traffic situations.
• To have the required level of hearing to judge potentially dangerous
traffic situations that may be beyond their immediate field of vision and take
appropriate action.
• To be able to hold in one hand, in all weathers, a SCP sign weighing up to
two kilos.
Working conditions
• Working alone.
• Required to stand throughout duty period (average duty time is more
than one hour).
• Exposure to all weather conditions.
• Exposure to traffic fumes.
Age - 18-years (no upper age limit but SCPs have to be able, fit and healthy).
Everybody has to retire at some point and a person’s health, fitness and ability to
perform the duties of a SCP does decline gradually with age (although not at a
predictable or uniform rate).
To comply with the European Employment Directive, the government has set a default
retirement age of 65 but has also created a right for employees to ask to work beyond
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
that age. Employers have a duty to consider such requests but are not bound to accept
them.
The default age will not be a statutory compulsory retirement age; employers are free to
continue to employ people for as long as they are competent and capable. The right to
ask to continue working beyond 65 years is intended to help provide more choice and
flexibility for those who wish to stay in work beyond normal retirement age.
An enhanced CRB check is compulsory
Appearance and behaviour
•
•
•
•
•
•
SCPs must be neat and tidy, and are responsible for cleaning and maintaining
their uniform and lollipop sign.
SCPs are expected to set an exemplary example and display high standards of
road-crossing behaviour.
The sign must always be used when stopping traffic. It must be clearly displayed
to
the traffic and the sign face kept clean and free of stickers and obstructions.
A SCPs own children must not be present at the place of duty unless they are on
their way to or from school.
It is essential for the patrol to remain alert. Distractions, such as talking to friends
or using in-ear music devices, must be avoided.
The patrol must not smoke while at work and must not be under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
The patrol cannot use a mobile phone to speak to or text anyone while on duty. If they
need to make an emergency call regarding the work, they must follow the procedure as
set out in their handbook.
Uniform and equipment
The SJT will provide the SCP with the correct uniform. The school must ensure it is used
while on duty. This uniform complies with Home Office Circular 3/1989 and the Health &
Safety at Work Act on Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992: (PPE) e.g. BS
EN 471 2003 class 3.
Uniforms are supplied by the Safer Journeys Team. Please contact them to place
orders.
The correct uniform is (see appendix 1):
•
A peaked hat in bright yellow fluorescent material; summer and winter versions
available.
• A waterproof, padded coat that is suitable for inclement weather and a lightweight,
full-length coat for summer (note: Fluorescent materials fade with exposure to
daylight. Storing them in darkness helps maintain their brightness but coats
usually need to be replaced every two to three years). Coats must remain
fastened at all times while on duty.
• A School Crossing Patrol sign (available from the Safer Journeys Team). The sign
may only be used by an appointed SCP (the new sign uses the symbol for children
instead of the word children.).
• Mittens and over-trousers may also be worn but are not provided.
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Once the SCP has the correct uniform, the Safer Journeys Team will train him / her.
Unless these steps are followed the SCP may be deemed to be operating illegally and
may be held personally responsible for any claims.
A fluorescent waistcoat or similar short jacket does not meet regulations and will
not be covered by Medway Council’s insurance.
The compulsory hat and coat must be obtained from the Safer Journeys Team.
Under no circumstances will schools be reimbursed for purchasing uniform items for
patrols.
Training
Training will take place on the first shift and be delivered by a Safer Journeys Team officer
in accordance with the SCP Training Policy. Upon completion of the session, the SCP will
sign a receipt to acknowledge that they have received training and a copy of the
operational guidelines.
Monitoring
The Safer Journeys Team regularly monitors patrols. These take place at least twice a
year. A monitoring visit is usually impromptu, however they can be requested by phoning
the Safer Journeys Team. The monitoring visit is a chance for the SCP to ask any
questions they may have and receive feedback regarding their method of crossing.
Engineering issues, such as faulty lights etc, can be reported.
Red
Amber
Green
Concerns
High priority:
A serious concern is brought to
our attention.
Incidents (including multiple drive
throughs) have taken place.
School reports a serious issue with
the patrol.
Patrol raises a serious concern.
Temporary road works are affecting
the site.
Medium priority:
Concern raised through
green monitoring.
School or patrol raise a minor concern
about site or patrol.
Single drive through reported.
Site move request.
Additional patrol.
New patrol.
Site/patrol with no concerns.
Visits
Visit immediately: We are aware
of the concern and will monitor
until the concern in reduced and
the patrol is in green monitoring
phase. Visiting frequency
intensified as required during
this stage.
