Pupils are on patrol

Primary 7s become the city’s first junior wardens

Primary 7 pupils from Kirkliston Primary school have participated in the first-ever junior warden scheme in Edinburgh.

Six pupils were chosen by their school to take part in the six-week course run by the West Neighbourhood Environmental Warden team.

As part of a three-hour session once a week, the pupils learn valuable lessons on community safety and the environment around them. Kitted out in high-visibility vests, they have visited the fire station, the Police station and a local park ranger to find out how litter can damage wildlife. They also learnt about health and in their final week, they did a litter-pick around Kirkliston.

Senior Environmental Warden Donald MacCallum said: “They are really good kids and it has been a pleasure to work with them. They are also very responsive to what they have been taught and have been enjoying the programme, particularly the afternoon at the fire station.”

Community safety officer Jim Henderson has been keen to deliver this venture, made possible when funding became available for youth projects.

“The project has run very well,” said Jim. “The kids love it and have been really responsive but they do have to work hard. While they get to see Police cells, hand-cuffs, finger-printing and the fire station, they also have to fill in workbooks and surveys.

“The school is also really proud of the pupils as they are the pioneers of this project.”

After the summer holidays, another six-week course will begin at South Queensferry Primary. It is hoped the scheme will then roll into other primary schools in the West Neighbourhood.

Need to know

To find out more, contact Donald MacCallum on 0131 469 5840 or e-mail donald.maccallum@edinburgh.gov.uk