Danes Hill Pupils Inspired by Local Firefighters

School children were delighted when a fire engine turned up at Danes Hill School in Oxshott, Surrey. Four firefighters from White Watch Fire Brigade in Leatherhead visited the school to bring to life the children’s ‘Ourselves’ topic they are currently studying.

The three-year-olds at Danes Hill Pre-Prep, affectionately known as Bevendean, gathered on the playground in anticipation for the fire engine to arrive. Every child got a turn using the fire hose, dowsing an imaginary fire on the playground Pirate Ship.

The children explored the fire engine and were taught about some of the important equipment firefighters use in emergency situations.

Back in the classroom, the children had the opportunity to grill the fire crew about their important jobs. One child asked, ‘do you help cats and dogs if they get stuck up trees?’

The boys and girls also had the opportunity to examine the fire uniform, learning that their coat is as thick as ten jumpers and their boots have steel toe caps so their feet are protected from any falling objects. 

There are 25 fire stations in Surrey, each having a range of vehicles and equipment on-site to deal with fires, road traffic collisions, water rescue and other emergencies. White Watch fire station, in Leatherhead, has one crew and fire engine which is available 24 hours a day and is local to many of the Danes Hill families.

Ruth Samson, Headteacher at Danes Hill Pre-Prep Bevendean said, ‘we are very grateful to the local fire service taking time out of their very busy day to help educate our children. The children loved seeing the fire engine, but the highlight of the morning must be the opportunity to use the fire hose!’

To find out more about Danes Hill School and the varied learning that they provide, including Forest School visit www.daneshillschool.co.uk

Read Danes Hill School’s online listing here.