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March
| 29 March 2007 | Sod-cutting marks major Markham step |
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An official sod-cutting ceremony has heralded the start of work on a vital new motorway junction. Council officials and representatives from developers were invited to the ceremony yesterday (Tuesday 27 March) to celebrate the start of construction work on the new M1 motorway junction - 29A – that will serve the Markham Vale development. A successful bid for £14.5 million of Government cash, announced earlier this year by Local Transport Minister Gillian Merron, gave the green light for the construction of the new junction and a new principal road linking it to Staveley. The first construction areas also include all of the land around Markham Colliery, land to the west of the M1 in the Duckmanton area, along Erin Road and the first phase of the northern loop road around Staveley. The Derbyshire County Council-led £62 million development at Markham Vale off the M1 between Chesterfield and Bolsover, will cover 360 hectares and involves the reclamation of 200 hectares of derelict land and the preparation and servicing of more than 80 hectares for development. It is expected the site will attract 5,000 jobs and around £130 million of private sector investment. Councillors and officers from the county council were at the sod-cutting event along with representatives from the county council’s development partner Henry Boot Developments Limited and Alfred McAlpine, the contractor for part of the junction works. Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “The new motorway junction has always been a vital part of the whole Markham Vale development and the cutting of the first sod was a major milestone.” Regional director at Henry Boot Developments Vivienne Clements said: “This was a very exciting day for us as the start of works marks a very significant step in the creation of this major scheme.” (Ref.MC.103.07) |
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| 30 March 2007 | New facilities for Brooklands Primary |
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Pupils and staff at a Derbyshire school are celebrating the official opening of new facilities to boost their learning environment. Brooklands Primary School, in Long Eaton, was formed from the former Brooklands Infant and Junior Schools in April 2003. Until September 2006 the school operated on a split site basis pending completion of the new buildings on the Clumber Street site – previously occupied by the Infant School and Junior Annexe. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet agreed £2.7 million funding, as part of the modernisation programme, to add 10 new junior classrooms, hall, kitchen and a former annex was remodelled into an administration centre. The original infant building was refurbished including windows, toilets, and heating, which was funded with £100,000 from the school’s budget. Building work was carried out in stages to minimise disruption to pupils and teachers. The official opening was performed by Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council last week, which was also attended by Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support. Councillor Charles said: “These improvements will give the staff and pupils the space they need and create teaching areas suitable for a 21st Century education. “It is important that children have the right environment to learn in and we worked closely with the school to ensure the new facilities meet their needs.” Currently there are 396 pupils on roll at the school. This is expected to increase following the closure of Lakeside Infant School this summer, where pupils previously transferred from at the age of seven. The former junior school premises in John Street were sold at auction for £800,000 last month. PASTURES NEW: (from left) Pupils Isaac Bloomfield (11) and Charlotte Jantschenko (11) enjoy their new surroundings with Councillor Walter Burrows. (REF: FW.106.07)
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| 30 March 2007 | Helping you understand your teenager |
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Parents and carers of teenagers in Amber Valley and South Derbyshire are being offered free courses to help them improve their relationships with their children. Derbyshire County Council has organised two eight-week ‘Understanding Your Teenager’ courses at venues in Alfreton and Swadlincote. They are aimed at parents and carers experiencing difficulties with their teenagers and offer ways to develop the confidence, understanding and skills they need to manage their own and their child’s behaviour in a positive way. This includes help to cope with difficult situations, practical ideas to improve family life, encouragement from others in a similar situation and support from the group. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We received some very positive feedback from parents who attended these courses when we ran them in January and we hope to help even more families this time. "Everyone knows family life can be hard work at times and sometimes difficulties between parents and their teenagers can become real problems. “We want to provide valuable support for any parent or carer with general worries about family life or more serious concerns they may need help with.” Both courses will run in April and consist of eight free weekly two-hour sessions. They are open to any parent or carer of an 11 to 19-year-old. Help is available for those who need childcare or supervision while they attend sessions or help with travel costs. Both courses will run on Thursday evenings between 6pm and 8pm starting on 19 April. The Amber Valley course will take place at Mortimer Wilson School, Grange Street, Alfreton and the South Derbyshire course will take place at Pingle School, Coronation Street, Swadlincote. There will be no session on the 31 May which is half-term week. For more information on the courses contact Michelle McGlynn or Rita Finch at the South and East Derbyshire Parenting Team on 0115 909 8181 or 0115 909 8161 or email michelle.mcglynn@derbyshire.gov.uk or rita.finch@derbyshire.gov.uk (Ref: SS.102.07) |
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| 27 March 2007 | Beat the Easter boredom with b_line |
