Peasedown St John Primary School’s mini-police team has officially commenced its activities for 2025 by taking part in their first call of duty

The Mini Police Programme is a community engagement initiative run by police forces across the UK, designed to give primary school children an insight into policing while promoting positive citizenship.

At Peasedown St John Primary School, the initiative is delivered in partnership with PCSOs from Avon & Somerset Police, offering Year-5 pupils the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in ‘real life’ scenarios.

School headteacher Ruth Noall said: “The mini-police initiative is a police engagement programme that we’ve been running successfully alongside the police for the past five years with children in Year 5. Children must apply and be interviewed for the role.

“They are each given a uniform and attend regular training sessions led by the PCSOs. Topics covered often include traffic and speed awareness with a visit from the local police speed enforcement team and first aid training.”

Before the half-term holidays each cadet was kitted out with their new uniform, including being given a unique MP number and ID card.

“During last week’s session we were visited by a barn owl and the children dissected the pellets to find out what owls eat,” added Ruth. “The purpose of the activity was to find out how we need to be responsible for our environment as our actions, including littering, can have wider implications on wildlife.”

The Mini Police Programme helps children build confidence, self-esteem, and life skills. It also helps children understand policing and community safety and builds trust between children and the police.

For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit their website www.psjprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary