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JULIA'S  SCHOOL WORK WINS GOLD STAR

A woman who successfully teaches young children in the district how to cross the road safely has won a top Kent County Council award.

Julia Slade  won the gold quality services award for her outstanding work with 400 children from six infant schools in the Shepway area.

The award was all the more remarkable as she had o­nly been in post as training co-ordinator with KCC road safety’s child pedestrian team for eight months.

Julia’s job is to teach children how to find a safe crossing place, how to take care when crossing between parked cars and at road junctions.

“It’s a fantastic job. The children love it. I didn’t expect to win. But it was nice,� she said.

Road safety officer Philippa Janaway, who nominated her, said: “Julia believes passionately in the work she does. She knows all the children by name and is sensitive to their mix of ages and abilities, tailoring training to fit the needs of each child.

“It’s obvious during observation that the sessions are stimulating, fun and learning is clearly taking place.�

KCC Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport Richard King, who presented the award, said: “Julia’s rapport with the children she teaches is obvious. Her approach to her work is a shining example to everyone.