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Young people looking forward to the Easter holidays can choose from more than 450 activities across the county thanks to b_line’s online activity guide. From fashion shows to football, cookery to climbing and table tennis to ten-pin bowling, Derbyshire County Council’s online guide to the Easter holidays has it all. Set up by the b_line team, who run the council’s travel and discount scheme for young people aged 11 to 18, the interactive search facility on the b_line website gives youngsters an easy guide to what’s on, where and when in Derbyshire. Starting on Saturday 31 March and running through the whole school holidays until Sunday 15 April, activities will run in every area of the county and there is something to suit everyone. Searches can be done by activity, location or date and many attractions offer discounts to b_line cardholders. The county council’s youth service is offering a range of activities for 13 to 19-year-olds including sports activities to trips out and dance workshops to garden projects. Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “By logging onto the b_line website young people can find out what’s happening where they live and make the most of their Easter holidays by pursuing their hobbies, learning new skills and meeting new people. “The site is easy to use and there is something for everyone whether you’re after sports, days out or just something to while away a few hours. Log on now and see what you can find.” As well as the interactive boredom buster, the site also gives details of two b_line roadshows, in Chesterfield and Derby, and a link to the Derbyshire Directory list of clubs and groups across the county that young people can join such as Beavers or Air Training Corps. There are also details of:
To search the boredom buster log onto b_line at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line (opens in a new window). Free internet access is available at all Derbyshire County Council libraries. Alternatively, people can Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 to get the boredom buster information. (Ref: SS.104.07) |
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| 27 March 2007 | Branching out into new garden project |
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People with learning disabilities will be branching out in new careers when they open their own garden centre. The green-fingered entrepreneurs all attend Derbyshire County Council-run Alderbrook Centre in Chinley and have been busy growing a wide selection of plants and shrubs ready for the grand opening of their new venture on Friday 20 April at 1pm. The Branching Out Garden Centre is based in the grounds of the Alderbrook Centre in Buxton Road and is the latest employment project to be launched by centre users and staff. Around 120 adults with learning disabilities aged between 19 and 78 years old attend the Alderbrook Centre on a regular basis. Each person with learning disabilities who attends the centre has their own personal service plan which sees them taking part in a number of activities including swimming and yoga and learning new skills to help with their independence including managing money, cooking, health and communication. They can also take part in the centre’s self-funding employment projects. There is a thriving, self-funding sewing business, called Alderbrook Textile Designs, where day centre users make a range of wares to sell including patchwork quilts, cushions, peg bags and carrier bag holders. A second employment project, Quality Products Alderbrook, is also proving just as successful, with day centre users producing a number of items in their woodwork workshop, including bird tables and benches. Following a successful bid for Learning Disability Fund cash it was decided to turn a rough piece of land at Alderbrook into a garden area and the idea for the garden centre was born. A link up with the University of Derby strengthened the project, enabling people working in the garden to sign up to an accredited horticultural course. Alderbrook has also been helped to prepare the area for the garden centre by offenders as part of their community service, including putting up a sales cabin ready for the grand opening. As well as having grown the stock, Alderbrook users will staff the garden centre, run the tills and deal with all aspects of customer service. After the grand opening, the garden centre will be open on both Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April between 10am and 3pm. After the first weekend it will be open to the public Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: “Some excellent employment projects are already running at Alderbrook and the Branching Out Garden Centre is a very strong addition to their schemes. "People who attend the centre have a range of activities they can really get involved in and enjoy as well as benefiting from all the new skills they learn along the way. "I’m sure Branching Out will be a huge success." (Ref:MC.98.07) |
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| 26 March 2007 | Learning more about the end of the slave trade |
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Students discovered Derbyshire’s links with slavery at the launch of a new exhibition to mark the bicentenary of the end of the slave trade in the British Empire. Pupils from The Meadows Community School in Chesterfield were among the guests at the launch of the Derbyshire County Council exhibition which is touring libraries around the county. Packed with original source materials, the exhibition details the county’s links with slavery including the connections with local landowning families as well highlighting the prominent local abolitionists who worked for its end. As part of the launch, at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, on Friday, March 23, county council archivist Dr Mark Smith – an expert in African studies – gave a talk on the county’s connections, providing an insight into the trade and those that brought about its abolition. The slave trade was ended by Parliament on March 25, 1807, although slavery itself was not outlawed until the 1830s. The exhibition, called Derbyshire’s Connections to the Slave Trade, will be touring a number of the county council’s libraries until Friday, April 27, before being rolled out across the county. It is currently on in Alfreton, Clowne, Dronfield, Glossop, Long Eaton, Swadlincote and Wirksworth libraries. |
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| 26 March 2007 | Award-winning Alice to appear on Newsround |
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A Derbyshire student whose prize-winning tale of life as an African slave was broadcast on national radio is to appear on Newsround.
