UK Rail Safety Education: Network Rail’s Curriculum-Linked Resources

Introduction

Network Rail has relaunched its Switched On rail safety website, coinciding with the upcoming mandatory inclusion of rail safety education in the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum in England, set to take effect from September 2026. The updated platform offers free, curriculum-linked teaching resources designed to provide schoolchildren with essential safety knowledge related to railway environments.

Background and Curriculum Integration

This initiative supports the government’s decision to incorporate rail safety into the national curriculum. Schools can begin using the refreshed Switched On resources before the compulsory requirement is enforced. The goal is to reduce incidents involving young people.

Content for Different Age Groups

The website provides tailored content across three key educational stages. Materials are designed for early years, primary, and secondary pupils.

Early Years (Ages 3–6)

Young children are introduced to safety through “Switched On Travels with Suzi,” which uses animations, quizzes, and interactive resources. The content follows Suzi and her mother on a train journey.

Primary School (Ages 7–11)

Content for Key Stage 2 pupils focuses on developing judgement and decision-making skills. New materials include content based on the “Arlo’s Adventures” book series. Teachers can also access activities and games covering stations, tracks, and level crossings.

Secondary School (Ages 12–16)

For older students, new resources have been developed in partnership with Big Manny, a social media science creator and Science Creator of the Year (2024). His videos explain the science behind railway dangers. The secondary program also includes debate-led materials.

Network Rail’s Perspective

Priti Patel, Network Rail’s Chief Health, Safety & Wellbeing Officer, welcomed the integration of rail safety into the national curriculum and highlighted the value of the relaunched platform. She mentioned the website’s function as a resource for teachers to deliver rail safety education to children of all ages. The updated structure supports early adoption, aligning with National Curriculum requirements.

Website Details and Previous Work

The new platform builds on the original Switched On website launched in 2021. All materials are freely accessible online and can be used flexibly. The program is available to parents and carers.

Conclusion

Network Rail’s relaunched Switched On website offers free educational resources for rail safety, in anticipation of the mandatory inclusion of rail safety in the English national curriculum from September 2026. The platform provides age-specific content and is accessible to schools, parents, and carers.

Company Summary

Network Rail: Network Rail is a company focused on rail infrastructure.