June

Parents and other members of the community are being reminded not to miss out on their opportunity to have their say about proposed changes to primary education in north Dronfield.

Derbyshire County Council is holding two public meetings into plans to build a £7 million primary school to tackle the problem of surplus school places and provide pupils with a modern learning environment.

Some leaflets circulating in the north Dronfield area have inaccurately said there is only one public meeting and the county council is concerned about public safety if everyone tries to turn up on that one day.

The public meetings are being held at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School in Green Lane at 6.30pm on Monday 16 and Thursday 19 July.

As the school hall can only hold 300 people for fire safety reasons parents and other interested people in the community are being asked to make sure they get a ticket to either of the two meetings so that overcrowding can be avoided. Further meetings will be arranged if demand exceeds the spaces available.

Derbyshire County Council is proposing that the new school replaces four existing schools in north Dronfield. They are:

• Holmesdale Infant School, built in 1959, which has 31 surplus places. 
• Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, built in 1968, which has 49 surplus places 
• Northfield Junior School, built in 1967, which has 49 surplus places 
• Stonelow Junior School, built in 1967, which has 25 surplus places.

It would cost more than £1.7 million to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs to the school buildings and further significant investment would be required to bring them up to modern standards.

Tickets for both public meetings are available from these four schools or the Gladys Buxton Centre.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “We want to clarify that there are two public meetings to ensure everybody can hear about the proposals and have their say.

“All we ask is that people get a ticket so we do not exceed the legal fire safety limits. We are happy to arrange further meetings if there is demand for even more places than we can offer on the two nights.

“It is important that everyone makes their thoughts officially known during the consultation so we get the full range of comments from people supporting and opposing the plans.”

The proposed new school would open in September 2010 on the Gladys Buxton Centre site and have places available for 420 children, a size similar to many primary schools in Derbyshire and across Britain. 

It would include:

• A large hall for PE and assemblies
• A nursery unit
• A community room
• Large carpeted classrooms
• A group room suitable for drama and music
• A spacious library
• Computer workstations throughout the school
• Outside play area with seating and environmental area  
• Large playing field
• Staff room and work area
• Spacious offices and storage areas

The new primary school would be on the same site as other local services, including the health centre, adult community education centre and the new children’s centre due to open later this year.

Members of the public can send their comments to the council by emailing dee.hill@derbyshire.gov.uk or by writing to:

Strategic Director for Children & Younger Adults (Ref DEV/DAH),
Development Section,
Chatsworth Hall,
Chesterfield Road,
Matlock,
Derbyshire.
DE4 3FW

Full consultation proposals can be found in the school consultations section of our website.

All comments must be made by Friday 28 September 2007.

(REF: JF.212.07)

People whose homes have been damaged during major floods in Derbyshire over the past 48 hours are being offered advice on what to do next by Derbyshire County Council.

Firstly residents should contact their home insurance company if their home has been flooded. The insurers may need to send someone out to look at the damage before it is cleared up. Make a list of all damaged goods, including food, and take photos or video if you can.

Floodwater affecting homes and other property may have been contaminated with sewage or oil as well as silt. There should be no high risks to health as any contamination would have been diluted but we recommend taking a few steps to ensure safety.

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “We understand this has been a very distressing time and people will be keen to get back into their homes and to try and get back to normal as soon as possible.

“But we really would urge them to follow our advice for their own safety.”

Anyone whose home has been affected by the floods should:

Cleaning up the house

• Cover open cuts and wounds on exposed skin with a waterproof plaster.

• Remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyond repair.

• Remove all dirty water and silt from the property as much as possible, including under downstairs floorboards. This may require pumping out.

• Wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water several times until visually clean.

• Use a domestic disinfectant, following manufacturer's directions as to concentrations, to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning.

• Food preparation surfaces and storage cupboards, refrigerators etc should be washed down with food safe disinfectants such as Milton, Dettox or similar.

• Allow to thoroughly dry - this will also help to destroy any germs left behind. Heating and good ventilation will assist the drying process.  

• Clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including children's toys etc should be laundered on a hot wash (60ºC and above) to destroy any germs. Other soft furnishings that have been soaked and cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be professionally cleaned or if this is not possible may have to be thrown away.

• Any remaining oil, diesel or other contamination can be removed by using a detergent solution and washing the surface down after initial cleaning has been carried out. In hard- to-reach areas such as under floorboards it may start to smell but this is not necessarily a health hazard. Contact the environmental health service at your local district or borough council for advice if the smell persists.

Returning to your home

People are advised to return to their homes only when the above cleaning has been carried out. Additional work may have to be carried out by your insurance company, housing officer, landlord or builder.  If you decide to return to your home before this work is completed you should:

• Try to have some heating on at all times, consider the use of a dehumidifier

• Make sure the property is well ventilated. Leave windows open as much as possible when you are in the house.

• Make sure any air bricks to any under floor spaces are unblocked to give cross ventilation to these areas.  

• Disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with food. If work tops and other areas show signs of damage, avoid food contact with these areas. Make sure shelves, including in your efrigerator, where food is stored are cleaned and disinfected.

• Keep any opened food in an enclosed box or tin.

• All crockery, pots and pans should be thoroughly washed with very hot soapy water before using. Do not use any that are badly chipped or damaged.

• Clean and disinfected water taps before using them for the first time.  
  

Other Health Issues

• Vacuum on a regularly to clear up any loose material and dust as walls and floorboards dry out.

• Very young children should avoid playing directly on timber floorboards or any damaged tiled floors - be aware of the risk of injury from sharp edges on tiles or raised nails in the floorboards until these have been repaired.

• Help for vulnerable and elderly people returning to their houses may be available. Contact Call Derbyshire for more information on 08 456 058 058.

Remember

• Do - Wash your hands properly if you have been in contact with floodwater or silt. Take particular care when preparing or eating food.

• Do - Put contaminated flood damaged food in black plastic refuse sacks, seal and put out when your next refuse collection is due. Check with insurers before disposal.

• Do – contact your doctor immediately if you swallow mud or contaminated flood water and start to feel ill

• Do - Replace manhole covers dislodged by the flood.  

• Do - Check your home for structural damage. If you think there is damage or danger contact your insurer, builder or a building control officer at your local district or borough council.

• Don’t - try and salvage damaged food - it may have been contaminated by the floodwater.

• Don’t - switch on electrical appliances, which have been in contact with the floodwater unless a competent electrician has checked them. Your local electricity supply company will be checking mains supplies.

• Don’t – switch on gas appliances until they have been checked by a Corgi engineer.

• Don’t - eat home grown garden or allotment fruit and vegetables that have been covered by floodwater. Leave undamaged vegetables in the ground for at least another two weeks and then only use them after thorough washing and cooking.

• Don’t - let young children play on affected grassed or paved areas until they have been cleaned and restored to their normal condition.  

• Don’t - take offers of help from bogus builders and electricians who often call door-to-door after events like this. If your home is insured the insurers will usually appoint someone to carry out the work. If you are not insured, the best advice is to use a trader who has been recommended to you by a friend or neighbour. Get two or three quotes from different companies before you agree to work being carried out.

(Ref: JM.207.07)

Householders and businesses are being given advice on how to stay safe if heavy rain forecast for the weekend causes more flooding across the county.

Derbyshire County Council, together with emergency services and other agencies, worked around the clock co-ordinating help in communities hit by extreme weather conditions earlier this week.

And the county council has been working closely with parish, town, borough and district councils to make sure people facing problems are given practical help and advice on how to reduce any further risk.

Steps people can take to help protect themselves and their properties if there is a risk of flooding include: 

• Keep up-to-date - if you live near a river or if your home or workplace is prone to flooding you can register on the Environment Agency’s Flood Warning Direct System for early warnings if there is risk of a flood. You can also contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the latest warnings.

