A whole-school approach to road safety education is a comprehensive strategy that integrates road safety into all aspects of school life. This approach involves collaboration among students, teachers, parents, and the broader community to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes responsible and informed attitudes toward road use. Key components of a whole-school approach to road safety education include:

1. Curriculum

• Embedding road safety education into teaching and learning programs across relevant subjects such as Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE) and other areas where appropriate.
• Using age-appropriate and evidence-based resources to teach road safety concepts.
• Providing professional learning opportunities for teachers and staff to effectively deliver road safety education.
• Encouraging students to take an active role in promoting road safety through initiatives such as peer-led programs, student councils, or road safety ambassadors.
• Engaging students in discussions and activities that develop critical thinking and decision-making skills related to road safety.

2. Policy, environment and culture

• Ensuring the department's road safety procedures are implemented to reflect the school's commitment to safe travel practices.
• Including road safety in the school’s strategic planning and risk management processes.
• Following duty of care processes
• Ensuring the physical school environment is safe, with clear signage, designated crossing areas, and appropriate drop-off/pick-up zones.
• Partnering with local councils and authorities to address traffic management and pedestrian safety around the school.

3. Parents, carers and community partnerships

• Sharing the responsibility for keeping children safe
• Engaging in decision-making about safe travel
• Ensuring staff and the community are aware of their role in modelling and promoting safe behaviours
• Partnering with organizations such as police, transport authorities, and road safety experts to deliver workshops, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Leveraging resources and expertise from government and non-government bodies to enhance road safety education efforts.

By addressing road safety through curriculum; policy, environment and culture; and parents, carers and community partnerships, a whole-school approach ensures that students and the wider school community are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to travel safely and responsibly.

Example of whole school approach implementation

Perthville Public School is an example of a school implementing a whole school approach working with the Road Safety Education Officers. Please watch this video to see how they improved the road safety at their school.