School Crossing Patrols (SCPs) to stay

In June, we told you about the first Council review of the 'lollipop' attendants' service for years, as part of the wider government-induced cuts in Council finances. Brent has 47 SCPs, far more than all neighbouring boroughs such as Barnet, Harrow or Ealing.We also have
one of the best child-safety records in London.

On the basis of a risk assessment model, it was felt that some were no longer needed, as the provision of light-controlled or zebra crossings
in recent years, had minimised the lollipop persons' role. The announcement of a consultation exercise to consider reductions caused
a storm in local papers and many schools, parents and councillors expressed concerns;about the proposals to reduce the number of patrols.

Fryent Primary school governors were amongst these and Cllr Ruth Moher, who is a governor there, conveyed their objections about the withdrawal
of the Church Lane SCP, forcibly.In fact, due to illness, the lollipop person there has not been in evidence recently.

Pleased to say that after listening to concerns of parents and
schools, the Council has adopted a more gradual and voluntary approach
in considering which, if any, patrols could be phased out or taken over by local schools. This change was greeted with huge relief by many schools and parents affected. One campaigner,George Burns, who presented a petition
of residents/parents from one school, to the Executive on 19th September
said:

"Its not often there's good news to share but this is an exception
... The report that was submitted to the Executive meeting made it
clear that Brent had heard the anger the original plan prompted
and has greatly diluted it."

Cllr Jim Moher, who is also the Executive Member responsible said:
"In consulting parents and schools, we said we would listen and
that we would err on the side of child safety. We have now done
so and hope to engage with schools in a more positive way
about the future of the less risky sites."
"We are all tremenduously proud of Brent's child-safety
record since the School Crossing Patrol service was
introduced.Having listened to the strong concerns of
many parents and schools, and despite the fact that
some sites now have lights and other safety features,
I was not convinced that we should withdraw any at this
time. We will examine them case by case when lollipop
persons leave or retire and consult with the schools
concerned to see if they might take responsibility for
some."