Volunteers step in for school’s crossing patrol amid calls for education body to fill role

The post at Carrickfergus Model has been vacant following the death last month of Johnnie McAlister.

Mr McAlister, who worked as the school’s crossing guard for several years, was described as a “gentleman” who was “fiercely protective” of the pupils who he guided across the busy route every day.

Earlier this month, the school, joined by parents and elected representatives, appealed to the Education Authority (EA) to ensure ongoing road safety provision at the Belfast Road location.

A group of parents are currently operating the patrol as volunteers, according to Jenni Miller, Model PS principal.

“Parents were very keen to help and we have a brilliant group who are looking after the crossing on a rota basis, but we don’t know for how long that can be sustained,” Mrs Miller said.

“At the moment we’re waiting on the Education Authority to carry out a survey and hopefully they will agree that a patrol person is still necessary - especially with the dark mornings coming in.”

The issue will be on the agenda during an upcoming visit by Education Minister Peter Weir, the principal added.

Meanwhile, the school also aims to trial the use of a back gate as a entrance and exit point.

“Internally the school has fantastic grounds but unfortunately none of that can be seen from the road; the issue is just with the current entrance point and how that is accessed,” Mrs Miller said.

East Antrim MLA John Stewart is one of the volunteers currently assisting with the school’s crossing patrol.

He said: “Having done two full mornings at the lights I am even more convinced than before of the need to have a permanent patrol person appointed.

“The speed of traffic (even during the 20mph period) combined with the amount of vehicles going through the lights is frightening.

“I invite EA reps to join me there any morning and tell me how this is not a matter of child safety.

“I pay tribute the other volunteers who have stepped up to help each morning and also principal Mrs Miller and her team’s efforts to date.

“We will continue to provide this service each morning until the EA recognise the need.

“A price cannot be put on child safety at any school.”

An EA spokesperson said the education body was “committed to reviewing school crossing patrol provision on an ongoing basis or in circumstances where a post becomes vacant.”
The spokesperson added: “An assessment of Carrickfergus Model Primary School will be carried out accordingly to ascertain if it meets the required criteria for provision of a school crossing patrol. Should an assessment deem a continued need for the school crossing patrol, the appropriate recruitment process will begin as soon as possible.

“We continue to support schools, parents and pupils where it is deemed appropriate. In particular, road users should be vigilant when parking and driving in the vicinity of a school, and we would encourage parents and pupils to take simple measures to ‘Be Safe and Be Seen’ such as wearing something reflective and high vis.

“We also encourage people to follow the Highway Code at all times and also remind the community that only authorised school patrol crossing personnel are permitted to carry out crossing patrol duties at a school.

“The provision of school crossing patrols is not a statutory requirement. The safety of a pupil on any part of the journey to or from school, not undertaken on dedicated home to school transport provided by the EA, is the responsibility of the parent or guardian; who should accompany their child as necessary.”