A new programme for school children which helps prepare students for emergency situations is being introduced in classrooms across London.

The new initiative called ‘The Danger Squad’ targets KS1 learners aged five to seven and teaches them how to correctly respond to emergency situations.

It uses six characters - each with a different personality - and their sniffer dog to tackle the problem head-on using situations based on potential dangers.

Without using shock tactics, it teaches students not to shy away from situations and ranges from car accidents to fires to finding weapons and lets children know the safe people and places to go to.

Krista Brown, who created and founded The Danger Squad, said: "It is an unfortunate reality that children today could come across any kind of emergency, from losing their parents when shopping, to being caught in the middle of a terrorist attack."

Ms Brown said the response so far has been excellent and has been delivered at schools across London, with more already signed up to deliver the valuable learning programme.

Krista Brown added: "One of the inspirations behind the development of the programme was a young boy who found a gun in his home. He didn’t know what to do – but with the help of the Danger Squad, our aim is to give children the understanding and awareness they need."

The Danger Squad pilot scheme will reach more than 1,000 pupils across the UK throughout May, before it is made available to all schools from June.

For more information visit www.dangersquad.org.uk.