• Be prepared – stock up with sandbags. These can help prevent or reduce flood water entering your property by blocking doorways and air bricks from the outside.
  They are usually available from builders’ merchants and DIY stores. Alternatively check your local Yellow Pages or visit www.yell.com (opens in a new window).

• Lift the sandbag by the neck and place it across the doorway.  Ensure it is bedded in against the door and frame.  Make sure the neck is pulled back across the top of the bag.  Layer the sandbags in brick formation ensuring that joints are staggered.

• A number of certified flood prevention products are also now available to help protect individual properties. Details can be found on the Environment Agency website. Log-on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk (opens in a new window) and search for "Kitemark".

• If more floods occur we would urge people only to make journeys if absolutely necessary because flood water can: 

• Slow traffic often to a stand-still. Gridlocked traffic makes it harder for us and the emergency services to get help to the people who need it.

• Rise quickly increasing the risk of drivers becoming stranded in their vehicles.

• Be contaminated with sewage and oil which could cause illness if you come into contact with it.

• Fast-flowing with strong currents which could make it hard to stay on your feet. Pressure from the water can also cause other dangers which may not be visible such as forcing covers off manholes.

County council cabinet member for community safety councillor Clive Moesby said: “We received hundreds of calls for help when the flooding was at its height on Monday.

“Although people are responsible for protecting their own property against the risk of flooding we always respond to flooding emergencies as soon as we can. The trouble is, when problems are widespread this can’t always be in time to prevent damage.

“That’s why we’re urging residents and businesses to be prepared and think about measures they can take to reduce potential damage to their property and to keep themselves safe.

He added: “It’s not difficult and needn’t be costly. Even the simplest, inexpensive measures such as sandbags can be effective. A few stored in your garage or shed could prove to be a sensible investment.”

If your property floods and you need help contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

(Ref:JM.211.07)

Community transport has clocked up 25 years on the county's roads with the help of Derbyshire County Council.

Glossop Community Transport group was the first to be set up in 1982 to help elderly people and people with disabilities get from A to B.

Now there are eight groups operating around Derbyshire offering a range of services for people who are unable to use normal public transport in Glossop, Amber Valley, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Eyam, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Clowne, Erewash, Buxton, Swadlincote.

Each group has charity status and receives an annual grant from the county Council to help with running costs.

Last year the county council spent £1,170,000 on community transport schemes – £60,000 of which was spent on buying new buses – as well as lending support to help them attract further funding from other organisations.

Services provided include: 

• Dial-a-Bus - a 'door to town' transport service, for people who experience difficulties with normal public transport.

• Dial-a-Ride - a flexible door-to-door service catering for individual needs, such as transport to hospitals. This service is available for people with mobility problems or when there is no other transport available.

• Group Travel - transport for affiliated groups involved with community activities, such as scouts, schools, luncheon clubs and church groups.

• Social/Community Car Schemes - volunteers use their own vehicles to provide one-off essential journeys and are paid a mileage allowance. This service is available to people who are unable to use public transport or who do not have access to a service.

• Shopmobility - a free service providing electrically-powered wheelchairs and scooters for the roads.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Community transport provides an invaluable service to people who might otherwise struggle to do everyday activities such as visiting the shops or the doctors’ surgery.

“We’ve seen community transport grow to help more and more people get out and about over the years and we’re pleased we’re able to continue lending our support.”

For more information about community transport in your area contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or visit our public transport pages.

(Ref:JM.210.07)

People living at Derbyshire County Council-run Thomas Colledge House home for older people in Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover, are delighted with the new £850,000 wing which has eight new en-suite bedrooms, a new lounge and a hairdressing room.

Work on the extension started in March 2006 and the official opening by county council chair Councillor Joyce Sanders was held yesterday (Tuesday 26 June).

The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire was also at the opening ceremony to look around the new facilities and meet residents.

The original Thomas Colledge House was built in the 1950s and named after a councillor, but was replaced with a new home in 1995.

The decision to build the new wing, called the Castle Wing, was made to meet the need for residential places in the area and it was funded by the county council and the former North Eastern Derbyshire Primary Care Trust.

Residents were able to choose from a selection of carpets, curtains and furniture. Disruption was kept to a minimum during the work.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “We have spent millions of pounds in recent years upgrading and building new homes for older people and improving residents’ living environments. The new wing is a welcome addition and I’m very glad residents have given it their seal of approval.”

(Ref:MC.208.07)

Winners in the prestigious 2007 Derbyshire Open Art Competition – which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary - have been announced.

The annual Derbyshire County Council-run competition is open to amateur and professional artists and has trophies and prize money totalling £2,200 on offer.

This year 376 entries were received from across Derbyshire and neighbouring counties and communities.

A total of 109 entries were selected, including 33 works from young people under 21 years, and the exhibition is on show at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery until 17 August.

Entrants can be from anywhere in Britain but are asked to produce artwork that portrays a Derbyshire theme.

This year artists have chosen several ways to interpret the theme. While the Derbyshire landscape continues to attract artists’ imagination, buildings and events have also provided inspiration. Artists have provided both recognisable images and abstractions.

The work entered for this year’s competition includes pictures in oils, acrylics, watercolours, drawings, prints, collages and three-dimensional work using found materials, ceramics and fabrics.

The entries have been judged by an independent panel including Laurence Sillars, exhibitions and collections curator at Tate Liverpool, Rachel Insoll, from the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Derek English, an artist from Middlesbrough and Alison Lloyd, head of visual arts, Arts Council England, East Midlands.

They looked at work from a broad range of art and artists, and were complimentary about Derbyshire County Council’s strong commitment to supporting fine art through this exhibition.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “The standard of entries has been very high and it has been a very hard task for the panel to pick winners in each of the categories. 

“Several of these works will be acquired for the county’s growing collection of contemporary artwork that celebrates both life and art in Derbyshire.”

Councillor Janes added: “It is a delight to see the work of artists who have loyally supported the exhibition, as well as excellent work by artists who have not previously shown at the Open.

“The exhibition will give everyone the chance to come and see the wealth of local talent.”

The competition is sponsored by Derbyshire County Council, Tarmac Central, the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery and local resident Major Urquhart-Munro.

The winners are:

• The Derbyshire Trophy – Overexposed by Rod Holt, Glossop

• The Derbyshire County Council and Tarmac Central Print Trophy – Thaw by Samantha Groom, Sheffield

• 25th Anniversary Prize (Derbyshire Theme) – Exhibit E (Our trees are so precious that we number them) by Dianne Elsworth, Cromford

• The Derbyshire County Council Young Artist Prize – Stanage Edge by Sam Wildegoose, 13, Buxton

• The Munro Trophy – Dovedale by Oliver Wildegoose, 14, Buxton

• 25th Anniversary Prize (3D) – Memories of Lightwood Reservoir by Caroline Chouler-Tissier, Earl Sterndale, Derbyshire

• The Tarmac Central Landscape Prize – Fragments by David Hands, Cromford

• The Derbyshire County Council Watercolour Prize – View from Tissington Trail by Tony Deeming, Ashbourne 

• The Friends Trophy – Beet Farm Lane II by Rosemary Vanns, The Wash, Derbyshire

• The Derbyshire County Council Oil Painting Prize – Worn Out by Nicola Foote, Poynton, Cheshire 

 Further details about the competition and exhibitions are available by ringing Ros Westwood on 01298 24658 or emailing buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk

(CC.206.07) 

Parents have been parking up at supermarkets across the county to get their child car seats checked by Derbyshire County Council.

Road safety officers and a car seat fitting expert were on hand to offer safety advice and information on what the law says in Alfreton, Swadlincote and Chesterfield.

Motorists were also offered free checks to make sure their child’s car seat was fitted correctly and appropriate for the child’s age and height and the make and model of the car.

Two more events are planned between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday 3 July at Asda in Long Eaton and Monday 9 July at Morrisons in Buxton.

