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Safety Superhero creator launches pioneering programme for primary schools
A pioneering education programme has been launched to help primary schools embed safety, health and wellbeing into everyday learning.
Created by multi-award-winning chartered safety professional and children’s author Bethany Holroyd, the Shaping Safer Futures programme brings together educator professional development and practical tools to support those working with children from EYFS through to Key Stage 2.
The programme incorporates The Safety Superhero Method, a practical framework developed by Bethany to support the introduction of safety, health and wellbeing throughout children’s education, building on the principles first brought to life through her debut children’s book, The Safety Superhero.
At the heart of the programme is a flagship NEBOSH-verified professional development e-learning course, Embedding Safety, Health and Wellbeing in Early Education, designed to equip educators with the knowledge and practical strategies to embed safety, health and wellbeing naturally throughout children’s everyday learning and experiences.
Rather than treating safety, health and wellbeing as a standalone subject, Shaping Safer Futures encourages educators to use everyday moments as opportunities for children to explore safe decision-making, health, wellbeing, communication and responsibility through discussion, storytelling and practical experiences.
It is hoped the programme will help shape lifelong attitudes towards safety, health and wellbeing during children’s formative years.
Bethany said: "Children begin developing habits, attitudes and ways of thinking about safety, health and wellbeing from a very young age.
“Rather than waiting until they're older or entering the workplace, we have an opportunity to nurture those skills throughout childhood in ways that are meaningful, age-appropriate and engaging.
"Shaping Safer Futures helps educators make the most of everyday learning opportunities, encouraging children to notice, think, communicate and make decisions while adults continue to provide appropriate guidance and support."
The programme builds on Bethany’s work as a children’s author and chartered safety professional, bringing together years of practical experience working with schools alongside the research that underpins The Safety Superhero Method.
Dr Aaron Bradbury, founder of Early Years Reviews, praised The Safety Superhero Method as a basis for introducing children to health and safety.
He said: "The Safety Superhero Method demonstrates strong and meaningful alignment with statutory frameworks across EYFS and primary education.
"Its intent is both meaningful and timely, responding to a genuine need within educational settings.
"One of the most significant strengths of the framework lies in its reconceptualisation of safety as something that is lived, experienced, and negotiated, rather than delivered.”
Bethany added: “Children don’t only learn about safety during dedicated lessons – they learn through conversations, experiences, play, relationships and the everyday moments that shape how they see the world.
“Shaping Safer Futures is all about helping educators recognise those moments and make the most of them.”
More information on Shaping Safer Futures can be found at www.shapingsaferfutures.co.uk.