Backseat Boss – a safer driving initiative
What is Backseat Boss?
Backseat Boss is a fun and educational initiative for primary school aged children, brought to you by AXA UK and supported by the Child Accident Prevention Trust. With engaging lessons, games, and activities, children learn how to be safer passengers and future drivers.
Backseat Boss is closely aligned with the 2026 RHSE statutory guidance. It helps children recognise potential hazards and risky driving practices, and instils the confidence to speak up to influence safer decision-making behind the wheel.
The ready-to-go session makes safety rules stick, with –
- Fun role play games and activities
- Simple, memorable safe driving rules
- All lesson materials provided.
Free webinar: Tuesday 3 November – 3:45 pm
Find out how Backseat Boss can help you meet statutory RSHE requirements and get practical implementation tips and examples of good practice.
What you get
This free education pack includes ready-to-teach linked safety lessons to help build learning for KS1, KS2 and SEN pupils. It can be delivered in a classroom or as an assembly.
Each pack contains all the lesson materials you’ll need:
- An easy-to-follow lesson plan that will guide you through your session
- An engaging presentation for the classroom or assembly
- A ready-to-go script to help you lead the session with confidence
- Fun activities and games to keep the class engaged and get them moving
- Optional extras for added fun: Steering wheel and sunglasses cutouts
- Certificates to reward your children for completing the session
“The resources were very easy to use. The children remembered the BOSS acronym and I have had several parents tell me that their child has reminded them to keep both hands on the steering wheel! I’d recommend it to other teachers because it’s had that impact where children remembered and parents have got on board too.”
“The Backseat Boss initiative has helped our children understand the key principles of safe driving and supported them in challenging unsafe habits. The materials provided were well-suited to the different age groups and the children thoroughly enjoyed the learning through the activities, games and competitions.”
Benefits for teachers
- An effective way to meet road safety requirements in the 2026 RSHE statutory guidance
- Everything is mapped out for you and ready to teach, saving you time and reducing your workload
- The clear lesson plans and ready-to-go resources allow you to run an effective session with confidence – whatever your road safety knowledge
- Breaks down safe driving into simple, memorable rules that help children recognise hazards and assess risk
- Fun role play and interactive games encourage children to apply their learning to real life situations
- Opportunities for monitoring progress and signposting to more information or support are built into the lesson structure
- KS2 resources build progressively on learning from KS1, demonstrating a strong curriculum as set out in 2026 RSHE guidance.
How do I get involved?
- Simply hit get involved and fill in the form to access the free resources
- Decide if you want to run the session in a classroom or as an assembly/holiday club activity. Then download the relevant content pack.
- All lesson materials are provided with a full plan and script to guide you through the session
“The children loved the concept and it was visual and fun. What worked well was children learning to be the boss in the car!! They loved this idea. We shared it with parents too!”
Why is teaching children about safer driving important?
AXA UK’s research shows that 85% of drivers admit to dangerous driving habits, putting themselves and others at risk.
By equipping pupils with the knowledge and confidence to speak up when they recognise hazards or risky driving behaviour, we can create a ripple effect that reaches beyond the classroom, as well as instilling safer driving habits for the future
When is the best time to run this session?
When is the best time to run this session?
The nature of this ready-to-go session means it can be run at any time throughout the year. But if you’re looking for a hook here are some ideas:
November – Road Safety Week 15-21 November
March – ahead of the Easter holidays, with longer journeys to family get-togethers
June – Child Safety Week
July – Ahead of the summer holidays when families might be taking longer trips in the car
September – Back to school and creating good habits for the school runs in the year ahead
For schools
Backseat Boss is:
- Aligned to the statutory RSHE and the non-statutory PSHE curriculum
- Easy to implement, with all materials provided
- Available at no cost to your school
For parents
Backseat Boss is a great way to:
- Discuss road safety at home
- Teach good behaviours that last a lifetime
- Reflect on your own driving, too!
For local authorities
Backseat Boss is a great way to:
- Support public safety goals
- Support your schools
- Help schools deliver on the 2026 RSHE statutory requirements
Please encourage schools and clubs in your local area to get involved.
Get involved
Simply fill in the form below to access all the free classroom resources for Backseat Boss.
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