KFRS schools education programme
We are passionate about safety and saving lives through education. Our learning programme aims to build strong partnerships with schools and colleges across Kent and Medway.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) education team offers a programme of free education visits, attending schools and colleges throughout the county. Whether your educational establishment caters for primary age children, those with special or additional educational needs, or secondary level, we offer a blended programme of education visits which we can adjust to your requirements.
Learn about our visits and programmes
During our visits to primary schools, our team use their skills, knowledge and experience to talk to children about fire safety. These positive learning sessions give children useful advice they can share with their family.
At secondary schools we talk to young people about basic fire safety, as well as engaging them about issues such as anti-social behaviour and personal safety. You’ll find further information about the programmes we offer below.
Details of how to get in touch with us to request or discuss a visit can be found at the end of this page
Primary School Programme (reception – year 6)
Our team use their skills, knowledge and experience to talk to children at school about fire safety. These positive learning sessions give children useful advice and help them to build an understanding of what to do to stay safe and reduce the risk of fires starting, which they can share with their family. They also look at how to make an escape plan and an emergency call if there is a fire.
Programme - reception - year 6
What to expect
- age-appropriate awareness sessions delivered to include different learning styles so that every child can fully participate in the learning of basic fire safety
- clear explanations of how to prevent, detect and escape from fire
- engaging and interactive sessions
What not to expect
- our officers to arrive in a fire engine
- fire demonstration in the playground
Secondary school programme
'Think Choice' is our safety education programme aimed at year 7 and year 8 students. The programme offers a combination of officer-led and digital sessions. Supporting the Ofsted Personal Development framework and PSHE curriculum, it provides opportunities for students to apply skills from other subject areas and focuses on key safety issues.
We would recommend that the officer-led school visit sessions take place before participating in the digital programme
Our secondary programme for later year groups is currently under development and will be added as it becomes available.
What to expect from our Think Choice programmes
What to expect from our Think Choice school visit
- a visit from a dedicated Education Officer to your school
- working with students to equip them with the confidence to make safer choices when faced with a risky situation
- focus on the topic of firesetting and how the consequences of our actions can have an impact on us and others
What to expect from our Think Choice digital package:
- a series of digital sessions which not only recap key safety information but support the Ofsted Personal Development framework and beyond.
- flexibility – the materials are pre-recorded and can be managed and delivered at a time that suits both teachers and students.
- interactive activities and discussion points – ideal for tutor or pastoral time.
- a follow up Q&A session with one of our dedicated Education Officers (upon request)
With teacher guidance and a range of extension activities, these sessions encourage students to set themselves challenges linked to each topic and provide a great discussion point for tutor time
What not to expect from a Think Choice visit:
- fire demonstrations at school
- session timings to be shortened beyond reason, as this could lead to confusion of the messaging or elements being missed
- officers to arrive with a fire engine
Working with young people
Not everyone can access our educational programmes, so we also offer made-to-measure sessions. We can provide valuable, engaging safety messages for:
- special educational needs (SEN) schools
- alternative curriculum providers
- other partners providing not in employment, education or training (NEET) services
Sessions can include
- exploring and learning about fire and rescue service operational equipment
- promoting problem-solving
- team building skills
- encouraging confidence and communication
- leaders act as instructors, mentors and role models, so attendees learn everyday skills.
Worried about a young person starting fires?
Kent Fire and Rescue Service are here to help. Our dedicated team of firesetter advisers work with anyone up to the age of 18, offering them fire safety advice, education and mentoring. Learn more on our Firesetter Intervention page