Visit within a week of becoming
aware of the concern and then
monitor until the concern in
reduced and patrol is in green
monitoring phase. Up to three
more visits per year than green
stage.
Monitoring three times a year.
A monitoring form is returned to the Safer Journeys Team and the information is recorded.
Any issues are raised with the appropriate person.
Absence and time keeping
Hours of duty
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
You must arrive at the crossing point on time and remain there for the agreed period.
Remember, children are sometimes late for school and latecomers are more inclined to
take chances.
Typically a morning session is 8.30 to 9.05am and an afternoon session is 2.55 to 3.30pm.
However, it is the Safer Journeys Team’s responsibility to decide the SCP’s operating
times, based on the school’s pedestrian footfall and opening times. These will be agreed
with the school.
Under no circumstances must the SCP or the school change the hours of duty or
location of operation without the Safer Journeys Team’s agreement.
SCPs can be appointed to operate at any time and may now stop traffic for all pedestrians,
not just children on trips to and from school.
Absence
This should be handled as per any other member of staff. Please ensure the Safer
Journeys Team is aware of the SCP’s absence from day one and when the patrol returns
to work.
Relief
It is recommended that a trained relief SCP is available. Some schools operate a rota of
volunteers but all must be trained for the site by a safer journeys officer and have access
to full uniform.
The SCP’s operational guide is found in Appendix 5
Hazard Warning Lights (Wig Wags)
When hazard warning lights protecting crossings are installed, it is the SCP’s responsibility
to switch them on and off at stated times.
It is very important that the lights are switched off immediately after each shift, to avoid
diluting their impact.
Only use keys or other devices approved or supplied by the manufacturer to operate the
lights. Use of incorrect magnets may damage the units.
Faults should be reported to the Safer Journeys Team on 01634 331357 or 01634 331049
or by email to [email protected]
Reporting incidents
If a crash occurs:
1. Patrols must continue to ensure the safety of the children in their charge. This
is their main priority.
2. If possible, they should protect the scene, making sure the incident does not
become more serious.
3. They are not expected to administer first aid and should instruct a bystander to telephone the emergency services and contact the school for
assistance.
4. They must not move seriously injured casualties unless there are exceptional
circumstances.
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
5. They must not become involved in arguments or make statements to any person
other than the police. Refer enquiries to the Headteacher or the Safer Journeys
Team.
6. They should note the registration number of the vehicle(s) involved and names
and addresses of drivers and, if possible, independent witnesses.
Statements
Ideally a member of school staff should assist at the side of the road, to alleviate pressure
on the SCP – this also helps with the incident report, as an independent witness gives the
case more substance. These statements should be reported to the police on scene (if
called) or the incident room (on 101). The patrol must inform the headteacher, or their
nominated officer as soon as possible and follow this up with a report to the Safer
Journeys Team.
SCPs should not give statements to any person except a police officer. If any statement is
provided to a police officer, their name and number should be taken and provided to a
Safer Journeys Officer, so that contact can be made, if required
A blank incident report sheet is available on the next page.
Please remember that remarks or statements made on the spur of the moment may
involve both you and the council in serious legal commitments. SCPs should not make
statements on working conditions to anyone, e.g. the press or other bodies, without first
discussing the matter with the Safer Journeys Team.
Reporting other incidents
If someone fails to stop for, or verbally/physically abuses the SCP, the incident should also
be reported using the Police’s non-urgent contact number 101. The police will provide an
incident number. The Police will send a statement form to the patrol and any witnesses,
which must be completed and returned quickly. A photocopy of the patrol’s statement
should be sent to the Safer Journeys Team. Parking and other traffic violations are not the
responsibility of the SCP but should be noted during monitoring visits, for the attention of
the Parking Enforcement Team.
It is the patrol’s decision as to whether to report noon emergency incidents to the police.
However it is important that all incidents are reported to the Safer Journeys Team so that it is
aware of safety issues at each site.
In the event of a prosecution arising from a statement being made, this is only likely to be
successful if:
• All the required details are completed and accurate on the police statement.
• The SCP is correctly dressed with the correct length coat (must be done up) and
high visibility hat.
• An approved pole, in a good state of repair, is used.
• The SCP provides sufficient notice to the driver of their intention to stop the traffic
according to the road conditions at the time.
• The pole is correctly orientated and used as required by the Highway Code when
in the road (including having the opposite arm extended as in figure 4).
• The SCP’s actions have not caused any misunderstanding between them and
drivers.
