Primary schools across Sunderland’s West Area are set to benefit from a range of new safety measures aimed at making school runs safer and more considerate for everyone.
The improvements are designed to reduce risks to children, parents and local residents during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
Backed by over £13,400 of funding from Sunderland City Council’s West Area Committee, the initiative includes parking buddies, safety signage, banners, planter barriers and even pupil-led awareness campaigns to encourage responsible parking and safer journeys to school.
Eight primary schools are benefitting from the scheme: Richard Avenue, Barnes Juniors, Farringdon Primary Academy, East Herrington Primary Academy, Hastings Hill Academy, New Silksworth Academy, St Cuthbert’s, and Highfield Academy. Each school has tailored its approach to meet the needs of its site and surrounding community.
The safety measures are designed to remind drivers to park safely, avoid blocking school gates, respect road markings, and ensure that children can enter and exit school safely. Many schools are using brightly coloured “parking buddies” which are child-shaped signs with safety messages, positioned around entrances to grab drivers’ attention.
“Every parent wants to know their child is safe getting to and from school. Unfortunately, we continue to see poor parking behaviours that put children at risk and frustrate residents. This funding is about supporting schools to tackle that problem directly, through clear messaging and practical deterrents.”
“We’ve worked closely with headteachers, site staff, and community groups to make sure these measures are visible, effective, and tailored to each school’s unique situation. It’s a fantastic example of partnership working for the benefit of our children and neighbourhoods.”
Councillor Joanne Laverick, chair of the West Area committee at Sunderland City Council
The schools will manage the new measures in collaboration with council teams and local volunteers. Parents are encouraged to support the initiative by parking legally and considerately, using designated drop-off zones where available, and walking or cycling where possible.
“Whilst funding for the parking buddies, planters and signage has been very much appreciated, we continue to struggle during busy drop-off and pick up times with inconsiderate, dangerous and unlawful driver behaviour. We implore drivers to make safe, sensible parking decisions around school and the immediate area, and where possible, choose to walk instead. Together we really can make a difference!”
Claire McKinney, Headteacher at Richard Avenue Primary School
The West Area Committee’s investment in safer school environments forms part of the council’s wider commitment to child safety, community wellbeing, and responsive local funding.
The West Area Committee is one of the five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, these provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.
