Junior Safety Officers of the Year 2026 announced

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Road Safety team has announced the winners of this year’s Junior Safety Officer (JSO) awards.

The scheme encourages Year 6 pupils to promote road, community and personal safety within their schools, while helping to encourage healthier and more sustainable travel choices such as walking and cycling.

Throughout the year, JSOs share safety messages with fellow pupils, organise competitions, maintain safety noticeboards and support awareness campaigns within their school communities.

This year’s Junior Safety Officers of the Year are Jake and Alice, supported by JSO Buddy Vikki Abbate, from St Saviour’s Catholic Primary and Nursery School in Ellesmere Port.

The pupils were presented with a trophy on behalf of the Council, as well as certificates and cycle accessory vouchers.

Congratulations also go to the Highly Commended Junior Safety Officers, Maisie and Mackenzie from Byley Primary School, Middlewich, and Eloise and Isaac from Farndon Primary School, who received certificates and vouchers in recognition of their achievements.

Councillor Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said:

"The JSO scheme, run by our Road Safety team, is important to all road users. JSOs help spread key safety messages in schools, to family and friends, and within their local communities, raising awareness of how everyone can help keep themselves and others safe.

"All primary schools across Cheshire West and Chester are invited to nominate Year 6 pupils to take part each year. I would like to congratulate the winners and finalists on their success, and thank all this year's JSOs for their hard work and commitment."

Jake and Alice impressed judges with their enthusiasm and dedication to improving safety within their school community. They promoted road safety through assemblies and school activities, supported road safety interventions through the Road Safety Patrol, and championed their school’s ‘Park Safe, Arrive Safe’ campaign, encouraging families to use safer parking locations and crossing points.

They also worked with their local PCSO to promote online safety and anti-bullying messages, while supporting campaigns including Be Bright Be Seen, Bling Your Bike and Odd Socks Day.

In addition, they encouraged pupils and families to choose healthier and more sustainable ways to travel to school, including participation in The Big Walk and Wheel initiative.

Vikki Abbate, JSO Buddy said:

"Alice and Jake have worked diligently to promote road, community and personal safety across our school this year and I am immensely proud of them.

"They have shown outstanding dedication in organising and actively participating in our traffic patrol, giving up their own time to help protect children as they arrive and leave school. I am delighted that their efforts have been recognised."

When asked what they enjoyed most about being JSOs, Alice and Jake said:

"We have both enjoyed creating and judging competitions. It has been great to see the creativity of the children and their excitement when they receive prizes.

"We also enjoyed taking part in the Road Traffic Patrol because it helps keep children safe."

Pictured - The winners - Alice and Jake.