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Incident Report Sheet
Please note: Failure to provide any of the information below or operating other than in
accordance with this policy may prevent a prosecution being pursued. At least one witness
will be required to corroborate the SCP’s observation of the incident and the information in
the incident report. They may also be required to state that the SCP fulfilled all the
operational criteria.
The wording in italics in the statement below are examples only
Form MG 11(T)
Witness Statement
(CJ ACT 1967, S.9 MC Act 1980, s.102, MC Rules 1981, r.70)
Statement of …………………………………………………………
Police incident report number ………………………………………………….
Age if under 21 ……….……… (if over 21 insert ‘over 21’)
Occupation: SCP
This statement (consisting of two pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my
knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be
liable for prosecution if I have willfully stated in it anything, which I know to be false or do
not believe to be true.
Dated the
am / pm
day of
Time
Signature ……………………………………………………………………….
I am employed by Medway Council as a SCP person, which requires the wearing of
high visibility clothing/uniform and use of the appropriate SCP sign.
At ………….. am/pm on …………………… the ……………………………. 20…...., I was
on crossing SCP duty at ……………………………………………….., this being a
pelican/zebra/automatic traffic signals/ this being my usual place of SCP/standby.
There are school crossing road warning signs located on this road when approaching
from either directions and are reinforced by flashing amber warning lamps affixed to the
signs, which I checked before and after this incident finding them to be in good working
order, the signs being clearly displayed.
The crossing is located near to ……………………………………………… school.
At this time I saw that school pupils were waiting to be assisted in crossing the road. I
also saw that is was safe to enter the road, which I did, I then clearly displayed the
school crossing sign and then indicated to the children to cross the road.
I then saw a …………….……… motor vehicle, registered number ………………
Signature ……………………………….
Signature witnessed by …………………………………..
Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Continuation of Statement of ………………………………………………
(a) This vehicle failed to stop before reaching the crossing point travelling on along
the road through the point, as a result of which
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) This vehicle came to a stop at the crossing point, however the driver put the vehicle into
motion again travelling into and through the crossing point whilst the crossing sign was
displayed by myself, as a result of which …………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(c) The vehicle stopped, the driver gave their details to be ………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(d) The vehicle failed to stop, I would describe the driver to be …………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
At the time of this incident the weather conditions were dry / rain / snow / fog.
Road surface conditions dry / damp / wet.
Visibility was good / poor / daylight / street lamp lit. The speed limit of the road is
……….. mph.
Signature ………………………………. Signature witnessed by ……………………………..
Date report receive by Safer Journeys Team ……………………………………………….
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Contacts
Medway Council: 01634 333333
Training and site Issues:
Safer Journeys Team
Road Safety, Level 3 Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham. ME4 4TR
Claire Harris 01634 331049 or email [email protected]
Pamela Pounce 01634 331357 or email [email protected]
If neither of the above officers can be reached, please contact Su Ormes, Principal Road
Safety Officer, 01634 331710 or email [email protected]
Appendix 1
Correct clothing examples. All clothing to be supplied by the Safer Journeys Team
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Winter Jacket
Winter Cap
Summer Jacket
Summer Cap
Forage and hostess style caps (as worn by police officers) may also be
used but MUST include hi visibility yellow in their design.
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
Appendix 2
FAQs
“I would like some
leaflets to give out to
parents and children
“My SCP has just reported a
drive through/abusive driver,
which needs Police attention.” 1
“The patrol lights are faulty, who
do I inform?”
Safer Journeys Team
“I would like the site assessed or
patrol monitored/trained.” 3
“I have a
discipline/payroll/hours of duty
query I need help with.”
“I need the SCP to change
location. Can I move them?” 2
“I would like to recruit a new
patrol” 4
“I would like some
leaflets to give out to
1. If police action is required, incidents must be reported straight to the police incident room by
ringing 101 [999 in an emergency]. Just make sure you let the Safer Journeys Team know
too. All incidents should be reported to the SJT for information gathering.
2. SCPs must only operate on the designated site provided and for which they have been
trained. Moving them away from this site is both unsafe and may be unlawful unless
approved by a Safer Journeys Officer.
3. SCPs must have had the Safer Journeys training before they start. It is worth ensuring
SCPs are trained on each site so that in the event of an absence they will be able to act as
relief. You cannot switch SCPs between sites unless they have been specifically trained on
the site.
4. If you would like a new SCP on a site that has not been operational for a long while, or it
will be a new site, please contact the Safer Journeys Team who will need to conduct a site
assessment.