(CC.99.07)
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| 23 March 2007 | Birthday celebrations at Ambervale |
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Dozens of people will be taking part in birthday celebrations next month to mark the 20th anniversary of a Derbyshire day centre for older people. The Ambervale Resource Centre, in Cemetery Lane, Ripley, was officially opened in April 1987 and staff and people who use the service will mark the milestone with a week of celebrations starting on Monday 2 April. Around 100 older people with a range of highly complex physical and/or mental health needs attend Derbyshire County Council-run Ambervale each week for social activities, a meal and other services. People visit the centre one to three days per week depending on their needs, and the service provided from Ambervale supports them to live in their own homes. When Ambervale was initially set up, services were all based at the centre but this has evolved over the years, for a time including outreach groups working across Amber Valley and then through strong links with voluntary groups and charities. These include a close relationship with the Alzheimer’s Society and staff at the centre helped the society to set up the Alzheimer’s Cafe in Ripley with the charity and the local community mental health team. As well as providing day care and services for older people at the centre Ambervale also offers support to their carers, giving them a break from their role, and there is a monthly carers’ support group meeting. Around 20 people a week also benefit from one to one support which they receive either in their own homes or the community. A number of events are being held at the centre during its birthday week including several parties for different groups of centre users with cake, dancing and other activities. On Wednesday 4 April there will be a celebratory carers’ group meeting and on Thursday 5 April there will be a buffet lunch for all the day centre users and invited guests. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen said: "Many people receive excellent support from the services provided by Ambervale, both day centre visitors and carers alike. “They have developed many different services to meet people’s different needs over the past 20 years and I know they will continue to go from strength to strength.” (Ref: MC.97.07) |
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| 22 March 2007 | Sod-cutting celebrates Markham milestone |
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An official sod-cutting ceremony will mark the start of work on a motorway junction which forms a vital part of a multi-million pound regeneration project. Officials have been invited to the ceremony on Tuesday 27 March to celebrate the start of construction work on the new M1 motorway junction - 29A – that will serve the Markham Vale development. A successful bid for £14.5 million of Government cash, announced earlier this year by Local Transport Minister Gillian Merron, gave the green light for the construction of the new junction and a new principal road linking it to Staveley. The first construction areas also include all of the land around Markham Colliery, land to the west of the M1 in the Duckmanton area, along Erin Road and the first phase of the northern loop road around Staveley. The Derbyshire County Council-led £62 million development at Markham Vale off the M1 between Chesterfield and Bolsover, will cover 360 hectares and involves the reclamation of 200 hectares of derelict land and the preparation and servicing of more than 80 hectares for development. It is expected the site will attract 5,000 jobs and around £130 million of private sector investment. Councillors and officers from Derbyshire County Council will be at the sod-cutting event along with representatives from the county council’s development partner Henry Boot Developments Limited and Alfred McAlpine, the contractor for part of the junction works. Derbyshire County Council’s leader Councillor John Williams said: “The new motorway junction has always been a vital part of the whole Markham Vale development and it will be a big milestone to see the cutting of the first sod.” He added: “We are very confident the Markham Vale development will breathe new life into the former coalfield sites and bring more than 5,000 jobs to the area, giving a real boost to the local economy.” Regional director at Henry Boot Developments Vivienne Clements said: “This will be a very exciting day for Henry Boot Developments as the start of works marks a very significant step in the creation of this major scheme. “We are already handling enquiries from some big distribution companies wanting to relocate to Markham Vale and the junction works will certainly help in moving these discussions forward.” (Ref: MC.96.07) |
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| 22 March 2007 | Exhibition marks 150th anniversary of Derbyshire Police |
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An exhibition celebrating 150 years of policing in Derbyshire has opened at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. Derbyshire Constabulary was formed in March 1857 and the exhibition – called Time Served – reveals how times have changed using artefacts, pictures and stories about officers. There is even a chance for retired or serving officers to include their own stories in a commemorative book. The exhibition has been put together by Derbyshire County Council which took over responsibility for the police collections in 2004. Items on display include a memorial plaque to PC Arthur Wright who drowned trying to save a woman from the River Derwent in 1911. Other artefacts include an engraved baton dating from the 1800s, a roll of honour of police officers killed during WW1 and a book listing gifts donated to the force by the local community. It also highlights attitudes to the first female police officers who were recruited during the Second World War with cartoon of the time. Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “This exhibition is a fascinating insight in to the changing face of policing over the past 150 years. “We are keen to develop the exhibition further and would like to hear from retired or serving police officers who can add their stories and anecdotes in a commemorative book accompanying the display.” The exhibition will be on show at the museum in Terrace Road, Buxton, until Sunday 22 April after which it will tour other venues around the county. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter as part of the county council’s commitment to provide everyone with access to cultural activities. As well as this exhibition visitors can also see landscape paintings and drawings called “Rock, roaches, canyons and coves” by Geoff Archer until 15 April and “Look over my shoulder” – pen and ink drawings by Bryn Hughes from 17 March.
