Hull: Schoolchildren design park warning signs while learning about ASB

Year 2 pupils from a Hull school have been learning all about antisocial behaviour (ASB) and have shared what they’ve learned on special signs in their local park. 

Students from Christopher Pickering Primary School have been working with our neighbourhood officers and have talked about bad behaviour, what’s acceptable and what’s not, and why their park should remain a fun place to be.

The idea came after a number of meetings in west Hull with community groups and our neighbourhood policing teams during which, amongst other things, ASB was discussed. 

A competition was run at the school for the children to design posters that would be made into permanent metal signs displayed around the children’s play area at Pickering Park. 

The signs were kindly funded by Hull City Council. 

Well, today the lucky winners Harley, Summer, and Ella, all aged 7, saw their designs for themselves. The signs have been fixed onto railings as a reminder to others about why antisocial behaviour is unacceptable. 

Hull West Neighbourhoods PC Nicole Robertson said: “We’ve done this to help educate young people about ASB, and teach children at an early age so they know how to behave. 

“They’ve been so enthusiastic and so excited to learn, and they know a lot already which is great. There was an idea that children don’t respect the park so this is all about giving out positive messages. The signs look fantastic.”

Year 1 and 2 teaching assistant Mrs Elyse King said: “We had an assembly and talked about ASB in the park. The kids were really raring to go to design these posters. 

“It’s a brilliant thing to see them up and to see the kids’ faces, and it’s great to see them doing something for their community and for the park. 

“A lot of the children come here most weekends so to see them wanting to protect it and respect it is brilliant. They’re all little artists!”

The last words really should go to the children… 

Summer Sleightholme said: “I’ve learned that you should always respect the park. And don’t break anything in the park because little children might want to play on them.”

Harley James said: “Bad behaviour is when you’re being dangerous. People might be upset because you might get hurt. That’s a bad thing.”

Ella Cox said: “We’ve learned not to break anything at the park. Don’t ruin anything. Don’t break the swings – definitely not the swings.”