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Medway Council’s School Crossing Patrol Policy 2013
A16
Personal Specification - School Crossing Patrol
To ensure their own and others safety, it is essential that all SCPs are fit enough to carry
out their duties and have the skills required for safe operation. These are listed below.
Although the final decision for employment rests with the school’s headteacher, a Safer
Journeys Officer is available for advice or participation in the selection process if required.
Communication skills
Physical fitness
Medical conditions
Attributes
Essential
Is he/she able to read, recall and write basic information
clearly (e.g. car details)?
Is he/she able to stand unaided for the duration of the duty
and walk at a brisk place for short distances?
Can he / she hold both arms horizontal repeatedly for 30
seconds at a time?
Does the applicant meet the eyesight requirements for
drivers (i.e. to be able to read a number plate from
approximately 67 feet {20 metres})?
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
Vocational training
Driving licence
First aid
Work-related experience
(paid and unpaid)
Previous experience of
working with children
and/or the public
Specialist knowledge
Good understanding of road
use and traffic awareness
Job-related skills
Punctuality
Personal skills
Dependable
Honest
Smart appearance
Good communicator
Good community spirit
Reliable
Special Working conditions
(e.g. essential car user)
Willingness to travel
CRB clearance
16
Home telephone / mobile
telephone
NOTES
QUESTIONS
What is your reason for applying/Do you work at present?
What qualities do you think are essential for performing the job well?
Why do you think you will be well suited to this post?
What discipline problems do you think you might have in this role and
how would you deal with them?
What do you think are maybe the downsides of this role? How would
you overcome these?
Why do you think you will be trained not to stop buses or lorries?
Do the times mentioned pose any problems? How far away is the
position from your home? You may have to get there three times a
day.
Have you considered the downside to the job?
Weather/motorists/boredom/etc…
ASSESSMENT
MARKS
PHYSICAL
EXPERIENCE
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
CIRCUMSTANCES
DISPOSITION
PRACTICAL & INTELLECTUAL SKILLS
17
COMMENTS
Handbook for
School Crossing
Patrols
January
2013
January 2013
SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL HANDBOOK
Name: ………………………………………………….. School
name: …………………………………… Location:
…………………………………………….....
Your Monitoring Officer is: Pam Pounce
Phone: 01634 331357
Alternative Monitoring Officer is: Claire Harris
Phone: 01634 331049
Your monitoring service will be available from 8.30am to 4pm
Monday to Friday.
Your duty times are:
From:
………………………..To:
……………………..
From:
………………………..To:
……………………..
From: ………………………..To: ……………………..
A total of …… hours …… minutes per week
2
April 2012
Foreword
May I welcome you as a member of our School Crossing Patrol
Service. You will be performing a very important and responsible
job, ensuring the safety of pedestrians crossing the road on their
way to and from school.
This handbook contains important information and guidance,
including legal requirements, which you must follow at all
times. Please read the contents carefully and operate in accordance
with the instructions given. If you need further clarification, or have
any questions, do not hesitate to speak to me, I am here to help
you.
I hope you will be happy performing your duties and take satisfaction
in the knowledge that you are playing a valuable role in the
community.
Su Ormes
School Crossing Patrol Manager
3
April 2012
1) Hours of duty
Your hours of duty means the times you work at the crossing point to
which you have been appointed. These hours will be determined by the
school, according to the requirements for each crossing point and may
change as circumstances alter. Therefore, do not be afraid to suggest
any changes in times to your monitoring officer if you feel the current
hours do not meet the school’s requirements.
You must be punctual and remain at your crossing point for the full
length of the time indicated on page 2. You must never leave before
the end of your duty time.
Children are often late for school and late-comers are more inclined to
take chances than those with plenty of time. Bad time-keeping is
considered to be a most serious breach of working conditions for School
Crossing Patrols (SCPs).
You must not, under any circumstances, change your hours of
duty. Any changes must only be made by your monitoring
officer.
2) Power to stop traffic
The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 gives a SCP, wearing the approved
uniform and displaying the prescribed sign in the appropriate manner
the power to stop traffic on their approved site only. A SCP operating
outside these conditions has no legal power to stop traffic.
Section 270 of the Transport Act 2000, which came into force on 30
January 2001, allows SCPs to stop traffic to help anyone (child or adult)
cross the road.
Fail to stop incidents
To assist you with any reporting issues please ensure you have a pencil
and paper in your uniform pocket at all times.
