The UK has one of the worst records in western Europe for child pedestrian safety. Many communities suffer from fast drivers, a lack of safe crossing places and narrow pavements that make it dangerous to take young children out on foot.

It's vital for childcare practitioners to teach road safety from a young age. The sooner you start, the better. Brake, the national road safety charity, suggests teaching from the age of two.

Teaching road safety can be active, fun and stimulating. Training should build on children's existing knowledge and develop their skills through discussion and practice.

When delivering roadside pedestrian training for pre-schoolers, it is safest to teach the children basic safety skills using role-play and other activities on your premises, rather than teaching at the roadside itself. To teach children on your premises, draw out a road map and use ride-on toys and other relevant props.

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