Children taught policing skills during schools course

Young children from four schools in the Swale area are now fully fledged mini cadets after taking part in a nine-week course with youth engagement officers from Kent Police.

PCSO’s Ian Henderson and Joanne Thomas worked with pupils from Eastchurch and St Clements Primary Schools, Bysing Wood Primary School and Sunny Bank Primary School to teach them about codes of conduct, uniform standards and gave important advice on keeping safe online.

Each group of cadets worked together in a variety of activities to make a difference to their local communities or students within their schools.

At the end of their course they were awarded with a special certificate from Sergeant Carli Deacon from the Swale Community Safety Unit to commemorate their achievements. 

Kent Police’s mini cadet co-ordinator, Julia Lindon-Taylor, said: 'The children have been so excited to be involved in the mini cadets and have also learned important lifesaving skills, including first aid, CPR and how to get help from the emergency services.

‘They have put in an exceptional amount of effort and have fully deserved their certificates.’

The mini cadet programme launched in April 2021 and has involved pupils at eighteen schools across the county. The pupils, aged between 8 and 11, are taught about responsible citizenship, helping others, and having respect for one another.

This programme has been made available thanks to funding from the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott.

Get involved

In addition to the mini cadet’s initiative, Kent Police also runs a cadet’s programme for young people aged 13 to 18. Volunteers involved in the scheme meet once a week and participate in community initiatives throughout the year.

For more information on taking part, visit https://www.kent.police.uk/police-forces/kent-police/areas/kent-police/c/specials-and-volunteers/cadets