Safety day at College raises knife crime awareness

Safety day at College raises knife crime awareness

South Essex College held a successful safety awareness day on Tuesday at its Southend Campus to highlight the dangers and consequences of knife crime.

Officers from Essex Police assisted on the day where they spoke to students about the issue as well as conduct random searches of staff and students to provide reassurance about safety in College.

The event was part of the College’s ongoing programme of events designed to enhance its commitment and duty to student safeguarding and not in relation to any specific intelligence or concerns.

Nothing untoward was found during the day which reinforces comments made by Ofsted inspectors in the College’s latest report which stated ‘learners feel safe, and are kept safe, in college.’

The event enabled the officers and the College’s safeguarding team to interact with and listen to students about this important nationwide issue.

Ian Purcell, the College’s Student Services Manager (Safeguarding & Pastoral), said the event helped to raise awareness as well as provide reassurance.

He said: “It was encouraging to see so many students and staff members get involved on the day and understand the importance of the event.

“Knife crime is an issue across the country so this event provided the perfect opportunity to hear from students about their thoughts and any concerns they may have.

“Student safety is our number one priority, and events such as this provides reassurance to students, staff and visitors to the College that we are committed that this absolutely remains is the case.”

To find out more about courses at the College, visit www.southessex.ac.uk