Could becoming a school crossing patrol member change your life?

When Billy Morley began helping children cross Derbyshire roads safely on their way to school he had no idea the impact it would have on his own life.

Billy, 29, said when he joined the county council’s team of school crossing patrols 9 years ago he was very nervous but says the role has boosted his confidence: "I was quite nervous and I hardly talked because I didn’t know what to say to people. Then I got this job and I’m completely different.

“The parents and the children started talking to me, they say thank you for helping them cross the road and when it’s the six-week holidays they bring little presents,” he said.

Billy, who is dyslexic, was supported by the service during the recruitment process to complete the application form and also received support at his interview.

Starting as a relief patrol, Billy then progressed to his own site and now helps children get to and from Wirksworth Junior School safely.

“I like helping the children and working outside is quite nice,” added Billy, who also volunteers at Tansley Methodist Church and has recently joined the Time Swap scheme where people volunteer their time to help others, and working shorter shifts in the morning and afternoon also benefits Billy, who has scoliosis, as it means he doesn’t have to stand up for long periods of time.

“I really enjoy it, controlling the traffic and helping the children cross the road,” he said.

Derbyshire County Council is always looking for friendly people to join its team of school crossing patrols.

Recruits need the skills to deal with children, parents and all road users, be happy working in all weathers and with an awareness of road safety.

No formal qualifications are needed, just a natural rapport with people, as recruits will be given all the training they need to carry out the role. They will be provided with waterproof, high-visibility uniforms.

Councillor Dawn Abbott, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “Billy is doing an amazing job of helping children in Wirksworth and has proved that it really can change your life, and it also proves that having a disability doesn’t need to be a barrier and in fact the part-time nature of the role can be a benefit for some people.

“So I would appeal to people of all ages to consider taking on one of these vital roles to support their local community.”

School crossing patrols are part-time and need to be able to work every day of the school term, with shifts at the beginning and end of the school day. Although only required to work during term time, wages are paid all year on a pro-rata basis.

In Derbyshire, there are 107 school crossing patrol sites and there are currently 24 vacancies across the county.

To apply visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/schoolcrossingpatroljobs