Keeping your child safe

The Child Accident Prevention Trust say you can start to teach the Green Cross Code from around five years.

The Green Cross Codes includes habits like stop, look, listen and think. Teaching children early will help ensure they become habit.

If there is no safe walking route your child’s local school, they might be entitled to free school transport.

No safe walking route might be because you live in a rural area and there might not be footpaths along the way.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and children whose families are on low incomes can also get free school transport.

1. pay attention to your children and your surroundings. A lot can happen during the time it could take to check your phone or bag
2. if you’re driving your children around, make sure they have the right child car seat or booster seat for their height and weight
3. if cycling, always make sure everyone is wearing a safety helmet and has front and backlights on the bike
4. don’t leave children unattended outdoors or in public places
5. dress for the weather. Use the right sun cream and provide shade and water when hot. In cold or wet weather, provide warm and waterproof clothes
6. for older children, think about how they would contact you if they needed to and know where they’re going

Read Family Live’s 10 golden rules to help you keep your child safe while they develop their independence.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents.

The NSPCC is the UK's leading children’s charity.

Their goals are:

• preventing child abuse in families facing adversity
• prevent child sexual abuse
• help children speak out and adults take action about abuse
• help children who've experienced abuse get back on track
• make children safe from abuse online

visit their the NSPCC website for information on dangers, tips and what to look out for.

Brake is a road safety charity. They work with working with communities and organisations across the UK to stop the tragedy of road deaths and injuries.

Brake provides information on their website and support bereaved and seriously injured by road crashes.