Councillor Clive Moesby, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Last year the law relating to child car seats changed.
“It’s crucial that drivers understand the law about car seat safety not just for younger children but for kids up to the age of 12.
“It’s vital that children are belted-up safely in the car. Checks take only a few minutes but those few minutes could save your child’s life.”

For more information log-on to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport/road_safety/carsafetyseats (opens in a new window), Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 for a free information guide or email roadsafety@derbyshire.gov.uk

In check: Councillor Clive Moesby, right, and Damon Marriott from Stork Talk check seats for Ethan Peace of Wessington (front left) and James Abberley of Riddings at Tesco, Alfreton.

A rural road in Baslow has been praised as one of Britain’s most improved – but Derbyshire County Council is still urging motorists to take care on the county’s routes.

Last year the A623, which runs from Baslow to Chapel-en-le-Frith, was criticised for the high number of people killed and seriously injured.

But following more than £250,000 of improvements by the county council, the number of people killed and seriously injured on the road has fallen from 31 in 2000-2002 to 14 in 2003-2005.

The route has been highlighted as one of the most improved for safety in a report by Eurorap (the European Road Assessment Programme) published today.

The A6 has been removed from the list of consistently high risk roads in the report based on road safety figures from 2003-05 but the A54 and A53 are both named in the ‘persistently high risk’ category.

More recent figures from 2006 show that the number of people killed or seriously injured on these routes is falling – one accident on both of them each in 2006.

Work to help reduce the number of accidents on the A54 is due to start this summer.

Measures include reducing the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph with better signage and road markings to warn motorists to take care. An extra safety barrier will also be installed to protect motorcyclists and an awareness-raising campaign will be rolled out to include the route this summer.

Plans to introduce safety measures on the A53 through the Peak District National Park have been drawn-up by the county council and officers are talking to the park’s authority to get these introduced.

Overall the number of people killed and seriously injured on the county’s roads is at its lowest for 12 years – 472 down from 686 in 1995.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “It’s good news that one of our roads has been highlighted for improvements to safety but one accident is still one too many.

“Last year we spent more than £10 million on safety measures on roads across the county but we know there’s still work to do and we’re working hard to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads.”

He added: “Derbyshire has many rural roads which are tight and twisty by nature and as always we would urge motorists to drive according to the conditions and at a sensible speed.”

(JM.205.07)

Staff and learners at Derbyshire County Council’s Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre are celebrating after scooping two regional awards.

The centre in Market Street won the learndirect East Midlands Region Innovative Centre Award at a ceremony held in Nottingham.

While one of its tutors, Rosina Newton, was also recognised by learndirect for her outstanding work in supporting people through Skills for Life courses.

Now the regional winners have been invited to national awards being held at London’s Globe Theatre in October.

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “For many years Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre has been delivering a high quality service to its community.

“It is particularly pleasing to get these awards from learndirect to recognise the dedication of our staff in motivating learners and helping them to achieve.”

The centre award recognises the use of technology and outreach programmes to support learners in the local community.

Staff at the Clay Cross centre have worked with Sure Start and Read on-Write Away to set up an outreach project in North Wingfield.

With help from Rosina, young women who would not normally have taken up courses have been able to use an on-site crèche while they take Skills for Life courses in basic numeracy and literacy.

Councillor Janes added: “I would also like to congratulate Rosina on her award which recognises her outstanding commitment to helping learners achieve their potential.”

The awards are the latest good news for the county council’s adult community education service which recently under went an inspection by Ofsted.

The 11-strong team, who said courses delivered by the authority were among the best in the country, also scrutinised learndirect courses run by the authority and gave them the thumbs up.

Following the inspection, the county council was graded as good overall – the second highest category available. It received good or satisfactory grades in all other categories.

The Clay Cross learndirect centre also offers people the chance to take fast-track courses in literacy, numeracy and IT leading to nationally-recognised qualifications. For more information contact the centre on 01246 862383.

(Ref: CC.204.07)

Children’s well-being will be the focus of Derbyshire County Council’s first ‘healthy lifestyle’ event for schools.

A two-day extravaganza of workshops, cooking sessions, demonstrations, activities and entertainment will be attended by more than 1,000 primary school pupils on July 4 and 5.

Organised by Derbyshire’s Health Promoting Schools scheme – run by a partnership involving Derbyshire County Council and primary care health trusts – the Lea Green event will cover topics including; healthy eating, exercise, the food chain and locally produced ingredients.

The two days will run from 10am until 3pm and cover subject areas which come up in the science, PE, and geography curriculum.

Children will be encouraged to take part in individual and group activities such as art workshops with a nutritional theme, sports and team games, dance and music, food tastings and competitions.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “We’re working hard with our partners to promote healthy and active lifestyles for children and this event will give us the chance to work directly with pupils to positively influence their choices.

“Schools’ staff will be able to choose from a wide variety of fresh and exciting learning activities for their students.

“The knowledge and skills pupils pick up can be linked across curriculum subjects so they get the most out of the two days.

“We’re hoping to communicate serious messages in a fun way so children learn that food is their fuel and they have to eat well and keep active to feel their best.”

Primary schools which are taking part are listed below. It is hoped that the event will become an annual part of the school calendar and be extended to include secondary pupils.

Derbyshire Dales

• Bakewell Methodist Voluntary Controlled Junior School
• Brailsford CE Controlled Primary School
• Longford CE Controlled Primary School
• Muggington CE Voluntary Controlled Primary School

North East Derbyshire

• South Wingfield Primary School
• Stretton Handley Primary School
• Wessington Primary School

Amber Valley area

• The Delves School
• Horsley Woodhouse Primary School
• Ironville and Codnor Park Primary School
• Lea Primary School

South Derbyshire area

• Coton-in-the-Elms CE Controlled Primary School
• Stenson Fields Primary Community School

High Peak area

• Biggin CE Controlled Primary School
• Chapel-en-le-Frith CE Voluntary Controlled Primary School
• Combs Infant School
• Charlesworth Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Chesterfield area

• Brockwell Junior School
• Hunloke Park Primary School
• Marsh Lane Primary School
• Wigley Primary School
• Duckmanton Primary School
• Gorseybrigg Primary School
• Unstone St Mary’s Infant School

Erewash area

• Dallimore Primary School

Bolsover area

• Kirkstead Junior School

(REF:FW.203.07)

Creativity of pupils and staff in Derbyshire schools is to be boosted with the launch of a new Derbyshire County Council toolkit.

Inspire Creativity is the authority’s project to promote creative learning and teaching across the curriculum so children can broaden their skills, knowledge and understanding.

A ‘best practice’ toolkit has been produced as part of the strategy, so teachers can tap into ideas that have worked well and develop new learning activities with pupils.

Post-16 media studies students at Anthony Gell in Wirksworth were involved in designing the toolkit, which will be made available to all schools in the county from this week.

The toolkit comes in a tin which includes a brochure, DVD, stickers, posters and a range of other resources to support creative teaching of the curriculum. This includes ideas for setting lessons outside the usual classroom environment and using a variety of resources.

Further support will be offered with an Inspire Creativity week, taking place from July 2 to 8, which will feature events to showcase achievements that have been made at schools across Derbyshire and provide inspiration for new ideas.

Events will include Stanton-in-the-Peak School spending the week learning entirely outdoors; six Chesterfield schools will host a science fair to celebrate their science clubs which are led by older students and encourage younger pupils to think flexibly and solve problems; and Eureka Primary School in Swadlincote are going to collaborate with a Staffordshire school on a creative exchange to celebrate the similarities and differences between the schools.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “Our schools are finding superb ways of linking activities and bringing out the best in their children under the Inspire Creativity programme.

“Innovative approaches have been encouraging pupils to think in broader terms and look beyond subject boundaries to connect larger ideas.

“I hope this toolkit and the Inspire Creativity week will promote even more good work, and help to generate new ideas and partnerships among pupils and staff countywide.”

Authority education advisers have been supporting creative work and activities in schools all year and six mentors have been appointed to work directly with staff to develop successful projects.

