Kingsley students learn what happens in an emergency

POTENTIAL police, fire and public sector workers of tomorrow at Kingsley School in Bideford have been learning how the region will respond in a disaster situation. Torridge District Council s Emergency Planning Officer Ruth Staddon visited to talk to sixt

POTENTIAL police, fire and public sector workers of tomorrow at Kingsley School in Bideford have been learning how the region will respond in a disaster situation.

Torridge District Council's Emergency Planning Officer Ruth Staddon visited to talk to sixth form students on the OCR National Certificate Public Services course about how the many local agencies will work together in the event of an emergency such as flooding, a chemical spill or some other major disaster.

The public services course is generally taken by 16-year-olds considering a career in the uniformed services or public sector, combining a mix of classroom and practical work, focussing on issues such as teamwork, leadership, organisation and expedition skills.

"The students absolutely loved meeting Ruth and they found it really useful," said Fo Edmonds, Head of Vocational Studies at Kingsley School.

"The course itself was developed to recognise candidates' skills, knowledge and understanding of the public services sector and the settings, job roles, principles and values involved.

"It's a very practical and hands on course and meeting Ruth really opened their eyes to the understand the complexities of emergency planning and organisation."

Ruth added: "Meeting the students and discussing emergency planning details with them was a very valuable exercise.

"I hope they went away with a clearer understanding of the role and responsibilities of Torridge District Council and how we work closely in partnership with Devon County Council, the police and fire service, the Environmental Agency and other responders."

In the New Year, Ruth will be working with other agencies in helping local parish councils to produce an emergency plan of their own.

For more information on emergency planning in the Torridge area, or to arrange for Ruth to visit a class or school, contact her on (01237) 428806 or email ruth.staddon@torridge.gov.uk.

For more information on vocational courses, such as Public Services, Business and Travel and Tourism, or joining the sixth form at Kingsley School, contact Fo Edmonds via email: edmondsf@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk or the registrar: admissions@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk.