Young pupils in Sudbury formed a “walking bus” to urge motorists to drive slower after three children were run-over outside their primary school.
Staff led 930 pupils from Sudbury Primary School in Watford Road, on the mile-long protest to raise awareness of traffic dangers.
They formed their walking bus exactly two weeks after two pupils and their toddler brother was hit by a car on November 25 at 3.30pm.
The pupils showed their handmade posters with warnings including “Aggressive is not Impressive”, “Slower Speeds = Happy People”, “Slow Down for a Happy Town” and “Do Not Crash Car” to motorists as they drove past.
The day was given to a road awareness campaign with two assemblies in the afternoon, to encourage children to encourage their own parents not to drive to school.
Dina Greco, a parent with two children at the school, said: “We’ve got to make parents more aware of the dangers. We were very shocked by what happened outside the school. We want lollipop staff back in the area. It might not stop what people do but it would put our minds at rest.”
Beth Ragheb, who joined the school as headteacher in September, said: “All the children are involved in this road traffic awareness day and are very excited. They realise how important it is and feel very strongly about it.
“We have been on traffic duty morning and afternoon and have seen a huge improvement. We are not allowing people to park on the pavement and the children are safe.
She added: “The local community has a duty to us as we have a duty to them and they have been fabulous, very supportive.
“The accident has bought the community together. It’s an opportunity for us to build relationships.”
The school is under “requires improvement” following recent troubled history with its previous headteacher. Mrs Ragheb was brought in to replace Uma Pandya who stood down from the role following her suspension.
Mrs Ragbeb said: “We are raising the bar and this school will be outstanding. I’d like Ofsted to come back to see what we have done. We have experienced very extraordinary circumstances but this is an extraordinary school.”
Related links: Anger at a primary school in Sudbury as three children remain in hospital following car collision
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