Basingstoke Pupils Learn About Staying Safe Around Construction Sites

220 pupils at Winklebury Junior School were taught the importance of staying safe around nearby construction sites as part of a curriculum-based school programme hosted by Cala Homes (Thames). The children took part in Cala’s ‘Stay Safe, Stay Away’ initiative, hosted by Olly Martin at Cala Thames, who provided them with an interactive session that uncovered the history of building houses and engaged the children in roles within the construction industry. The session also explained to the children that construction sites are dangerous places, especially if you’re not a professional.

The session is an essential part of Cala’s Community Pledge, which they deliver as part of its Worting Park development, located near the school. Through the Community Pledge, the housebuilder commits to providing positive social impacts to the areas it builds through community engagement initiatives, such as school workshops, volunteering, donations, sponsorships, and bursaries.

Sarah Mathlin, Executive Head Teacher at Winklebury Junior School, said: “Teaching children to be safe and to think about the wellbeing of others is a core part of our ethos, and Olly’s engaging assembly was an extension of this. Cala’s Stay Safe, Stay Away presentation encouraged our pupils to think about not just their own safety, but the safety of the wider community.

“Olly truly captured the children’s interest with a fascinating look into the history of homes, before discussing the risks around building sites. Many of our pupils have family members working in different trades, so the presentation made it easier for them to understand the importance of the message.

“With Cala Homes’ development being near to our school, it was a needed visit for both pupils and teachers to understand the dangers. We’re grateful for their visit and for helping to equip our children with the knowledge of staying safe.”

Olly Martin, Land Buyer at Cala Homes Thames, said: “On behalf of the Cala team, we’re thankful to Winklebury Junior School for putting time aside in their busy schedule to allow us to spread the message that construction sites aren’t playgrounds and should be kept to the professionals.

“Although all our sites are secure, it’s important that children understand the dangers of entering a construction site, no matter how exciting they seem. At Cala Homes, we strive to ensure people living near where we build are kept safe; that’s why we created the Stay Safe, Stay Away initiative, to make the conversation less daunting for children. Even though it’s a serious subject, the pupils enjoyed engaging with our interactive presentation and animated videos – and were always eager to answer questions.”

For more information on the Worting Park Development, visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/south-east-england/hampshire/worting-park-basingstoke/ Schools near a Cala Homes development can register their interest in Stay Safe, Stay Away by getting in touch via the website: www.cala.co.uk.