Warning Zone, Leicester
Who are we?
First launched in October 2006, Warning Zone is an exciting, interactive centre offering schools a high quality, high impact “Learning for Life” resource that is unique in the East Midlands. Warning Zone is an independent charity which is adopted by the High Sheriffs of Leicestershire and Rutland who become patrons during their year in office. Having first operated for three years in a leased warehouse, Warning Zone now owns premises on Frog Island, Leicester, where it re-opened in September 2011. Programmes The primary aim of Warning Zone is to support the social and personal development of children (and other vulnerable groups) through the teaching of vital life skills. Not only is this a positive step towards the prevention of avoidable injury and death, additionally, at 10 years of age, children are beginning to make decisions that not only affect their safety; their actions can also affect the lives of other people. Our young visitors learn that they are responsible for their actions under criminal law, can be arrested for unlawful behaviour and acquire a criminal record. Peer pressure is recognised as a key influence upon the safety and well-being of children and young people and is an important aspect of our work. The Core Programme is for Year 6 but late Year 5s are welcome. Visitors work in small groups of 6, each with a volunteer educator. Two hour sessions, morning or afternoon. Special schools are welcome. Teachers are encouraged to pre-visit and discuss their requirements with the Operations Manager. Pupil Referal Units can be accomodated with pupils up to 14 years of age. Leicestershire Youth Offending Service run three programmes for their clients at Warning Zone. Staff training can be arranged for other agencies that may wish to hire the centre to deliver programmes to their own client groups. Funding and Governance Warning Zone is an independent charity (Reg. Charity Number 1113659) and Company Limited by Guarantee with a board of trustees. Funding is obtained through a variety of sources; grants, donations and admission fees. Although independent, Warning Zone works with other organisations and agencies to ensure that all advice and information we give is validated, consistent and regularly reviewed. Any other facilities Located just off the city centre with off-road parking and turning for coaches, Warning Zone comprises a spacious foyer area, large briefing room and 8 set-piece scenarios, each incorporating realistic settings, inter-active equipment and special effects. We also can offer meeting rooms. Visitors are placed in credible life-like situations requiring decisions to be made and consequences discussed. This is not wrapping children in cotton wool; we present the plain and honest facts, in a memorable and understandable way, in order to encourage responsible behaviour and safe decision making whilst living full and active lives. Our educators are fully trained and highly valued volunteers who have enhanced level DBS disclosures. Teachers are provided with resources enabling follow-up work in the classroom. Warning Zone holds a Quality Badge from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. For schools from outside the area, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland offer numerous other educational attractions to visit either before or after a visit to Warning Zone. |
Contact Warning Zone:
30 Frog Island, Leicester, LE3 5AG Tel: 0116 262 9739 Email: enquiries@warningzone.org.uk |