The Inspire Creativity strategy has been developed alongside a national creative learning initiative called Creative Partnerships, funded through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, working with the Department for Education and Skills.

BRIGHT IDEAS: The toolkit launch is celebrated by Councillor Alan Charles, Jim Hickman, Derbyshire County Council’s assistant director for education improvement, and Anthony Gell students Ben Drew (17) and Laura Buchanan (18).

(REF:FW.202.07)

An action plan has been put in place to improve standards at Springfield Junior School following a visit by Government education inspectors.

A team of two inspectors visited the school, in Springfield Road, Swadlincote, on 3 and 4 May and found a number of strengths including:

• Good care for pupils’ physical and emotional needs, particularly for those with learning difficulties and disabilities 
• Pupils’ personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
• The work of the school council

But they placed the school in special measures to address weaknesses in teaching, management and pupils’ exam results.

Headteacher Lana Coy said: “This is already an improving school. With the continuing active support of parents and Derbyshire County Council’s education advisers the school will seek to provide the highest quality of education for every child.

“We had already started to tackle some of the weaknesses, as was recognised by the inspectors. We are clear about the changes we need to make and are working hard to build on the many strengths we already have.”

To improve further inspectors recommend the school:

• Improves lesson planning and the quality of teaching to help pupils achieve the standards they are capable of.
• Develops more rigorous monitoring and evaluation skills, at all levels of leadership, and uses the information gained to bring about improvements to teaching and learning. 
• Ensures assessment is accurate and is used more effectively to track pupils’ progress and improve target setting for all groups.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “It is always a worrying time when a school is placed in special measures

“Our education advisers will work closely with the school to identify ways of quickly bringing about improvements.”

Springfield Junior School is an enhanced resource school, which has specialist facilities to work with children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

Chair of governors Joan Lane said: “We are very proud of our work to create an inclusive school which meets the additional needs of pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities.

“We have an action plan in place to address the issues raised by the inspectors and will particularly focus on improving results in the core subjects of English, maths and science.”

The school has 220 pupils, aged seven to 11.

(REF: JF.201.07)

Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education service has received a glowing report from education inspectors for delivering a top class service.

Courses run by the authority are among the best in the country confirmed a team from Ofsted who spent five days scrutinising every aspect of the service in May.

In a report released earlier this week (June 19), the inspectors praise the service’s high standards of teaching and learning after carrying out a widespread examination of its work, including day and evening classes, education centres and outreach venues.

The 11-strong team also looked at the authority’s learndirect courses and the work it does with 16 to 18-year-olds through the Entry to Employment (E2E) programme.

Both were given the thumbs up.

Following the inspection, the county council was graded as good overall – the second highest category available. It received good or satisfactory grades in all other categories.

Areas highlighted for particular praise included:

• Teaching and learning – are good with tutors ensuring students are engaged and challenged.
• Achievement and standards – are good with high standards of work produced by students.
• Leadership and management – are good with clear strategic direction for the service’s development.

Three areas were mentioned for improvement. These were:

• Achievement on longer accredited courses in ICT
• Analysis and use of learners’ performance data

• Further development and integration of the Entry2Employment curriculum.

The inspectors said the authority had made good progress since the last inspection, noting it has a good capacity for further improvement. It also provides good value for money.

Welcoming the glowing report, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services Councillor Bob Janes said: “We are delighted the inspectors have recognised the excellence and quality of the adult education courses and family learning we deliver.

“They have also acknowledged the continuous improvements we’ve achieved despite cuts nationally in the funding for adult learning.”

He added: “They were particularly impressed with how well we work with our partners and praised the way with ensure wide participation in classes.”

As part of the inspection process, the inspectors spoke to learners who were positive about the benefits they gained with us.                                                        

These included gaining confidence, having classes near where they live, improving employment prospects and getting good support from tutors.

The authority meets the needs of learners well with a wide range of venues, including libraries, children’s centres and village halls on offer. And there are good arrangements to support learners with learning difficulties or disabilities, said the inspectors.

Resources are good with a four-year plan to refurbish old or build new accommodation almost complete.

To find an adult community education course, family learning session or leisure class near you visit our Adult Community Education pages.

(Ref:AJ.200.07)

Children at Pottery Primary School in Belper are at the forefront of using information and communications technology to support their work according to Government assessors.

The Kilbourne Road school has been awarded the prestigious ICT Mark by Becta, the British Education Communications and Technology Agency, following an assessment.

Staff have been awarded the honour for their excellent use of technology across the curriculum and in their administration.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for the school and I’m delighted that pupils are being given the best start in life by learning ICT skills which they will go on to develop throughout their life.

“I’d like to congratulate the staff for using every possible resource to strengthen their teaching and the day-to-day running of the school.”

Gill Hutton, headteacher of the 400-pupil school, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the ICT Mark as it recognises our positive approach to ICT and the benefits it is bringing to our children.

“Technology of all kinds can be used to enhance our teaching and learning and to communicate ideas to children with the maximum of impact.”

Becta is the government funded body responsible for promoting the use of ICT in Britain’s schools and colleges.

SWITCHED ON: Pupils George Stokes, 5, and Shannon Moore, 10, share the school’s achievement with Councillor Alan Charles.
 20 June 2007

(REF:FW.199.07)

Nine community groups are to benefit from extra cash after appealing for a slice of a self –help fund.

Derbyshire County Council’s community self-help fund was set up to help groups which have a social care link, either organising activities or offering services.

The county council’s adult social services has agreed to spend £19,510 from the community self-help fund to help the groups which are based across Derbyshire after being approached for financial assistance.

Deaf and Hearing Support (CAMTAD ND), which aims to ensure deaf and hearing impaired-people in North Derbyshire have full access to services and modern equipment, is to receive a one-off grant of £1,285 to help the group buy a laptop computer, printer and software.

Stanton-in-the-Peak Darby and Joan Club, which meets every other Tuesday in Stanton Village Hall, is to receive £150 which will be used towards providing transport for some of its 30 members, who are either elderly or disabled, to attend the sessions.

The Hatton Pensioners Luncheon Club, which meets every other Tuesday in Hatton Jubilee Hall, is staffed by volunteers and provides local older and infirm people with a cooked meal.

The club is to receive a one-off payment of £147 which will enable three of its volunteers to attend refresher food hygiene courses.

A one-off payment of £200 has also been agreed to help mental health staff in the Tameside and Glossop area publicise their planned events for World Mental Health Week from 8-13 October. The money will be used to produce a banner giving the dates of the event and other information about the events planned.

A payment of £1,200 was granted to the Olive Tree Club which meets every Monday at Kirk Hallam Community Centre.

The club regularly attracts up to 30 members from the local area for lunch, social and recreational activities and members are either elderly or disabled people.

The money is to be used towards the cost of transporting some members to the club who would otherwise not be able to attend.

Older people are again to benefit from a payment of £2,200 to the Ripley Neighbourhood Care Scheme which is run by volunteers in St Joseph’s Catholic Church Hall twice a week and offers lunch and social activities.

The money is to be used for room hire for the sessions attended by older people and their carers.

Bolsover Project Carers Group, based at the day centre for adults in Oxcroft Lane, is to receive £1,356 to pay for Tai Chi and dance course tutors.

Both courses provide relaxation, exercise and help to develop concentration, co-ordination and motor skills for adults attending the day centre.

A total of £2,050 is to be given to Relate in Glossop, which offers a face-to-face counselling service to adults with relationship problems.

Relate is to use the extra money for the cost of counselling, reception cover, supervision, travel and administration costs.

The Hadfield GP Advice Surgery project was set up last year by High Peak Citizens Advice Bureau in partnership with the county council’s welfare rights service, to offer free benefit and debt advice, assistance and representation for patients of two GP surgeries in the area.

