Primary can hire a lollipop patrol after recruitment freeze is lifted
SCHOOL HEAD DELIGHTED AT COUNCIL DECISION
A HEAD teacher is celebrating after council chiefs agreed to lift a recruitment freeze to hire a “lollipop person” on the road outside her village primary school.
Clare Clay, head at Christ Church & St Peter’s C of E Primary in Mountsorrel, is delighted at the decision.
“It is very good news that the council has seen fit to lift the recruitment freeze on this very important role,” she said.
“I am absolutely terrified there will be a tragedy outside our school.
“We have been desperately in need of a traffic crossing patrol person since our last fantastic one retired in July 2018.
“The road is very busy and on a bend which limits visibility.
“There are lots of parked cars directly outside and double decker buses often crossing.
“What we need to happen now is for people to apply and for the post to be taken as soon as possible to help keep our children safe.”
Local parish councillor Liz Blackshaw, whose two daughters went to the school, set up a petition to put pressure on the council to allow the role of a crossing person to be filled.
Her petition was signed by 375 people.
“There is no doubt that this is a very dangerous road indeed for children and parents who have to cross it to get to school,” said Coun Blackshaw.
“I can remember when I used to take my children to the school and you always had to be alert when crossing the road.
“It is so busy it poses a real danger without a lollipop person.” The council said it had temporarily suspended recruitment during lockdown but is now welcoming applications.
Councillor Trevor Pendleton, cabinet member for highways and transport at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We’re aware of concerns raised and the safety of pupils is an absolute priority for us. “We carried out an assessment directly outside Mountsorrel Primary School last year and it met the criteria for a school crossing patrol.
“We would welcome interest and applications for this rewarding role.”
For more information, call 0116 305 7233 or e-mail:
I am absolutely terrified there will be a tragedy outside our school. The road is very busy Head teacher Clare Clay