(Ref.CC.94.07) |
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| 22 March 2007 | Play equipment boost for Brooklands Primary |
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Break times will be more fun for pupils at a Long Eaton primary school after Derbyshire County Council agreed to move play equipment there. Brooklands Primary School in Clumber Street is to get recently bought play equipment that is currently at Lakeside Infant School. Lakeside is to close at the end of July with most of the school’s 30 pupils moving to Brooklands Primary School in September. Derbyshire County Council has agreed to let Lakeside Infant School spend £4,000 to re-site the play equipment at Brooklands Primary School and install a safety surface around it. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “We are very pleased that the children currently attending Lakeside will be able to take their new playground equipment with them when they move, which will also allow all the pupils at Brooklands Primary School to enjoy better play equipment as a result of this decision. “Across the county we are working to encourage all school pupils to lead healthy and active lives. Having the play equipment will enable the students at Brooklands Primary School to be more active during their break times.” The School Organisation Committee – made up of groups including Derbyshire County Council, school governors and church dioceses - took the decision to close Lakeside Infant School in November last year after hearing the school had spaces for 90 pupils but just 30 students on its roll. As a result it was costing £4,999 to educate every pupil there compared to a Derbyshire average of less than £3,000.
Brooklands Primary School has enough surplus places for all of Lakeside’s pupils to move there. (REF: JF.95.07) |
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| 20 March 2007 | Parking could become civil not criminal offence |
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Illegal parking may no longer be regarded as a criminal offence if a new scheme gets the go ahead. Derbyshire County Council is applying to the Government to take over Derbyshire’s (excluding Derby City) parking enforcement from the police. In the past few years many local authorities have taken up civil parking enforcement powers – allowing local police forces to concentrate on crime fighting. The county council has been working with district and borough councils to come up with a scheme which covers both off and on-street parking. Transferring powers will mean the county council will have more freedom to manage and control the free flow of traffic and have a greater chance of seeing parking restrictions are enforced. Any money generated by the scheme will be used to improve parking, highways or transport. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “The transferral of parking enforcement powers will allow the police to devote more time to fighting crime. “It will also mean more time and manpower can be spent encouraging things like sensible and safe parking, improving safety for drivers and pedestrians and ensuring there is less congestion on our roads." It is hoped a proposal will be submitted to the Secretary of State in the next few months with a view to introducing the new scheme next spring. (REF: SM.93.07) |
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| 15 March 2007 | Early morning bus fare hike for older people |
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Around 180,000 older people in Derbyshire look set to see early morning bus fares double in price next month as local bus operators press ahead with claims for more cash to cover the cost of free trips. It means half price fares for Gold Card holders using the bus before 9.30am on weekdays will disappear. Instead, from 1 April they will be charged the full fare to help meet a possible huge bill from the county’s bus operators. Trips after 9.30am will remain free of charge. The hugely popular Gold Card travel and discount scheme is jointly run by Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and the county’s eight district councils. It currently costs local council tax payers around £13.1 million a year – cash paid to bus operators for free trips made by Gold Card holders. In a bid to extend the scheme for another 12 months – until a national scheme is introduced in April 2008 - the council offered bus companies a cash increase of 8 per cent. In addition, the councils agreed to full fare charges before 9.30am which bus operators will keep – making the deal worth around 11 per cent (£1.5m a year). But, two of Derbyshire largest bus operators – Trent/Barton and Stagecoach East Midlands/Yorkshire - insist they are being short changed. And they are appealing to the Government to make Derbyshire councils pay them up to £1.3 million more for the free travel scheme. The council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the changes to the Gold Card concessionary travel scheme for older and disabled people when it meets on Tuesday 20 March at 10.30am. “We are desperately disappointed that bus companies will be charging Gold Card holders the full fare before 9.30am,” said Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities. “We wanted to keep half fare travel for our Gold Card holders because we know how important it is to them. “Our £300,000 cash increase was the most we could afford on top of the £13.1 million bill we already pay. Unfortunately, the two big operators Trent/Barton and Stagecoach say they need more to cover their costs.” The new fare increase will apply throughout Derbyshire from 1 April 2007 for all Gold Card holders. Free travel at all times for disabled people with a purple-striped Gold Card is not affected.
