More than 200 schools across the Northumbria force area have signed up to deliver Pol-Ed, an innovative educational programme designed to enhance learning around healthy relationships, staying safe, and understanding the law.

With a key focus on prevention and community cohesion, Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police have joined forces to bring Pol-Ed to local schools, benefitting thousands of children from primary through to secondary levels.

This initiative is part of a wider effort to combat anti-social behaviour, crime and violence through early intervention, with Pol-Ed promoting a proactive approach to education.

Developed by teachers for teachers, Pol-Ed has been praised for its ease of use and alignment with the existing Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.

The new resources will help reach more young people at the earliest point, and complements the current awareness sessions delivered by the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police education teams.

The lessons and supporting resources cover a wide range of topics, from safeguarding to community safety, designed to help young people understand the consequences of harmful behaviours, and ensuring they are better equipped to make informed and positive decisions.

By fostering awareness of these issues early on, young people can help play their part in creating safer and stronger communities throughout the region.

Speaking about the positive uptake from schools, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Prevention is the key to building safer, stronger communities, and this programme provides teachers with the tools they need to help children stay safe and understand the law. I’m delighted that more than 200 schools have already committed to rolling out Pol-Ed, and the feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“The Pol-Ed resources have been made available for free to every school across the Northumbria force area, and my special thanks go to West Yorkshire Police for developing the programme.

“So, if your school hasn’t signed up yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. The team are on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention Department, said: “Prevention is one of our Force priorities and we are absolutely committed to using this tactic to ensure our communities remain among the safest places to live, work and visit in the country.”

“The innovative Pol-Ed programme is a fantastic project which gets across to youngsters the seriousness of being involved in anti-social behaviour and other forms of crime.”

“I’d like to thank the 200 schools who have signed up to the project so far and encourage others who haven’t yet got involved to do so. Your co-operation is key in helping us to educate future generations and keep our young people safe.”

Schools interested in signing up or learning more about Pol-Ed should contact Northumbria Police by email to school.liaison@northumbria.police.uk.

ENDS