4
January 2013
3) Uniform
To comply with the law the following items of uniform must be worn at
all times when on duty: Official hat and winter or summer coat as
supplied.
To comply with health and safety law, all uniform coats meet with the
requirement of the relevant British Standard (currently BS EN 471:2003
+ A1 2007) and the standard agreed by the Home Office. Therefore,
you must not make any alterations to the uniform issued to you. You
must not wear any other clothing over your official uniform and you
must wear your coat fastened at all times, to give maximum warning of
your presence in the carriageway. You must not fasten any badges or
other decoration to your uniform coat and hat.
In addition to the approved uniform, you may choose to wear other
items, such as over-trousers and gloves, to help protect you against
bad weather, but this is at your discretion. For your personal safety you
must wear sensible footwear at all times.
The uniform provided must not be worn at any other times, except
when traveling to or from your site.
You are responsible for keeping your uniform clean and readily
available in a safe place. This maintains the standard of the service and
makes you as visible as possible. Always wash your uniform according
to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
Remember to contact your monitoring officer by email or phone
immediately if an item of uniform needs to be replaced.
4) School Crossing Patrol sign
Your sign is an important part of your SCP uniform and, as such, is your
responsibility and must also be kept in a safe place. Your sign meets
the specification laid down in The School Crossing Patrol Sign (England
and Wales) Regulations 2006 and therefore must not be altered in any
way. Do not add stickers or any form of writing or decoration to your
sign, which includes the pole, as it will no longer be a legal road sign.
You or your trained relief are the only people who should use the sign.
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January 2013
Your sign must always be used when stopping traffic to enable
pedestrians to cross the road.
If your sign is stolen or breaks and cannot be used you must contact
your monitoring officer and inform the school immediately to get a
replacement sign ready for your next duty period. You may escort
children to cross the road but you cannot act as a SCP if you do not
have your pole.
Failure to wear the required uniform and display the
prescribed sign means that a SCP is operating illegally and may
become personally responsible for any claims.
5) Appearance and behaviour
When on duty, you are required to be neat and tidy in your
appearance, to be properly dressed in your official uniform and carrying
your SCP sign.
Please remember that motorists and pedestrians will judge your
authority and efficiency by your appearance and your standards will
reflect on all SCPs, as well as the school and Council. When on duty you
must remain alert and attentive, clean, neat and tidy.
Avoid any distractions or activities that could divert your attention from
your important task of seeing pedestrians safely across the road. You
should not get distracted by:
♦ talking to friends at your crossing;
♦ using a mobile phone or mp3 player * exception – as a recorder for
reporting incidents;
♦ bringing your own children to your site, unless they are on their
way to and from school;
♦ consuming food or hot drinks.
You are expected to be courteous at all times and avoid becoming
involved in arguments. Do not forget that you are representing the
school and Council. Remember to treat people in the manner you would
expect to be treated. If you do this, you are unlikely to do
anything wrong.
6
January 2013
Alcohol and drugs
Never consume alcohol before going on duty, or while on duty. Think
about how much you drink in an evening, as alcohol may still be in your
system the next morning. Drinking alcohol will impair your performance
and judgement and endanger you and other people.
You must not work under the influence of drugs or medicines that
might affect your performance. When taking prescribed medication, ask
your doctor if it is safe for you to carry out your duties. If you are
taking other medicines, ask the pharmacist for advice. If your
performance is impaired by drink or drugs this will be viewed very
seriously by the council and may result in disciplinary action being
taken against you.
The Council has a no smoking policy. You must not smoke on duty or
while wearing your uniform.
6) Operating at your crossing point
It is important that you arrive at your site in time to start your duty and
you do not leave until your duty is finished. You are responsible for the
safety of children and other pedestrians once they arrive at your site.
Although helping children to cross the road is the main purpose of your
job, you may offer assistance to any adults who wish to cross and can
stop traffic for them regardless of whether children are
present.
Position 1
When you are waiting for pedestrians to arrive at your
site, lower the sign head to the down position, to avoid
confusing motorists. Make your own assessment as to
whether this is a safe manoeuvre or not.
Position 2
Be clear and firm in your instructions to children. When
they approach your site, hold the pole horizontally to
7
January 2013
form a barrier and tell children to wait on the footpath until instructed
by you to cross. Keep your pole like this until you are ready to stop the
traffic. Make your own assessment as to whether this is a safe
manoeuvre or not.
Position 3
To stop traffic, wait for an adequate gap and raise
your sign high, clearly showing the face of the sign
to drivers. Give drivers time to stop and be decisive.
