Future of school crossing patrol staff to be considered by council leaders

The role of the lollipop men and women was thrown into confusion with some posting on social media last week that they did not know if they had a job to go back to when the new school year started.

When the situation was raised at last week’s full meeting of Calderdale Council, it appeared funding, with some confusion who was providing it, and the impact of COVID-19 were issues involved.

COVID-19 potentially impacts on the service because some crossing staff might be shielding, and also because staggered starts and finishes to the school day being introduced as part of pandemic protection measures would increase service hours and costs.

Now Leader of Calderdale Council Coun Tim Swift, who is also the Cabinet member for Public Health and Cohesion, said action was being taken.

“The safety and wellbeing of staff, pupils and the wider community is our priority.

“We are working closely with schools to help pupils return safely, actively and healthily.

“As part of this, school travel plans are in place to encourage children and young people to walk and cycle to school as much as possible, to boost their health and wellbeing and to help protect the environment.

“We have carried out individual risk assessments with school crossing patrol staff due to COVID-19, and the majority will be working from this week for the rest of the term,” he said.

Coun Swift (Lab, Town) said the council was working with the school crossing patrol service to review how children coming back to school could be best supported and the future of the service and its contribution to supporting safe and active travel to school in the long-term considered.

Examining whether other measures can be put in place to enable children to travel to and from school safely would also be part of the process.

“Consultation with staff and schools will take place during the autumn term and local parents will be updated on the plans,” said Coun Swift.