The project is to receive £10,922 from the community self-help fund to cover running costs for the next year.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “Our community self-help fund is there to help groups involved with organising activities with a social care aspect for children, young people and adults.

“We have helped many groups over the years with one-off grants as they provide an excellent service to their local communities and can help combat social isolation.

“Generally, once projects are up and running they tend to find funding from other sources but the self-help fund can help get them started or fund particular activities which benefit people who use them.”

(Ref:MC.196.07)

Residents and staff will be celebrating at the official opening of a new wing of a home for older people.

People living at Derbyshire County Council-run Thomas Colledge House home for older people in Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover, say they are delighted with the new £850,000 wing which has eight new en-suite bedrooms, a new lounge and a hairdressing room.

Work on the extension started in March 2006 and the official opening by county council chair Councillor Joyce Sanders is being held on Tuesday 26 June at 11am.

The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire will also be at the opening ceremony to look around the new facilities and meet residents.

The original Thomas Colledge House was built in the 1950s and named after a councillor, but was replaced with a new home in 1995.

The decision to build the new wing, called the Castle Wing, was made to meet the need for residential places in the area and it was funded by the county council and the former North Eastern Derbyshire Primary Care Trust.

Residents were able to choose from a selection of carpets, curtains and furniture. Disruption was kept to a minimum during the work.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “We have spent millions of pounds in recent years upgrading and building new homes for older people and improving residents’ living environments. The new wing is a welcome addition and I’m very glad residents have given it their seal of approval.

“The official opening ceremony will be a chance for everyone to celebrate the new accommodation and show it off.”

(Ref:MC.197.07)

Pupils and teachers at Riddings Junior School are celebrating after Government inspectors took the school out of special measures.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school at Riddings, near Alfreton, on 1 and 2 May and decided it now provides a satisfactory standard of education for its pupils.

The school was placed in special measures in November 2005 when Ofsted found the school was failing to give children an acceptable standard of education and the leadership and management team did not have the capacity to make improvements.

The turnabout in fortunes comes after the appointment of new headteacher Helen Littlewood in September last year and the introduction of a rigorous programme of improvement, supported by education officers from Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “We are delighted that the measures put in place to improve the quality and standard of education provided at Riddings Junior School have worked so well.

“The school now has a firm foundation on which to build for the future and I am sure that parents will share my confidence that the progress which has been made will continue.”

Inspectors found the school had:

• Good teaching in all classes, with outstanding teaching in some 

• Improved standards, particularly in English and maths 

• An outstanding headteacher who has provided both challenge and direction 

• Governors who are playing an increasingly important role in leading and managing the school
  

Headteacher Helen Littlewood said: “I am pleased the inspectors have recognised the real improvements that have been made at the school over recent months.

“This has been a team effort involving the whole school community and is a tribute to the commitment and hard work of all the staff. By continuing to work together I am sure we can build on this progress.”

To continue to improve further inspectors recommend that the school:

• Extends the good work in developing the English and maths curriculum to other subject areas 

• Improves the children’s understanding of the diversity of traditions and cultures within the local and wider community and extends their opportunities to make a positive contribution 

• Continues the work of the governors in monitoring and evaluating the work of the school so that it influences the school’s future plans.      

(REF: JF.195.07)

Pupils at a Derbyshire school enjoyed a week of multi-cultural activities as part of a world celebration week.

Staff at Aston-on-Trent Primary school, in Long Croft, took part in a variety of lessons, workshops, visits and performances to find out about different nations and their traditions and ways of life.

Activities included Chinese dragon parade and workshops, visits to a Methodist church and a Sikh Gurdwara and Muslim Mosque, African dance workshops, Aboriginal art lessons and Asian and Eastern storytelling.

Catering staff also helped support the celebrations by providing a variety of meals with a multi-cultural flavour which included Indian, Chinese, Spanish and French food.

All age groups at the 200-pupil school took part in the events and the final day of celebrations were attended by Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools.

He said: “It was a pleasure to see how the children were encouraged to broaden their horizons and think about life beyond school, county and country boundaries.

“This week showed how creative approaches to teaching can bring a theme to the classroom and cross curriculum subjects like geography, art, PE, science and RE to give pupils a really fun way of learning.

“The catering staff also played a major part in preparing some excellent examples of dishes relevant to that day’s work.

“I’m delighted to see such good activities going on in Derbyshire’s schools.”

Lindsey Kalirai, Acting Headteacher, said: “The week was a tremendous success and we were delighted with the impact it made on the children and their development of knowledge, skills and understanding.

“World celebration week received tremendous support from the Aston School Parents’ Association and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make it such an exciting and memorable learning opportunity for our pupils.”

A WHOLE NEW WORLD: Councillor Alan Charles finds out what pupils Ben Archer (nine), Sian Sedwick (nine), Hannah Miller (eight), Kane Levy (eight), Edward Anguish (six), and Eva Finiw (six) have been learning.
 
(REF:FW.193.07)

A trial scheme to protect burglary victims from further crime is being extended after it achieved a 100 per cent success rate saving Derbyshire taxpayers £124,000.

Derbyshire County Council arranged for burglary victims in the Chesterfield area to have alarms fitted to reduce domestic burglaries and repeat incidents.

And figures just out reveal that burglaries dropped from 493 to 455 during the trial - and none of the 81 previously burgled homes which had an alarm fitted became repeat targets.

This is in spite of evidence which shows burgled homes traditionally have a higher than average chance of being targeted again within a short time.

Residents who had an alarm fitted during the trial, which ran from October 2005 to September 2006, also said they felt safer and less worried about crime.

County council cabinet member for community safety councillor Clive Moesby said: “This is excellent news for residents in Chesterfield who not only suffered less crime but also said they felt safer in their homes and less worried about crime following the trial.

“Derbyshire is a safe place to live compared to other areas but we want to make it even safer and are working on many new projects to improve life for our residents.

“This trial was such a resounding success we’re now looking forward to developing it in other areas.”

The trial scheme took place in Chesterfield, Staveley, Brimington and Brampton. Further funding has now been approved to allow other areas across the county to be considered to take part.

Derbyshire’s eight district community safety partnerships are also being encouraged to provide funding to support its wider roll-out in their areas.

According to Home Office estimates, 38 fewer burglaries during the trial period in Chesterfield resulted in a £124,184 saving for Derbyshire taxpayers.

Overall crime figures have fallen for the third year running in Derbyshire. From 2002/2003 to last year crimes fell by 21 per cent from 103,180 to 81,085 – the third highest reduction in England and Wales. 

(Ref: LT.192.07)      

Plans to create a £17 million state-of-the-art academy to replace Shirebrook School have moved a step closer to becoming a reality following a public consultation.

Derbyshire County Council is publishing formal notices proposing the closure of the Shirebrook School, in Common Lane, so it can be replaced with an academy designed to meet the needs of 21st century pupils.

The academy would be built on the same site and cater for students aged 11 to 19 with facilities including first-class IT resources and large, modern teaching areas fit for a variety of uses. Stubbin Wood Special School would also have a new upper school on the site for pupils aged 11 to 19, which would feature specialist learning areas and a hydrotherapy pool. Both schools would benefit from sharing facilities.

Specialist science college status would be retained and the academy would also be developed as a base for vocational subjects, such as construction. This would mean it could offer both GCSEs and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

The multi-million pound investment in the new academy is proposed as part of the authority’s work on the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme.

Under the proposed changes, the existing Stubbin Wood Special School would receive an additional £7.5 million of refurbishment to provide the best learning environment for primary-aged pupils at the current site in Burlington Avenue, Langwith Junction.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet members for schools, said: “We’ve been given a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with the Government to create state-of-the-art centres of excellence for our young people to learn and thrive in.

“The Shirebrook Academy would give students and teachers the benefit of being supported by the latest technology and having an environment ideally suited to the modern curriculum.

“It will expand opportunities for the young people by giving them the chance to take up post-16 education and the local community would also be able to access the academy’s facilities.”