Making eye contact with drivers is beneficial. Don’t
forget that in wet conditions traffic will take longer
to stop. Large vehicles will also take longer to stop
and it may be better to allow them to pass. Try
to
avoid stopping emergency vehicles.
Your sign is your only authority to stop vehicles. Never attempt
to use hand signals to control traffic or pedestrians.
Position 4
Once the traffic has stopped in both directions,
walk to the centre of the road with your sign
upright and clearly displayed. Position yourself in
the centre of the road displaying the sign in an
upright position. Extend your other arm in a
horizontal position to form an additional barrier to
traffic behind you. This position makes you as
visible as possible to all traffic.
Now you are in the centre of the road with all vehicles safely stopped,
you can instruct the waiting pedestrians to cross. Ensure everyone
walks in front of you so you can see they are safe. Do not leave the
centre of the road until everyone has reached the pavement. When you
have finished crossing the children, return to the pavement, keeping
your sign upright. Try and ensure the traffic remains stationary while
you are in the road. Don’t forget to thank the motorists that have
stopped for you. You should not hold-up traffic unnecessarily while
8
January 2013
waiting for children to reach you. Allow traffic to flow between crossing
groups of children.
Position 1
When you are back on the pavement, lower the sign head
to the down position to avoid confusing motorists.
Remember, be positive in all your actions and give instructions
in a polite but firm manner. Should an incident occur that
requires legal action, SCPs will be required to demonstrate
that these positions were adhered to.
Operating at light-controlled crossings
It is Medway Council’s policy not to implement patrols on lightcontrolled crossings.
7) Flashing Warning Lights (Wigwags)
At some sites flashing warning lights are installed on one or both
approaches to the crossing point. Your Monitoring Officer will advise
you on how to operate them and provide you with any equipment
necessary to switch them on and off. It is your responsibility to switch
them on at the beginning of your duty time and off at the end of your
session. The lights are there for your protection and should be used on
every shift. It is essential they are switched off at the end of your shift
as motorists may disregard them if they do not seem to serve a
useful purpose.
It is your responsibility to check regularly that the lights are
operating correctly and report any faults to your Monitoring
Officer.
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January 2013
8) Incidents
As you are working on the highway there is a small chance that an
incident may happen on or close to your crossing. If this does happen
you should take the following action:
• If you think that a child or adult may be seriously injured do not
move them. If possible cover them with something warm – not
your uniform coat.
• Make sure a responsible person contacts the
emergency services.
• Make sure someone stays with the casualty and protect the
scene if possible, but do not put yourself in danger.
• Continue your work as a SCP, making sure children and other
pedestrians are crossed safely.
• As soon as your duty period is finished you should first contact
your school and inform them of the details.
• Inform your Monitoring Officer as soon as practically possible
after the incident.
Your main responsibility is the safety of the children and other
pedestrians that cross with you, not to deal with casualties,
direct traffic or become involved with the incident.
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January 2013
If you are injured and cannot continue your duties, you must seek
medical attention as soon as possible. Wherever possible you should
inform your school before leaving the crossing point. If this is not
possible ask someone else to contact them for you. If you are able to
continue your duty you should visit your doctor or hospital A&E
department as soon as you finish work. Inform your school as soon as
possible.
Following an incident you should not give statements to anyone other than
the police, your school, Monitoring Officer or a council health and safety
officer.
Do not become involved in any arguments with drivers or other people at
your crossing point. Try to remain calm and courteous when carrying out
your duties, even if provoked.
Remarks or statements made on the spur of the moment may involve you
and the council in legal proceedings.
Do not make statements, comments or give your opinion on the working
conditions at your site to anyone.
Make a note of the vehicle registration number if applicable and the names
and addresses of any witnesses; report details of the incident to your
school as soon as possible.
If a member of the public wishes to make a complaint against you, give
them details of how to contact the Safer Journeys Team. Let your
Monitoring Officer know of any complaints that have been made or any
that you have regarding your site.
9) Fail to stop incidents
A fail to stop is when a driver passes you when
you are standing in the road. Any vehicles that
pass you when you are standing in the road in
the position shown must be reported.
You
should take the registration number and type
and colour of the vehicle; make a note of the
time and date and the names and addresses of
any witnesses. You should pass this information
to the police by calling 101 at the earliest
opportunity and complete the relevant form for
your Monitoring Officer, quoting the incident
number
provided
by
the
police.
