Visits from Dorset Police and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service left a lasting impression on the primary students at a Dorset specialist school.
Portfield School, in Parley near Christchurch, is operated by the leading regional charity Autism Unlimited.

The emergency service visits took place over two consecutive weeks and were organised by the school’s careers coach Katy Hill.
Katy explained: “This was part of our continuous work to embed careers into the curriculum and was an exciting and interactive way for the students to learn about the different roles of a police officer and a firefighter, whilst also learning some vital safety rules. “The students were enthusiastic and engaged brilliantly. “They asked some interesting and relevant questions and also took part in acting out a ‘story’ to expand their knowledge on the amazing work these services provide for us each day.”

Teacher Billy Marriot agreed: “It was a really fun and engaging way for our students to learn about safety, what a firefighter does and how they can help us.”
During the visit, students had a chance to look at and try out some of the equipment and vehicles used by the services, including a police car and fire engine.
Many of the children particularly enjoyed sounding the sirens and sitting in the fire engine.

Vinny said: “I’ve been wanting to do that my whole life,” after spraying the firefighters’ hose. Portfield School work experience co-ordinator, Corné Van Deventer said: “Both the Police and Fire services were very adaptable and made the visit fun and educational for both the younger and older students.
“We owe them huge thanks for giving us such a positive experience and insight into the world of work.”

Kelvyn Thompson from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service said: “It was nice to have a group of super enthusiastic kids look around the fire engine. We hope they enjoyed it.”
PCSO Anna Lillywhite agreed: “It was great to see how much the children enjoyed our police visit. We were very impressed with the list of questions prepared.”