PC Paul Gray receives a Rotherham Healthy Schools Partnership Award 2012

PC Paul Gray, the Police Young Persons Partnership Officer (PYPPO) for Rotherham North Safer Neighbourhood Team has received a Rotherham Healthy Schools Partnership Award 2012 for the significant contribution and work that he provides to Wingfield Business and Enterprise College in Rotherham.

Paul was nominated for the award by Mrs Vanessa Gregory who is the Head of Citizenship for the school. The nomination acknowledges the work that Paul does within the school around drug and alcohol abuse, gangs, personal safety and guns and knives.

On a regular basis Paul arranges specialist talks to pupils, provides lessons with full year groups, arranges for the Guns and Knives Take Lives team to come in and talk to pupils, provides lessons on drugs and works with small groups with the aim of diverting individuals from a life of crime.

The school has approximately 800 pupils aged between 11 and 16 years and Paul engages with all pupils throughout the school.

Paul has recently completed the certificate of youth work sponsored by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and is currently studying for his diploma in youth work.

PC Paul Gray said: "The award reflects the investment that South Yorkshire Police have made in keeping young people safe. I feel that my role is a crucial one and the pupils of Wingfield College are testament that if you put the time in to educate and engage with young people, the rewards of diverting them away from crime are all that we could wish for."

Mrs Vanessa Gregory said:"PC Paul Gray delivered both lessons and assemblies to a variety of different year groups. He has delivered sessions to year nine on gang culture and following these sessions an assessment was completed. The engagement of the students as a result of the session was high and the results better than in previous years with a number of learners achieving beyond their targets.

Paul also delivered a session on binge drinking to year nine which was interactive and students were engaged in a variety of different learning styles.

He shares resources and contacts with our school and has recently helped to organise a visiting speaker from Russia with interpreter to speak about the Chernobyl disaster.

His contribution to Wingfield is invaluable and much appreciated."