“We know how important it is for local people to get out and about on public transport. That’s why we put in more than £5.5 million to subsidise and support the bus network and spend a further £11.6 million with bus, coach and taxi operators to provide free school transport.” (Ref: JT.88.07) |
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| 20 March 2007 | New scheme eases pain of parking |
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A new scheme has eased the hassle of parking for churchgoers. The layby outside Heage church is a popular parking spot for local people and visitors to the village. This meant getting to the church could often be a problem for elderly people and people with disabilities. Derbyshire County Council has now resurfaced the area and put down markings to create two disabled parking bays leaving the rest of the layby free for non-disabled parking. The scheme has cost £996 with half of the money coming from the community fund of Councillor Geoff Carlile, county council member for Heage. The county council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “It was brought to our attention some people - especially the elderly and less mobile - were having difficulty visiting the church due to the parking situation. “We were more than happy to help and hope the creation of these new bays will make life a lot easier for people to continue their regular visits to the church.” (REF: SM.92.07) |
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| 16 March 2007 | Youth Service News in Brief |
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Fun consultation planned for High Peak kids A youth club in the High Peak, run by Derbyshire County Council is holding a consultation event to find out what young people want. The consultation will give youth workers clues as to what young people of the High Peak will want to do in the summer holidays. Fun activities will also be taking place at the event, being held at Fairfield Youth Centre, in Victoria Park Road, Buxton. Youngsters will have the chance to play in a five-a-side football tournament, take part in dance workshops and get involved in photography sessions. Youth workers will be asking the young people to fill in questionnaires and take part in focus group workshops on the day. Youngsters unable to attend on the day can still take part in the consultation, through their local youth club. The event will take place on Thursday 5 April, between 11am and 4 pm. Amber Valley youngsters enjoy action packed month Youngsters from youth groups across the Amber Valley have enjoyed a weekend away in York. Young people from the Oyster Club in Alfreton, the Open Door Club of Aldercar and Somercotes youth club spent a busy weekend in the city. Activities included sightseeing, a visit to the theatre to see ‘Modern Millie’ and a tour around the York Dungeons. There was also a chance for the young people to complete their ‘Taking an Active Part’ Youth Train certificate. The trip, which was funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund, took place on the Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February and was organised through the Polygon Youth Centre, in Church Street Alfreton. Also in the Amber Valley, a handful of fortunate youngsters have been on a winter sports residential to Scotland. 19 young people who attend different youth groups in the region went on the trip, staying at a local youth hostel in Aviemore. Young people then travelled to the snowy slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains to try skiing and snowboarding. All the youngsters completed their National Snow Life Awards and ‘Taking an Active Part’ Youth Train accreditations. The trip, which took place between Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14 February, was funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund. (Ref:AB.91.07) |
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| 16 March 2007 | Award-winning restaurateur urges to buy local |
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The owner and chef of an award-winning Derbyshire restaurant has appeared on television to highlight the benefits of using local produce. Peter Dale runs The Dining Room in Ashbourne, with his wife Laura and last year the couple scooped the title of `Best Restaurant’ in Derbyshire County Council’s prestigious Food and Drink Awards. The awards aim to find the best of the county’s eateries and establishments are judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on their menus. Peter recently appeared on BBC3’s programme Kill It, Cook It, Eat It, to take part in a debate about food and the sourcing and slaughter of meat. Joining in the debate on pork, Peter, who prides himself on the use and promotion of local produce, was able to promote the benefits of knowing exactly where the meat used at The Dining Room comes from, how it is reared on local farms and how it is slaughtered. Peter said: “My attitudes to buying local produce where possible and how animals are reared and slaughtered is well-known and that philosophy is summed up in everything we do at the Dining Room. “Our approach obviously counted when it came to the Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards and we state where all our produce is from on menus so that people can buy the produce themselves, boosting the local economy as well.” The Dining Room, in St John Street, is just one of dozens of establishments taking part in the Derbyshire Food and Drink Festival which runs from 19-28 May, and it will be devising a `Taste of Derbyshire’ menu to mark the occasion. The week long festival is launched at the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair which is being held for the sixth year at Bolsover Castle on 19-20 May. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “The Dining Room is an excellent example of a business that is using local produce and not only highlighting the wealth of fantastic food and drink that is out there but boosting the local economy too. “Peter is really singing the praises of the variety and quality of produce that is available, which will be obvious to all who visit the Food and Drink Fair or take part in one of the events during the Food and Drink Festival in May.” (Ref:MC.90.07) |
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| 15 March 2007 | Derbyshire school funding agreed |
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Spending on Derbyshire’s schools is to rise by almost £18 million over the next year. Derbyshire County Council currently spends £3,429 per pupil and has an overall schools budget of around £376 million. Funding for 2007/08 will rise to £3,649 per pupil – an increase of 6.4 per cent. Total funding is estimated to increase to £394 million, subject to confirmation of pupil numbers. The Government cash includes funding for a number of specific issues in schools. Derbyshire County Council will get £5.2 million in grants in 2007/08. Theses will be spent on: • Personalised learning – schools will receive a share of £4.161 million to continue the development of personalised learning plans for pupils. This will allow each student to have the curriculum tailored to help them at their own pace. • Practical learning options for 14 to 16-year-olds – schools will receive a share of £1.041 million to develop vocational courses for pupils. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Schools will receive more money and the overall increase in funding continues the pattern in Derbyshire over recent years. “We’ve consulted widely with schools about how we will spend this money where it is most needed so we can continue to support the high standards in our schools despite budget pressures. “This extra cash is good news for our children, parents and teachers and will help education in the county go from strength to strength.” After meeting inflation costs, the increase in grant will fund other pressures in 2007/08 including: • Early years education - £350,000 to meet the forecast increase in the number of children eligible to access provision. • Special educational needs - £550,000 to support an anticipated increase in the costs of Derbyshire children placed in special provision outside Derbyshire. Once all funding and inflationary pressures have been met schools will get to share £1.6 million in growth funding, with £932,000 going to nursery and primary schools, £622,000 to secondary schools and £82,000 for special schools.
