A seven-year-old boy was hit by a car outside a school in Luton this morning (April 17).
The Chantry Primary Academy pupil was taken to hospital with a broken leg after the accident outside his school in Tomlinson Avenue.
There was no school crossing patrol officer on duty at the time because the officer was unwell and the council were not able to provide a stand-in.
Headteacher Corisande Bateman said: “One of our pupils was struck by a car outside the school gate as he crossed the road this morning. He is in hospital, having suffered a broken leg.
“He was really brave and is doing well, his class have made him cards to wish him well and our thoughts are with him and his family.
“This brings home the importance of reducing traffic outside schools and driving safely. There is a 20mph limit outside schools for a reason - drivers need to slow down!”
Parents and staff rushed to the boy’s aid after the accident.
On the Chantry Primary School Facebook page it says: “Thank you to everyone who helped, especially Mr Semugooma, who was an absolute hero and knew exactly what to do. I have contacted the local authority and we WILL have a crossing patrol in place this afternoon. Children have also discussed road safety in assembly and in class.”
It is believed the pupil was with his mother at the time of the accident and was not crossing in the usual patrol area.
A Luton Borough Council spokesperson said: “There is a crossing patrol on site this afternoon to provide cover for sickness absence, arranged from an adjacent site that is normally staffed by two crossing patrols. Cover will remain in place until the usual school crossing patroller returns to duty. One of the management team is also on site this afternoon and will be there again tomorrow for any parents who wish to talk to them.”