Cheshire East pupils benefit from safety and food waste education at Crucial Crew event

5 June 2025

Primary schools across Cheshire East have taken part in the latest Crucial Crew event – a multi-agency initiative aimed at delivering essential safety messages to Year 6 pupils.

Held at Macclesfield Rugby Club and facilitated by Child Safety Media, the event saw nearly 900 children from 28 primary schools in Macclesfield, Stockport, Congleton and Knutsford attend a series of interactive sessions over nine days.

Cheshire East Council’s waste and recycling engagement team played a key role supported by seven Cheshire East Waste Reduction Volunteers (CEWRVs) delivering engaging sessions about hazardous waste, safe disposal of batteries and electronic devices. Pupils learned about recycling and composting as an alternative use for food waste.

Organisations also included Cheshire Police, British Transport Police/Network Rail, CGL - Cheshire East (Young People’s Substance Misuse Service), and Peaks & Plains Housing Trust worked together to deliver workshops covering a range of safety topics – from antisocial behaviour and transport safety, to substance misuse awareness.

A special VIP day was held during the event, welcoming the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Emma Gilman, who joined pupils from Handforth Grange Primary School and Mottram St Andrew Primary Academy to observe the sessions.

Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “The pupils’ enthusiasm is impressive and prior knowledge, particularly around recycling and composting. It was a brilliant opportunity to reinforce important messages and encourage safe, sustainable practices.

”He added, “This event was a great example of partnership working in action – with organisations coming together to equip young people with the life skills they need to stay safe and support their communities. We’re proud to have contributed and look forward to supporting future events".

A second Crucial Crew event is planned for later this year in the south of the borough, with dates and venue to be confirmed.

For more information about talks or assemblies for primary and secondary schools, please email: recyclingcommunications@cheshireeast.gov.uk