Kent Police recently launched their Mini Police Cadet programme in April 2021, resulting in an Award Ceremony on the 23rd June 2021. This was a monumental occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Mini Cadets during the 8 sessions they have taken part in.
The Mini Police Cadet Programme is available for 12 students aged between 8-11, however the Temple Hill Primary students were from year 6 and one from year 5 due to COVID restrictions.
The programme was designed to deliver a variety of topics in Policing including, ice breakers, online safety, road safety, how to contact the emergency services, writing in a Pocket Note Book, which all officers carry out in their job role and more. Mini Police Cadets are part of the National Volunteer Police Cadets and it has been delivered by other forces, however, this is the first ever Mini Cadets programme within Kent.
The Mini Police Cadets have taken part in Sports/Team building and Drill. Learned about the ranks in policing and other roles within Kent Police. The had the opportunity to meet local PCSO’s and ask questions about policing and a day in the life of a Police Officer/PCSO which they thoroughly enjoyed.
They have completed a Mini Medics course and all passed with flying colours so now know how to deliver CPR and place someone into the recovery position as well as treating minor injuries.
They created a notice board within the school to deliver online safety and road safety messages to other students, which then led onto their Social Action Event which was speaking with members of the public outside of their school about road safety and give drivers marks out of 10 also. This was very well received and the school fed back that the event was a huge success and road users were respectful and calm on the day.
There has been an opportunity for the Mini Police Cadets to vote for their peers to become Mini Police Cadet Sergeant and as such Cadet Childs was successful, receiving a certificate for this promotion. In addition to this Cadet Jeevarasa has also been promoted to Cadet Sgt as he had demonstrated confidence in delivering the drill commands, helped his fellow cadets with tasks and is well respected also. Huge congratulations to both these cadets.
The latest session, entailed a visit to Bluewater Police Station then onto the Kent Police Engagement Centre at Bluewater to learn more about Crime Prevention and keeping safe. The Cadets thoroughly enjoyed this day and all were fully immersed into the experience, especially getting shut into a police cell for a moment or 2.
Julia Lindon-Taylor, Mini & Junior Cadet Coordinator has seen first-hand how the Cadets have grown in confidence, overcoming personal barriers and coming together as a team whilst developing good citizenship.
Julia cannot thank the staff at Temple Hill Primary School enough for all their support throughout the programme. Amanda Miles and Julie Rye have been instrumental in their support week in and week out, liaising with the cadets, working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Julia is now liaising with Primary Schools in the County, as well as the Youth Engagement Officer PCSO’s to invite them to take part in the Mini Cadet programme starting in October 2021. The YEO’s are invaluable to this programme and they are excited to be delivering this in the nominated primary school(s) within their area. This will enable 12 students per school to become the next members of the Kent Policing Family, gaining new experiences and learning new skills, which can leave a positive lifechanging imprint on their lives.
"The changes observed from Session 1 to Session 8 has been phenomenal. The Cadets are all so proud to wear their uniform and be a part of this programme and all have stated how much they have enjoyed each session”.