A public consultation was held from April 17 to May 18 so parents, staff, governors and members of the community could find out more and comment on the plans.

Statutory notices – a legal statement of the authority’s proposal to close the school and extend the age range to offer post-16 education – are being published in the local press and vicinity of the school for six weeks, up to July 26.

Supporters and any objectors will have the opportunity to write to the county council. The authority’s cabinet will then decide whether or not to proceed with the closure.

The academy would be set up as a publicly funded, all-ability independent school for up to 960 pupils. It would be a partnership between the Government and sponsor All Roads, the authority’s road construction direct labour organisation, which will build on the school’s existing partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

If approved, pupils would continue to be taught at Shirebrook and Stubbin Wood schools until the new accommodation was ready for them to move into by September 2010. Shirebrook School’s existing buildings would then be demolished.

(REF: FW.190.07)

Traffic and transport are top of the agenda at an event being held for people aged over 50.

The Ashbourne and District 50+ Forum is holding its next meeting on Friday 6 July between 10am and 12.30pm with the theme "Traffic Ashbourne – Part One".

All aspects of traffic, from car-parking and congestion to public transport and a town bypass will be up for discussion at the free event being held at the Community Room in Ashbourne Leisure Centre.

Professionals from all walks of traffic management will be on hand to discuss their particular areas of expertise and listen to views from people attending the event.

A Derbyshire County Council highways area manager will be at the event to meet people and discuss policies and plans and he will be joined by the ground maintenance and car parks officer at Derbyshire Dales District Council and a brand manager for Trent Barton buses.

Anyone aged over the age of 50 is invited along to the event and free transport is available but must be booked by Wednesday 27 June.

The Ashbourne and District 50+ Forum is one of 14 forums countywide that are up and running and being supported by the county council’s Better Government for Older People team.

The forums meet on a regular basis to discuss various topics, listen to speakers, plan action campaigns and swap ideas and views.

All the forums have been helped to set up by the Better Government for Older People programme which helps members with administration and organising meetings as well as providing financial support.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social services councillor Dave Allen said: “Traffic and transport are always topical and provoke much debate so the next Ashbourne forum meeting is sure to prove interesting.

“I hope people go along and listen to the speakers as well as taking the opportunity to give their views on traffic issues affecting them.”

To book free transport or for more information contact Louise Hiron, county council Better Government for Older People team on 01629 772094 or email louise.hiron@derbyshire.gov.uk

(Ref:MC:189.07)

A Scout group is to receive £55,000 from an educational charity managed by Derbyshire County Council to build a new base.

The First Heage Scout Group wants to construct the base for use by its members and the local community.

The Heage Educational Charity, of which Derbyshire County Council is the trustee, has given the Scout group the money to buy the land they need.

Other fund-raising bodies, including the National Lottery, Children in Need and the Scout Association, will be approached to help pay for the £103,000 cost of building the new base. The group will also need to apply for planning permission before work can start.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “The Scout group has been looking to build a new base for some time but opportunities have fallen through because they have not been able to get the funding needed for the land.

“This grant will enable them to build something that can be of benefit to the whole community, while also fulfilling the educational and social aims of the charity.”

Grants are available from the Heage Educational Charity as a result of a land sale made by Albert Hurt in June 1878 to the Heage School Board. The land was used to build the former Nether Heage School, that later became known as Ridgeway Primary School, and Upper Heage School, later known as Parkside Primary School.

The Nether Heage site was sold in 1998 and the Upper Heage site in 2005, with proceeds going into the Heage Educational Charity.

Derbyshire County Council will welcome other bids for grants. Applications can be made for any scheme which either: 

• Benefits pupils at Ambergate Primary School or Heage Primary School through a project that would not normally be provided as part of school funding 

• Improves the education of pupils and former pupils at these schools, provided participants are under the age of 25 or  

• Improves the education of people under the age of 25, provided they live in the parish of Ripley. This can include social or physical training projects.

Councillor Charles said: “We would encourage any projects that meet these criteria to apply for a grant so we can help even more community projects in the Heage area.” 
     

(REF: JF.188.07)

A spare classroom at a north-east Derbyshire school is to be turned into a satellite office for a children’s centre by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority is going to convert a classroom at Mickley Infant School in Stretton to include a refreshment counter and toilets so it can be used by young families in the area.

The work will cost £41,000 and is due to start at the end of July and be completed by the end of August.

Once the work is completed Mickley Infant School will become a satellite centre for Stonebroom Children’s Centre, which is due to open at Easter next year and will be based at Stonebroom Primary School in Stonebroom, near Alfreton.

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “This work will have two benefits for the community.

“It will remove surplus places at the school and provide the community with a room to use for a variety purposes, such as providing family support or early education services.

“The room will be used independently to the rest of the school and we hope will develop the school’s role as their centre of the community.”

Derbyshire County Council is opening 42 children’s centres across the county to provide a one-stop shop for young families, offering services including family support and healthcare. The council is also working with partners to provide Job Centre services.

(REF: JF.187.07)

Ten Derbyshire County Council libraries are getting new counters and a further seven will be upgraded as part of the introduction of a new library management system.

The current system uses bookreaders to issue and return items borrowed from libraries, which in many cases are an integral part of the counter.

But when the new management system is introduced in the summer, staff will be using computers and scanners to check books in and out.

An assessment of the county’s 46 libraries has been carried out and 10 earmarked for new counters. A further seven will be improved.

The libraries getting new counters are: Borrowash, Clay Cross, Hadfield, Hayfield, Heanor, Killamarsh, Newbold, Old Whittington, Shirebrook and Swadlincote.

Upgrades are taking place at: Alfreton, Chesterfield, Clowne, Creswell, Matlock, Pinxton and Ripley.

Some short-term temporary closures will be necessary to ensure the safety of staff and customers during the refits.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Bob Janes said: “There are some big changes coming in at our libraries which will lead to a better service for customers.

“We’re introducing new, web-based technology which not only improves and speeds up our cataloguing system, it also gives people better access to all the library’s resources on an easy-to-follow, Amazon-style website.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and ask that people bear with us while this important work to improve the libraries takes place.”

The following temporary library closures are planned:

• Heanor Library – closed from Monday, June 18, re-opening Monday, June 25
• Ripley Library – closed from Tuesday, June 26, re-opening Friday, June 29
• Clay Cross Library –closed from Monday, June 25, re-opening Monday, July 2
• Swadlincote Library – closed from Monday, July 2, re-opening Monday, July 16

Work has already been carried out at Borrowash and Hayfield libraries and the remaining counters are due to be replaced or upgraded in the coming weeks.

The current library cataloguing system allows users to search for books, DVDs and CDs and then to request them online. The new system will do all that and more.

Now when a search for a book is carried out, a picture of the dust-jacket will appear along with a summary of the book’s plot or theme. Details of the book’s availability will also be there.

There is a new keyword search and links to best-seller lists and prize-winning novels, such as the Booker and Orange prizes. There is also a link to a website that helps you choose a book by mood.

To make thinks easier, particularly for children, stock is illustrated by a series of pictures that can be clicked on.

Books are grouped into themes which can help people choose a good read without having a particular title in mind or leaving the comfort of their own home or office.

Library users affected by the closures can use the mobile libraries which call at towns and villages throughout the county. To find out where the mobiles go, go to the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries (opens in a new window) or Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

Customers will still be able to renew books during the temporary closures by ringing Call Derbyshire or by using our website.

Plans are being discussed to try to re-open post offices in rural and village locations following the temporary closure of some services.

Derbyshire County Council has long campaigned against the closure of rural and community post offices and has regular meetings with post office representatives to discuss various options when services close, help find new premises and encourage people to run them.

Both the county council and Post Office have been exploring new ways of serving areas which have lost their Post Office, often encouraging sub-postmasters and sub postmistresses from other communities to set up satellite services in other locations.