11
January 2013
You may be sent a witness statement form for completion and may be
required to act as a witness if the case goes to court. A photo copy of
this should be sent to the Safer Journeys Team. You must keep your
monitoring officer updated on the progress of any cases. He / she will
also provide guidance and support at any time during the process upon
request.
If a driver passes you as you are returning to the footpath, you should
consider whether to report it to your Monitoring Officer. They will be
able to give you guidance.
10) Training
You will be trained on site when you first start work as a SCP. Your
Monitoring Officer will visit you regularly to monitor your performance
and carry out refresher training from time to time if necessary. If you
feel that you need extra training or have other training needs, please
discuss this with your Monitoring Officer during a monitoring visit or by
email or phone if you feel your need is urgent.
Group training sessions or meetings may also be arranged. You are
required to attend these unless you have a very good reason not to
do so.
11) Absence
If you are going to be absent from work for any reason you must
contact your school immediately. Failure to report absence could put
children’s lives at risk and may result in disciplinary action being taken
against you. Wherever possible your crossing point will be covered.
12) Holidays
You can only take holidays during school holiday periods. It is important
to the safe running of the service that you are available for work during
the times when children need to get to school.
Time off during school term time will only be granted in exceptional
circumstances and you must get prior approval from your monitoring
officer.
13) Sickness
You must report sickness to your school as soon as you can. This
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January 2013
should be before your expected duty time whenever possible. It may be
possible for your school to arrange cover for you while you are unwell,
but this can only happen if they are given sufficient warning.
Failure to report sickness absence may result in disciplinary action
being taken against you.
For absences up to seven calendar days you must complete a selfcertification form. This should be completed after your third day of
absence and then another on your return to work. If you are off sick for
fewer than three days, you should complete a self-certification form on
your return to work.
If you are off sick for eight or more calendar days you will need to get
a medical certificate from your doctor or hospital. This must be sent to
your Monitoring Officer as soon as you receive it. You should still
complete the self-certification forms after the third day of absence and
on your return. It is important that, if you need to get more than one
medical certificate from your doctor that there are no breaks in the
time covered.
Before returning to work you must notify your school and where
necessary, be been signed fit for work by your doctor.
14) Health and Safety
Your employer has a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act
1974 to ensure the health and safety of its staff, and of anyone else
who may be affected by its operations. This means your employer must
ensure that you are able work safely and that the way you carry out
your duties does not put anyone else at risk, for example, the children
you help cross the road, other pedestrians, drivers and riders.
The Safer Journeys Team will:
• Make sure the site where you operate is safe and complete any
necessary e n g i n e e r i n g m e a s u r e s t o m a k e t h e s i t e
s a f e r ; for example, signs or hazard warning lights;
• Provide training for you;
• Ensure that you are medically fit and capable of carrying out your
duties;
• Set clear rules that you must wear the required uniform and always
13
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January 2013
use the SCP sign;
Review sites and operations to identify any changes that may affect
safety;
Set clear reporting procedures for absences or incidents;
keep in regular touch with you.
You also have a legal duty to co-operate with your employer’s health
and safety policies and to conduct your duties in a safe and careful
manner. This means you must:
• Always wear your full uniform when on duty and always use your
SCP sign as you have been trained to do;
• Carry out your duties in the way you have been trained;
• Report to your employer any changes in your health or ability to
carry out your duties;
•
Report any absence from work as quickly as possible to your
school;
• Report any incidents (eg, a driver failing to stop) to your school/
Monitoring Officer;
• Attend any SCP meetings arranged by your employer.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your
Monitoring Officer.
When on duty, you should:
• Always wear your uniform hat and coat, which should be
fastened at all times, and wear sensible footwear;
• Display your sign clearly when controlling traffic;
• Allow vehicles enough time to stop safely. The faster cars are
going, the longer they will take to stop. Remember, in wet
conditions or on icy roads cars will take longer to stop. If
possible, allow large vehicles to pass as they take longer to
stop;
• Wear your prescription glasses or hearing aid if you need them
to carry out your work safely;
• Stand at the side of the road from which pedestrians will cross
unless instructed to do otherwise by your Monitoring Officer;
When on duty you must not:
• Display your sign in an upright position or step into the road
14
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
January 2013
unless you intend to stop traffic to allow pedestrians to cross;
Attempt to stop traffic if you are not wearing full uniform or
using your sign;
Smoke while on duty or wearing your uniform;
Allow pedestrians to walk into the road with you;
Stand on the footpath and signal pedestrians to cross;
Take a child’s hand to escort them across;
Allow anyone else to hold or use your sign;
Allow cyclists to ride across the road at your crossing point;
children on cycles should get off and walk across;
Remain in the road longer than is necessary as this causes
undue delay to traffic;
Allow yourself to be distracted from your work – for example by
talking to friends, using audio equipment or using your mobile
phone;
Make statements or remarks, or give your views to other people
about your council or the SCP service;
Be discourteous or become involved in a dispute with drivers
or pedestrians;
Take instructions about the operation of your crossing, or any
variation in hours of duty from anyone other than your
Monitoring Officer.
