Our Ref: DK/jh/gltr/Nov 26    

Friday 6th November

Subject: Important Firework Safety Reminder and Weekend Safety Advice

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to make you aware of concerns regarding the misuse of fireworks by groups of young people in Birmingham City Centre over the Halloween weekend and yesterday evening on Bonfire Night. Reports highlighted incidents where fireworks were set off in crowded public areas in the City Centre, causing distress and placing members of the public at risk. A number of arrests were made following this disorder, and police have reminded the public that the misuse of fireworks is both dangerous and illegal.

This time of year includes a number of celebrations and traditions, including Bonfire Night, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, where fireworks may form part of community and family events. However, when used irresponsibly, fireworks can pose a significant risk of injury and can cause alarm and distress to young children, older people, vulnerable members of the community and animals. The incidents seen in Birmingham and elsewhere over recent days serve as an important reminder to discuss firework safety and responsible behaviour with young people.

We would therefore ask all parents and carers to speak with their child about the dangers associated with fireworks and to remind them that fireworks should never be purchased, carried, or used by children without appropriate adult supervision.

We would appreciate your support in:

• Knowing where your child is spending their time this weekend, especially in the evening.
• Knowing who they are with and monitoring their plans if they intend to travel into Birmingham City Centre.
• Ensuring they are not purchasing, carrying, or misusing fireworks.
• Reminding them that unsafe or antisocial behaviour involving fireworks can have serious consequences, including police involvement and potential criminal sanctions.
• Encouraging them to make safe and sensible choices when socialising with friends.

General firework safety advice & guidance
Many families will be attending organised displays or celebrating at home over the coming days. We would encourage everyone to follow the safety advice promoted by the emergency services and fire safety organisations:

• Fireworks should only be purchased from licensed retailers and must never be bought, carried, or used by anyone under the age of 18.
• Fireworks should never be set off in streets, parks, public spaces, or other crowded areas.
• People should always stand well back once a firework has been lit and should never return to a firework that has failed to ignite.
• Fireworks or sparklers should never be thrown at people, vehicles, animals, or property.
• Anyone attending organised firework displays should follow the instructions of event organisers and remain within designated spectator areas.

Please remind your child that fireworks are not toys. Misusing fireworks is extremely dangerous, can result in serious injury, and may lead to police action, fines, arrest, or criminal charges.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students remains our priority. We are grateful for your support in helping young people make safe and responsible choices during the celebrations this weekend.

Finally, as many families in our community prepare to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas on Sunday, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to everyone marking these important occasions. We hope your celebrations are filled with joy, peace, and time with loved ones, and that any festivities involving fireworks are enjoyed safely.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully,

Mr D Knox
Principal