Education Authority to provide crossing patrol at Carrickfergus Model Primary School
A primary school located next to one of Carrick’s busiest roads has welcomed a decision by the Education Authority to provide a School Crossing Patrol.
Carrickfergus Model Primary on Belfast Road has been calling for a new crossing patrol person to be appointed for a number of years.
In November 2020, the Education Authority said an assessment found the existing pelican crossing at the front of the school was “actively used”, concluding that it was “unnecessary for a SCP to man this pelican crossing” – a decision that the school vowed to fight.
However, the education body said it had recently undertaken a review of the EA School Crossing Patrol Scheme, which was first introduced in September 2021.
“Following review, the EA scheme has been revised to allow for assessments to be considered and School Crossing Patrols approved at locations with a light control crossing, where there are exceptionally high levels of both traffic and child pedestrians,” an EA spokesperson said.
"On that basis, an assessment was carried out at Carrickfergus Model PS site in March 2026, and the criteria were met for the provision of a School Crossing Patrol."
Model PS principal Mrs Jenni Miller said the school had been without a crossing patrol for five years. “Some wonderful parental volunteers helped out for a short time but this had to stop due to insurance matters,” Mrs Miller added.
“The whole school community is over the moon with this decision and if Johnny McAllister, our previous patrol person was still with us, he would be delighted too. He adored our pupils and we hope that the next person will too.
"I would like to acknowledge that the Education Authority are facing unprecedented funding shortages at present so every decision they make must be very carefully considered. I am extremely grateful to the EA for this re-consideration and would like to pay tribute to Mr John Stewart MLA, the local PSNI, parents and staff who have achieved this outcome together.”
East Antrim MLA John Stewart said the decision would provide “long-overdue support for pupils and parents crossing one of the busiest roads in Carrickfergus.”
Mr Stewart added: “I want to pay particular tribute to Mrs Miller but also the Board of Governors, parents, staff, PSNI and all members of the wider community who took the time to write letters, raise concerns and keep pushing this issue.”
Meanwhile, in March 2026, police officers from Carrick and Larne Neighbourhood Policing Teams facilitated a Kids’ Court at the school to highlight the issue of speeding along Belfast Road.
The scheme saw officers conduct speed checks outside the school, while Primary 7 pupils waited inside their court to question offending drivers.
“This was a great opportunity for pupils to remind motorists of the speed limit outside of their school and also to reinforce the potential consequences of driving at excess speeds,” a police spokesperson said.
“It is important to point out that the majority of motorists were driving within the speed limits and although we will not always have the option of a Kids’ Court, we will continue to conduct speed checks in and around your towns.”