RUDHEATH High School has become one of the first schools in mid Cheshire to get its own dedicated police officer.

PC Becky Francis – a former Rudheath head prefect – has joined the school’s staff as part of the Safer Schools Partnership scheme.

The aim is for her to work alongside the school, parents and other organisations to intervene if it looks like a pupil is heading towards a path of criminality, and to stop others falling victims to crime.

Headteacher, Mike Hayhurst, said that despite some initial scepticism, the scheme has proved to be a success in other areas of the country and a growing number of schools are keen to get involved.

He said: “This is a progressive and exciting step and reflects the way in which schools are now increasingly looking for ways to work more closely with other local agencies and support their local communities.

“Putting officers in schools does not mean they are unsafe or that students are unruly but represents a new relationship between police and schools.

“The officers have clear aims, based around benefiting the children and the wider community.

“They can work in partnership with school, parents and local agencies to intervene early and prevent young people from committing, or becoming a victim of crime.”

The school hopes PC Francis will serve as a positive role model for the pupils.

She will be responsible for organising activities, giving group talks, carrying out preventative work and talking to pupils on a one-to-one basis.

She will also conduct home visits and be seen out and about when the school day ends and during holiday periods.