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| 15 March 2007 | Sunday success at Chesterfield Library |
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More than 6,500 people visited Derbyshire County Council’s Chesterfield Library during specially extended Sunday opening hours.
The library was open from 11am to 4pm for 10 weeks as part of the county council’s commitment to make its services more accessible to the public.
It is the first time the authority has opened one of its libraries on a Sunday with all the usual services available including the loan of books and free access to the internet.
New figures reveal that a total of 4,810 books, DVDs and CDs were issued to visitors over the period while staff, who volunteered to work, dealt with almost 800 enquiries.
They also organised 987 sessions for people wanting to use the library’s computer system and 44 new library members were recruited.
Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said the extended Sunday opening was a success among staff and the public.
He said: “We received many positive comments from library staff and public alike who appreciated the more relaxed atmosphere.
“We were delighted with the numbers of people who visited and made the most of the services on offer, including the chance to sit in the library’s coffee shop, enjoy a drink and a snack and read the Sunday papers.
“As well as all the usual services there were a host of events organised for all the family including a children’s fun day, performers and demonstrations of lace-making and spinning.
“It has proved so successful that we have set aside a further £100,000 to operate Sunday opening at the library later in the year and eventually extend it to other libraries.”
During the extended opening, library staff spoke to visitors to find out what they thought. Among the comments were: “I enjoy coming here on a Sunday because the atmosphere is more relaxed.”
Another person said: “This is a much better time to browse and to encourage my children to enjoy choosing books.”
A third added: “I am a full-time nursing student so Sunday is the best time for me to study as I am always busy during the week.”
(Ref: CC.89.07) |
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| 14 March 2007 | Still time to book onto free pub courses |
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Pub landlords and nightclub bosses in parts of Derbyshire are attending free training to learn how to make their venues safer and there is still time to sign up. Derbyshire County Council is encouraging licensees to take advantage of the free sessions which will provide them with a recognised qualification and skills to deal with conflict and alcohol-related violence. The courses are a pilot scheme run by the authority to increase safety for customers and staff in pubs and clubs and help tackle alcohol-related crime, particularly in busy town centres. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety services Councillor Joyce Sanders said: “We’ve already had some very positive feedback from the licensees. The courses are designed to help them protect their staff and customers and make their venues safer for everyone to enjoy.” There are two one-day courses available covering the legal and practical responsibilities of licensees, ways of resolving confrontation, the law relating to violence and assault, self defence and reporting of incidents. Invitations to the courses have been sent to 370 pubs and nightclubs in the Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East areas of the county and licensees are being encouraged to book early as places are limited. Sessions will take place on the following dates between 9am and 5pm:
SAFER PUBS: Landlord of Chandler’s bar in Chesterfield, Roger Butler, completes his safety training and is joined by Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety Councillor Joyce Sanders and police officer Ian Godfrey. |
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| 14 March 2007 | New exhibition about Derbyshire's links with the slave trade |
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Derbyshire’s links with slavery are detailed in a new exhibition about to be launched in the county’s libraries to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. A startling newspaper advert from 1768 advertising the sale of a “black boy” in Dronfield along with letters from prominent Derbyshire abolitionists such as Belper’s Edward Strutt and MP Henry Cavendish are among the items featured. Portraits by renowned painter and abolitionist Joseph Wright are also part of the display which provides a fascinating insight into the tireless work which eventually helped lead to the trade’s abolition on March 25, 1807. The exhibition will be touring a number of the county council’s libraries from Friday, March 23 until Friday, April 27, before being rolled out across the county later in the year. It will be officially launched on March 23 at Chesterfield Library and will be on display simultaneously at Alfreton, Clowne, Dronfield, Glossop, Long Eaton, Swadlincote and Wirksworth libraries. Other items making up the exhibition include an advert for the sale of slaves and portraits of the leading anti-slavery campaigners of the day, including Derby’s Erasmus Darwin and the Rev Thomas Gisborne, a friend of abolitionist William Wilberforce. Although landlocked, Derbyshire families did make money from the slave trade and a headstone in North Wingfield attests to it. It features the name of 20 year old Henry Wilson who died of yellow fever in Demerera in 1797. His brother Thomas had gone to the West Indies in the 1790s to make his fortune. He returned to England, buying a farm near Clay Cross in 1799, apparently bringing some slaves with him. The new exhibition has been put together by staff in the county council’s local studies library and from the record office in Matlock. The Derbyshire Record Office holds a wide range of original sources illustrating the county’s connections with the slave trade, including:
As part of the commemoration in Derbyshire of the abolition of the slave trade, Dr Mark Smith, an archivist from the county council’s record office and an expert in African studies, will give a talk on the origins of the slave trade and the county’s connections based on original sources. A speaker of the West African language Hausa, Dr Smith, of Belper, will give his talk at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, at 10am on Friday, March 23. Tickets are free and are available in advance from the library reception or by calling 01246 209292. He will repeat his talk at Dronfield Library on Thursday, May 17, and at Buxton Library on Wednesday, June 6. During the Chesterfield event there will also be readings about slavery, including slave narratives, by library staff. Cuncillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, who will launch the exhibition, said: “This is a fascinating and insightful exhibition which gave me a few surprises. “I didn’t realise there were so many links between Derbyshire and the abolitionist movement and it is interesting to find out who the movers and shakers were. “It’s also interesting to learn just how strong the feeling against slavery was among the general population of Derbyshire and how people were prepared to stand up and fight against it.” Derbyshire Record Office is organising an archive skills workshop on resources for the abolition of slavery on Tuesday, April 17. For further information call the Record Office, New Street, Matlock, on 01629 585959. |
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| 14 March 2007 | Buxton welcomes a smooth operator |
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A juicy new addition to a town’s choice of eateries is going from strength to strength after opening its doors thanks to a scheme backed by Derbyshire County Council. Fresh, a juice and smoothie bar in The Quadrant, Buxton, is the brain-child of 22 year old Jenna Pearson and opened up last November. Jenna, of Buxton, gave up her job in a cheese factory to go travelling and got the idea for Fresh while touring around Australia. As it was her first venture, she turned to The Prince’s Trust for support and advice. The Prince’s Trust, which receives an annual grant towards the running costs of its business programme from Derbyshire County Council, helped her to access business training through Business Link. The training included essentials like book-keeping, as well as guiding her through drawing up a business plan with local, one-to-one support and advice. Jenna also received part-funding to help her set up, securing a low interest loan to re-fit her premises, buy catering equipment including juicing machines and pay for initial advertising. She was also paired with a Prince’s Trust volunteer mentor who she now meets on a monthly basis for support and advice. Fresh offers a wide range of healthy takeaway food including a variety of salads, fruit, fruit juices and smoothies and Jenna is already employing six people. Jenna said: “I got the idea for a juice and smoothie bar after travelling round Australia where they have lots of places like that. “There was nothing similar in Buxton and already we are proving very popular. “The thought of setting up a business was a bit daunting and going to the Prince’s Trust was a very good move. “They have been very helpful indeed and I’m not sure I could have done it without their help. I would recommend young people to go to them for support and advice if they are thinking of setting up their first business.” Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “We are very supportive of the work of both Business Link and the Prince’s Trust and the help, advice and funding offered to help new businesses set up. “It can be very daunting setting up a business, especially if you haven’t done it before, and I hope that knowing the support is out there will encourage others to take the plunge like Jenna has. “I’m sure Fresh will be a huge success in Buxton and I was very impressed not only with what was on offer to customers but with the enthusiasm and determination Jenna has for her enterprise.” Co-ordinator for the Prince’s Trust in North Derbyshire Mark Rushworth said: “We are really pleased with the support and encouragement provided by Councillor Geoff Carlile and Derbyshire County Council in supporting our work with young people. “The council’s annual grant goes towards covering the running costs of our business programme in the county.” (Ref: MC.84.07) |
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| 13 March 2007 | What's your view on visitor centre proposals? |
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Countryside enthusiasts and residents are being asked their views on improvements to a popular visitor centre. Derbyshire County Council wants to develop the picnic site at Hayfield to:
A list has been drawn up of possible facilities including:
The plans are at a very early stage and now the authority wants to hear what local people and visitors think. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “We have drawn up these plans in partnership with local people. “We want to improve the site so local people and visitors can get even more enjoyment out of this beautiful part of the county. We are now keen to hear views from anyone who uses or lives near this site.” Leaflets can be access by clicking on the link below and can also be picked up from the visitor centre, the local library, district, town or parish council or alternatively by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or by email at call.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk Media enquiries to Shonagh MacKenzie on 01629 585269 or email shonagh.mackenzie@derbyshire.gov.uk The document in the more information section is available in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download the PDF software for free if it isn't available on your computer. Download Adobe Reader (opens in a new window) or visit our information pages to find out more about accessing PDF files. |
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| 12 March 2007 | Council supports effort to save post offices |
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A consultation looking at ways to save post offices across the country has been welcomed by Derbyshire County Council.
The Government is proposing to invest up to £1.7 billion over the next five years to support the post office network, enabling it to modernise and restructure.
A number of proposals to restructure the service are now being discussed nationally which would reflect new technology, changing lifestyles and how services could best be accessed in the future.
The consultation is being led by the Department of Trade and Industry and the deadline to respond is 8 March.
Derbyshire County Council has been working closely with the local rural transfer advisors, who are appointed by the Post Office to look into ways of preserving and re-opening rural post offices, for a number of years.
The county council is now supporting the Government’s efforts to look at ways that services can be maintained in rural areas and how they can be accessed in different ways.
