Junior Road Safety Officer
The Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) scheme has been running successfully in Bucks since 2003. There are currently 95 JRSOs, from 21 Primary School (2023).
What is a JRSO?
They are children from your school who promote road safety and sustainable transport to their fellow pupils and have fun whilst they are doing it!
Who are JRSOs?
Usually 2 children from year 5 and/or 6 are nominated and appointed as JRSOs. This can be through an application and interview process, or simply names drawn out of a hat. They can be part of a Student Council or be a separate group.
What do they do?
They read monthly bulletins, give talks in assemblies, run competitions, have a Noticeboard to display posters and information and support the schools STP working group. The school will be given a ‘Kids Pack’ of information and ideas to help their JRSOs in their role.
There is a JRSO website that has lots of ideas and links to other useful websites and information.
They can help to tackle parking and congestion issues, and get involved in Walk to School Week activities.
We hold Fun Days for JRSOs, giving them the opportunity to find out more about their role, take part in activities and meet other JRSOs from around the County.
The JRSOs take part in a number of workshops:
- delivering an assembly – learning how to calm their nerves, how to project their voice and make their presentation interesting
- parking problems – how they can help their school deal with parking issues
- emergency services rescue – a practical demonstration to show how passengers might be rescued from a car crash
- road safety snakes & ladders – an interactive game, working with Thames Valley Police
They can copy and adapt all of these activities to use them at their own schools.
What are the benefits of JRSO?
It is an excellent way to engage with pupils and encourage them to be involved in their school and the local community. It enables them to participate in the development and maintenance of an active and successful school travel plan.
How do we take part?
The school appoints a ‘Helper’ to offer advice and support to the JRSOs – ensuring they have the opportunity to read their Bulletins and that they meet regularly to discuss promotional events and activities.
If you are not already participating but would like to be involved in the JRSO initiative, please contact schooltravelplanning@buckinghamshire.gov.uk