County council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile recently met with Post Office officials to discuss a number of post offices which have been lost or temporarily closed due to resignations of sub postmasters and to consider a range of options that could see them up and running again in the next few months.

Ambergate Post Office, which temporarily closed a fortnight ago due to a resignation, was high on the agenda and both the county council and the post office are appealing for people who may have a suitable venue to get in touch as soon as possible.

It is hoped that a central location can be found for Ambergate although all suggestions for suitable premises are welcome.

As well as Ambergate, Councillor Carlile also discussed the temporary loss of the post office in Tansley, again due to resignation, where a similar appeal is being made for new premises from which to provide a service.

Other post office services which Councillor Carlile and the Post Office are keen to re-instate include Nether Heage and Turnditch, along similar lines to the service they hope to provide in Ambergate.

The campaign to find new venues has recently been given a boost by the successful re-opening of a post office service in Stanton-in-the-Peak at the village hall.

Sub-postmistress Karen Wright, who runs the post office in the village shop in Litton, was contacted to run a satellite service in Stanton-in-the-Peak and she was keen to help out.

The village hall was identified as the perfect venue and the new service has been successfully running for two half days a week since April.

Karen said: “The new service has been welcomed by people in the community and I am sure they will continue to support it.”

Councillor Carlile said: “Post offices are a vital part of community life and it is essential we fight to keep them open or re-instate services for the benefit of local people.

“We want people to know that we do not take any of these closures lightly and we are working very hard with Post Office officials to try to turn the tide, find new venues and appeal to people to run new services.”

Councillor Carlile added: “The success at Stanton-in-the-Peak and the positive reaction to it is the most recent in a number of successes we have had in getting services re-opened.

“I hope that anyone who has premises in any of the areas where we are hoping to reinstate services will get in touch so we can get the ball rolling and get these post offices open again as soon as possible.”

A number of successes have been notched up in recent years by the county council and the Post Office working together, including new venues for services, ranging from hotels, churches and pubs to village halls and local shops.

People have also come forward to be trained up as sub postmasters and sub postmistresses to run the satellite services.

Anyone who is interested in either running a service or providing premises or both should contact Post Office Ltd on 0845 6016260 for more information.

(Ref:MC.185.07)

If a little of what you fancy does you good, then free taster sessions organised by Derbyshire County Council could be just for you.

The authority is putting on free leisure and educational courses in libraries across the county to give would-be learners the opportunity to try something new at no cost.

Some of the courses are for just a day, but others last several weeks and give people the chance to get a feel for the subject.

And if new learners want to take things further, the authority runs hundreds of courses in its adult community education centres throughout the year, some of which can lead to qualifications.

Among the free taster courses being put on in the coming weeks are: first aid, floristry, being a parent helper, researching your family history and Spanish for holidays.

Councillor Bob Janes, the authority’s cabinet member for cultural services, said he hoped people would take the opportunity to try something new, either for fun or as a potential for work.

He said: “This is a good chance for people to have a go at something new, to find out whether they like it or not.

“The classes are taught by qualified staff, give an insight into the subjects and they’re all free. They can be for pleasure or perhaps for people looking for a change of career. And if you want to go further, you can, with the chance to gain a qualification later.”

Courses are taught by qualified tutors who work for Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education service. And if you miss the first one there’s still a chance to start the following week if you get in touch.

The following courses are now on:

Amber Valley

Alfreton Library – Food Safety in Catering, Wednesdays 6.15pm-9.15pm until June 20; Adult learner support, Level 2, Mondays from 7pm - 9pm until June 25.

Duffield Library – Paediatric First Aid, Wednesday, June 13, 2.30pm - 4.30pm.

Somercotes Sure Start building, off Sherwood Street – Rhythm and Rhyme, a course for parents, carers and young children together, a six-week course on Mondays at 10.15am - 11.15am, from June 4 - July 9.

Bolsover

Clowne Library – Floristry, Thursdays 10am - 12.30pm, until June 21 - Introduction to being a Parent Helper, Tuesdays 10am - 12pm, until July 10.        

Shirebrook adult community education centre, High Street – Intensive CLAIT computer course, 10 days, Monday to Friday commencing Monday, June 25 to July 6.

Derbyshire Dales

Local Studies Library, County Hall, Matlock – Using the Internet to Research your Family History, Wednesdays 10am - 10.45am and 11am - 11.45am.

High Peak

Glossop Library – Spanish for Holidays, every Tuesday from 7pm - 9pm until July 3.

Glossop adult community education centre, Talbot Street – Introduction to Computers, every Tuesday from 9am - 11am and 11am - 1pm until July 3.

South Derbyshire

Swadlincote adult community education centre, Rink Drive – Machine Embroidery, a two-week course starting on Wednesday, June 27 from 6pm - 8pm.

For more information about any of the courses, contact your local library. To find your local library visit the libraries section of our website.

A Derbyshire County Council school chef is enjoying the sweet taste of success after winning a national cooking competition.

Lynnette Tinney, a unit supervisor for Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service, works at Coton-in-the-Elms CE Primary School, which also makes school dinners for Rosliston Primary School.

The 43-year-old beat six other cooks to win the Local Authority Caterers’ Association School Chef of the Year competition in Birmingham. It follows her earlier success at the eastern regional round in April.

Lynnette said: “It was fantastic to win. I was very confident that we had a good package and had done all the preparation but you still have to perform on the day in terms of the cooking.

“When I got back to both my schools the children were cheering me and are all really proud of me. It is lovely to bring the award back to the schools.”

Lynnette’s menu was called Feed The Mind and is inspired by work from Rosliston Forestry Centre where they are educating children about the food chain, explaining about the environment and the processes that happen before food arrives on their plate.

All the meals had to have two courses, be produced using fresh ingredients at no more than 80p a head, be suitable to be produced on mass and to be kept on hot plates in school canteens.

Lynette’s menu was:

                                                                Lemon scented salmon
                                      Tabbouleh (bulgar wheat) jewelled with summer vegetables served with 
   oven baked pitta breads and a julienne of carrots topped with beetroot mixed with sunflower seeds and orange
                                                                              -----
Layered summer fruits pudding marinated with Derbyshire produced honey and a sweetened yoghurt centre

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “We are all really proud of Lynnette and wish to congratulate her on her success.

“To win this competition ahead of the thousands of school cooks in Britain is a real achievement and reflects the importance we place on providing healthy and nutritious school meals in Derbyshire.

“Lynnette’s menu shows that you can provide pupils with good quality meals while working to a budget and producing them on mass for students at a school.” 

The School Chef of the Year competition is an annual competition which puts the preparation, cooking, creativity and presentation of school chefs to the test.

Lynette has won a range of prizes including a trophy, a cash prize, a day’s vocational experience and invitations to high profile catering industry events throughout the year.

The judging panel included two 11-year-old Birmingham school pupils and celebrity chef John Burton Race, star of the Channel 4 TV show French Leave.

Recipe for success…Lynnette Tinney beat cooks from across Britain to win the School Chef of the Year competition.

(REF: JF.182.07)

Advice for people wanting to stay independent for as long as possible will be available at an event being held later this month.

The Alfreton and Ripley Districts 50+ Forum is giving its next open forum the theme `Independence Day’ and all are welcome to the event on Wednesday 20 June at Christ The King Parish Hall in Alfreton.

Anyone aged over 50 years is invited along to the Independence Day open forum, supported by Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People team, where they will be able to find out what support is available to help them live at home and remain independent for as long as they can.

There will be information available on issues ranging from arranging a helping hand in the house or garden and decorating and repairs to transport and health care.

The event runs from 10am to 12.30pm at the parish hall at 104, Nottingham Road, Alfreton and free transport can be provided but must be booked by Wednesday 13 June.

For more information or to book free transport contact county council Better Government for Older People team member Louise Hiron on 01629 772094 or e-mail louise.hiron@derbyshire.gov.uk.

People can also e-mail Alfreton & Ripley Districts 50+ Forum member Trevor Steed at trev.steed@btopenworld.com.