Safeguarding children guidance
Children may disclose information to adults they trust that is of a
sensitive nature. All allegations and concerns about children must be
dealt with sensitively and in accordance with Kent and Medway’s
Safeguarding Children procedures.
We are all responsible for the care and welfare of
children. In your role, you must ensure:
1. You read any guidance that the school has related to child
protection;
2. You only report any child disclosures or concerns to the school’s
designated child protection officer. Never report the matter to
anyone else in the school. The school office will be able to tell you
who this is;
3. You complete any written reports as required factually and
without giving your opinions;
15
January 2013
4. You never ask leading questions when talking to a child who makes
an allegation;
5. You never promise to keep secret any information
that a child discloses;
6. If this person is unavailable and you have concerns about the
immediate safety of a child, you must phone 999 and report
your concerns to the Police.
If you need further advice, you should speak to the school’s designated
protection officer, contact Customer First Adult and Children’s Team
(01634
334466), phone the 24-hour emergency number 0845 7626777 or
email [email protected]
Alternatively call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or Childline on 0800 1111.
Please note: Failure to provide any of the information below or
operating other than in accordance with this policy may prevent a
prosecution being pursued. At least one witness will be required to
corroborate the SCP’s observation of the incident and the information in
the incident report. They may also be required to state that the SCP
fulfilled all the operational criteria.
Contacts
Medway Council Main Switchboard: 01634 333333
Training and site issues:
Safer Journeys Team
Road Safety, Level 3 Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham. ME4 4TR
Claire Harris 01634 331049 or email [email protected]
Pamela Pounce 01634 331357 or email [email protected]
If the matter is urgent and neither of the above officers can be reached,
please contact Su Ormes, Principal Road Safety Officer, 01634 331710 or
email [email protected]
16
January 2013
Form MG 11(T)
Witness Statement
(CJ ACT 1967, S.9 MC Act 1980, s.102, MC Rules 1981, r.70)
Statement of ……………………………………………………………
Age if under 21 ……….……… (if over 21 insert ‘over 21’)
Occupation: SCP
If reported via 101, Police incident / case number …………………….
This statement (consisting of two pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my
knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be
liable for prosecution if I have willfully stated in it anything, which I know to be false or
do not believe to be true.
Dated the
day of
Time
am / pm
Signature ……………………………………………………………………….
I am employed by MEDWAY Council as a SCP person, which requires the wearing
of high visibility clothing/uniform and use of the appropriate SCP sign.
At ………. am/pm on [day and date] …………………………….…..………..,
I was on crossing SCP duty at ………………………………………………..,
this being my usual place of SCP/standby.
There are school crossing road warning signs located on this road when approaching
from either directions and are reinforced by flashing amber warning lamps affixed to
the signs, which I checked before and after this incident finding them to be in good
working order, the signs being clearly displayed.
The crossing is located near to ……………………………………………… school. At this time I
saw that school pupils were waiting to be assisted in crossing
the road. I also saw that is was safe to enter the road, which I did, I then
clearly displayed the school crossing sign and then indicated to the children to cross
the road.
I then saw a …………….……… motor vehicle, registered number ………………
Signature ……………………………….
Signature witnessed by …………………………………..
Continuation of Statement of
……………………….
(a)
This vehicle failed to stop before reaching the crossing point travelling
on along the road through the point, as a result of which
………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(b)
This vehicle came to a stop at the crossing point, however the driver
put the vehicle into motion again travelling into and through the crossing point
whilst the crossing sign was displayed by myself, as a result of which
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(c)
The vehicle stopped, the driver gave their details to be
…………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(d) The vehicle failed to stop. I would describe the driver to be
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
At the time of this incident the weather conditions were dry / rain / snow / fog.*
Road surface conditions dry / damp / wet.*
Visibility was good / poor /daylight / street lamp lit.*
*delete as appropriate
The speed limit of the road is ………. mph.
Signature ……………………………….
Signature witnessed by ……………………………..
Date received by SJT …………………………………..