LFRS LAUNCH SPARKTON, A CHILDRENS INTERACTIVE ZONE
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service recognise that engaging with children in an effective and entertaining way is one of the most challenging tasks they face.
To help, we worked alongside Matmi, a digital studio and consultancy, to produce our very own version of Sparkton, an interactive zone. Sparkton was originally developed by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, but has now been enhanced by the Service whilst working in conjunction with a number of other fire and rescue services.
The game is aimed at children in Key Stage 2. It has been produced to help educate children in an entertaining way, whilst in a safe environment – whether at school or at home. As technology is so popular with young children, we felt this was the perfect way of capturing their imagination.
Whilst playing on Sparkton, children are able to take part in quizzes, spot dangerous hazards, dress a firefighter whilst learning about their kit and equipment, as well as watch videos and play educational games about water, road and fire safety. In the future, if Sparkton proves to be a success and the children in our communities enjoy playing it, we aim to develop it even further.
Helene Sutliff, Education Team Coordinator at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We believe it’s essential to start educating children as early as possible in order to make sure they grow up knowing how to keep themselves safe from all the dangers they may come across – not just fire!”
“We hope that by using this game we will be able to better educate children to help keep them safe in the years to come.”
“The game can be accessed by visiting our dedicated webpage for young children where we have more fun stuff for them to do, so please take a look.”
To play the Sparkton interactive zone, visit www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/sparkton.
We also have a whole section on the website aimed at children of all ages, including some teacher resources. This can be found by visiting www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/your-safety/kids-youth/kids-zone.
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Notes to editors:
Interviews are available at request via Corporate Communications using the details shown below. To view our poster and advert, please see below:
Sparkton A4 Advert
Sparkton A4 Poster
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last ten years, fire-related incidents have reduced by 43 percent.
During 2016/17, the Service attended 694 road traffic collisions, of which 148 were extrications from vehicles, in addition to 2,259 fires. 272 schools were visited as part of the Service’s schools programme, delivering fire and road safety education to pupils. Staff organised or took part in 1,613 community safety events, promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, and 145 Virtual Fatal Four (VF4) events as part of the Service’s young drivers’ road safety project.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
0116 229 2195
corporate.communications@lfrs.org