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “One of the county council’s priorities is to support people to live independently in their own homes for as long as they want to and I hope that people will go along to the forum’s independence day event and find out what help and support is available to help them do this.”

(Ref.MC.182.07)

Residents living in homes for older people across Derbyshire are to benefit from a Government cash boost of more than £1 million.

A total of 177 care homes across the county are to share £1.085 million, with each establishment receiving a minimum of £5,000.

The extra money was announced by Government care services minister Ivan Lewis and is part of the Department of Health’s Dignity in Care campaign which aims to put dignity and respect at the heart of caring for older people.

The money has to be used to improve the physical environment of care homes and be of direct benefit to residents.

Homes run by Derbyshire County Council will benefit from the money, as will dozens of establishments run for older people by the private and voluntary sector.

The money could be used to pay for:

* Replacing old carpets or floors to reduce the risk of falls

* Upgrading dining rooms

* Upgrading residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms

* Improving gardens or outside spaces to encourage outdoor exercise

* Alterations giving residents more privacy

* Providing information technology benefiting residents, such as access to internet and e-mail.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “The county council has already invested millions of pounds into its homes for older people over the last few years, building new ones and refurbishing existing ones.

“We are keen to ensure older people living in Derbyshire receive the highest standards of care in the best surroundings possible and this extra money is welcome.”

(Ref:MC.177.07)

Worried about your local post office and keen to campaign to keep it open?

Then go along to the Heanor and District 50+ Forum’s next meeting at Heanor Welfare Centre, Wilmot Street, Heanor, on Thursday 21 June between 1.30pm and 4pm to find out more.

The forum has organised the meeting to discuss the affect that losing post offices can have and how people can help to keep their local post offices open.

As well as a discussion on the benefits of post offices to communities, there will be speakers and exhibitors and free light refreshments.

Free transport to and from the forum is also available but must be booked by Thursday 14 June at the latest by contacting Derbyshire County Council’s Better Government for Older People team.

The forum is also holding an evening event at the same venue on the same day for people who are unable to attend during the day.

The event runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and all are welcome to go along and discuss a wide range of issues including those affecting 50 to 64 year olds.

There are now 14 50+ forums up and running across the county which all meet on a regular basis to discuss various topics, listen to speakers, plan action campaigns and swap ideas and views.

All the forums have been supported in setting up through the county council’s Better Government for Older People programme which helps them with administration and organising meetings as well as providing financial support.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social services Councillor Dave Allen said: “The county council has long been campaigning to keep local post offices open and it is good to see that the 50+ forums are throwing their weight behind this worthwhile cause.

“I hope people will go along, find out how they can help and add their voice to this very important discussion.”

To book free transport or for more information about the events contact the county council’s Better Government for Older People team member Louise Hiron on 01629 772094 or e-mail louise.hiron@derbyshire.gov.uk.

(Ref:MC.180.07)

A brand new leaflet featuring cycle routes in and around the county has been produced by Derbyshire County Council.

Cycle Derbyshire includes cycle trails and traffic free greenways through some of the county’s most scenic landscapes.

The guide, which coincides with National Bike Week from June 16 to 24, lists a variety of routes from old railway lines to canal towpaths, which are suitable for cyclists of all ages.

Featuring more than 200 miles of cycle routes in Derbyshire and many more that are located outside of the county, the new guide also provides route contact details and trail maps.

The county’s latest cycle routes include the Silverhill Trail, a former railway line which runs from Westhouses near Alfreton into Nottinghamshire, and the Trent Valley Greenway, which runs between Long Eaton and Attenborough Nature Reserve, in Nottinghamshire.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Cycling is a fun way to get around and to keep fit and healthy, especially during the fine weather.
“There are so many cycle routes and traffic free greenways in beautiful surroundings to choose from across the county.
“The new Cycle Derbyshire leaflet will provide people of all ages and abilities with all of the information they need to get cycling in Derbyshire.”

The Cycle Derbyshire leaflet is available from the county council’s countryside centres, tourist information centres and libraries. A copy can also be requested by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08456 058058 or at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countryside (opens in a new window).

Further details about National Bike Week, the UK’s annual celebration of cycling, can be found at www.bikeweek.org.uk/index.php (opens in a new window).

(REF: RH.181.07)

Work is underway on a £1.3 million scheme to build a music block at Hope Valley College.

Derbyshire County Council is building the block at the school in Castleton Road, Hope. It will contain:

• a large classroom/performance area 
• four practice rooms 
• box office 
• control room for recording and lighting equipment 
• storage space and toilets.

It will also be the first in a Derbyshire school to contain a state-of-the-art floor area that can be raised in the air to become a stage for music or theatrical performances with the audience seating all around it.

The new block will replace a 30-year-old prefabricated building that is currently used for music lessons.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “Hope Valley College has specialist status in arts and technology so music plays an important part in school life.

“The school runs three different bands and a choir for pupils and encourages all students to learn to play an instrument.

“This new block will allow the music department to develop their work and give pupils the opportunity to learn using the latest equipment.”

Work is already underway to divert water and gas pipes and electric wiring. A concrete garage and gas meter house are also being demolished.

Later this month work to build the new music block will start and is expected to be completed by May next year.

The school will contribute £100,000, with Derbyshire County Council providing the rest of the £1,319,782 cost.

Hope Valley College also has specialist status in technology

(REF: JF.179.07)

A NURSE is celebrating becoming Derbyshire’s 500th British Citizen since citizenship ceremonies were introduced in the county three years ago.

Jayamol Joseph, from Calow, Chesterfield, swore her allegiance to the Queen and pledged to uphold British democratic values at the ceremony held at County Hall, Matlock, on Wednesday, May 16.

The 32-year-old also received a certificate of naturalisation along with a paperweight as a gift from Derbyshire County Council.

The formal citizenship ceremonies take place every month and are designed to help integrate people who have adopted the UK as their home into the community.

They are conducted by one of Derbyshire’s superintendent registrars and since 2004, when they were introduced by the Government, there have been 36 in the county.

Originally from Kerala, India, Mrs Joseph came to Derbyshire in 2001 and works as a staff nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

She said: “I think it is a privilege to become a British Citizen, it is a very civilised and tolerant county. I don’t think any other country is as tolerant.”

PROUD NEW CITIZEN: Jayamol Joseph is congratulated on becoming Derbyshire’s 500th new British Citizen by the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Bob Janes.

Stephen Carr wanted to be able to help his grand-children with their homework so he signed up for classes run by Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education service.

Now the 53-year-old, from South Normanton, is celebrating after winning a national award for his achievements.

He won the BBC RaW Learner Award at the East Midlands Adult Learners’ Week Awards held in Leicester.

Stephen, who has had to fit classes in around his job working nights for a security firm, first went back to learning around five years ago.

And while he admits he was daunted at first, he says he has received great support and encouragement from his tutor at the county council’s Adult Community Education Centre in New Street, South Normanton.

He signed up for ‘Skills for Life’ classes to help improve reading, writing, maths and communication skills and has never looked back.

He is now studying for a Level 2 literacy qualification and he and his grand-children Sarah, 12, Kayleigh, ten, and eight-year-old Jasmine all do their homework together.

He said: “I feel much more able to support my grandchildren in their learning. My intention is to gain a certificate before they do – the race is on.”

His tutor Tracey Leupi added: “Stephen is an enthusiastic member of the class and always takes an active role in group work.

“He is highly motivated and hard working. Getting to the classes hasn’t always been easy for him but he rarely misses a session. It is great to see his progress.”

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “Stephen has worked extremely hard to achieve his qualifications and now that hard work has been recognised with a national award.

“I hope other people will be inspired to return to learning by Stephen’s achievements. Our adult community education service offers more than 3,000 courses during the day and in the evening so there’s something for everyone.”

For a brochure contact Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058.

(Ref: CC.176.07)