Firefighters inspire youngsters at Culcheth nursery

As well as being able to sit on the fire engine, the children learnt about the equipment used by local firefighters and about the importance of the special uniform.

Nikita Withington, deputy manager of Dunky’s Day Nursery & Forest School, said: "One of our parents, Martin, works for the Fire Brigade and very kindly brought along his fire engine and some of the firefighters he works with.

"The children were so excited to welcome them all to the nursery.

"They were allowed to sit in the front and back of the fire engine and we pretended we had just been called out to a real emergency.

"Martin showed us all the equipment that the fire engine carries.

"He told us that the fire engine carries a massive 1,800 litres of water inside the engine, and showed us where the hoses are stored and all the special tools that are needed to help save people if they are stuck inside somewhere.

"The children were shown how to correctly and safely put on a firefighter’s uniform, starting with the very heavy boots and then the trousers which go over the boots to keep water and fire out.

"The trousers are held up using braces, and a thick fireproof jacket goes on over the top.

"The children were fascinated by the helmet, which had two different visors - one to keep the eyes safe, and another which helps firefighters to see during a fire.

"It was a really successful visit and the children asked lots of interesting questions.

"Once the fire engine had left, we had lots of conversations based around people who help us.

"We spoke about calling 999 in an emergency and we practiced this in our role play area.

"We spoke about lots of different people who may help us in emergencies such as doctors, paramedics, nurses, and soldiers.

"Lots of our pre-school children have now decided they want to be a firefighter when they grow up!"

More information about Dunky's Day Nursery & Forest School is available at https://www.dunkysdaynursery.co.uk/nurseries/culcheth/