As part of its campaign the county council has, in the past, stepped in to offer support, highlight vacancies and appeal for new sub-postmasters to come forward or new premises to be made available when post offices have closed.
Working with the local rural transfer advisors, the county council’s campaign has seen many successes with post offices re-opening after closure, new staff coming forward and new premises including pubs, a hotel and a church all being used.
Under proposals being considered nationally there are plans for innovative outlets to serve small, remote communities, including mobile post offices and using village halls, community centres, pubs, village shops and other venues to run services.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile, has long championed the retention of rural post offices across Derbyshire and has worked closely with the Post Office and residents in several villages to come up with new and innovative ideas to make new ventures viable.
Councillor Carlile said: “Post offices play a vital social and economic role in local communities and we need a stable, viable network of post offices for the future.
“The county council has been working hard with the local rural transfer advisors from the Post Office to ensure that services are safeguarded and we will be looking at innovative ideas to provide postal and financial services where there are any rural closures.”
He added: “I will be looking closely at plans to be drawn up by the Post Office in our area and I hope local organisations will have their say in the consultation on the future shape of the network.” (Ref:MC.74.07) |
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| 09 March 2007 | Skills and support win school assistants new status |
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A dedicated group of Derbyshire teaching assistants have had their first-class skills and support of pupils and teachers recognised. Staff from schools across the county attended a presentation ceremony at County Hall, Matlock, where 154 teaching assistants received certificates for attaining new higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status. Derbyshire now has 218 HLTAs who work with teachers to support learning and pupil achievement. A further 68 candidates are currently working towards the status or awaiting their results. Assessment for the qualification, awarded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools, is based on work done in the classroom with pupils under the direction of the teacher. The teaching assistant must demonstrate professional values and practice, knowledge and understanding and ability to deliver teaching and learning activities. Assessments are based on day-to-day work with individual pupils, small groups and in whole class situations. Candidates have training needs identified and met before spending three days preparing for their visit from an assessor. Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, made the presentation of certificates at the ceremony last week. He said: “We want all Derbyshire children to make the most of their abilities and enjoy their school experience so they have the best start in life. “The support which HLTAs offer to pupils is vital to their progress and allows teachers to give children extra encouragement and guidance. “I’d like to congratulate all of the successful candidates – and their schools – for demonstrating what an excellent standard of education they are providing for pupils.” Successful candidates were: Caroline Winsor - Aldercar Community Language College
(REF: FW.82.07) |
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| 09 March 2007 | Firms urged to take part in consultation |
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Companies that would like to make greater use of computers to do business are urged to take part in a survey being carried out by Derbyshire County Council. The council is asking small and medium-sized companies and voluntary sector organisations around the county about their use of the Internet and email in their day-to-day business. It is part of a drive to encourage more local firms to work with the county council using electronic means in line with Government guidelines. Companies will be asked whether they have a website, if they use email regularly, whether they use electronic invoicing and if they browse the internet to look for future business opportunities. Derbyshire County Council has made it easier for local companies to bid for its contracts by placing them on the Source Derbyshire website. The website – www.sourcederbyshire.co.uk (opens in a new window) – also allows firms to advertise their own contracts free-of-charge as part of the council’s commitment to boost the local economy. The questionnaire is also being sent to companies on the county council’s database. Depending on the outcome of the survey the county council will consider offering training courses to companies to help them make the most of computers to expand their business. Councillor Geoff Carlile, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We all know the huge role that computers play in our lives and we want to make sure that Derbyshire companies are making the most of these opportunities. “By establishing the level of computer use among small and medium-sized firms we can establish if there is a need for additional training, help and advice to be offered as part of our commitment to help boost the local economy.” For more information contact Michelle Smith, principal procurement officer, on 01629 580000 ext: 6870 or email michelle.smith@derbyshire.gov.uk (REF: CC.83.07) |
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| 08 March 2007 | New exhibition at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery |
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Sketches of well-known Derbyshire buildings feature in an exhibition being launched at Derbyshire County Council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 17 March. Drawings on display by artist Bryn Hughes include Buxton Opera House and St Mary’s Church in Wirksworth. Bryn, who began drawing in 2001, knew he wanted to be an architect from the age of 10 and this is reflected in his choice of subject matter. Using his draughtsman’s eye he draws directly in pen to capture the shape, shadow and texture of the outside of buildings. His work includes buildings in countries such as Spain, France and America. The exhibition – called Look Over My Shoulder - will open on Saturday 17 March at 2pm and continues until 13 May. Bryn will be at the museum to talk to visitors on Saturday 24 March and on Saturday 31 March from 2pm to 4pm. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is open to the public free of charge as part of the county council’s commitment to provide access for everyone to cultural activities. As well as Bryn’s work, visitors can also see the latest exhibition using items from the Derbyshire Police Collections. Called Time Served, it celebrates the past 150 years of policing in Derbyshire. Paintings and drawings by Geoff Archer, called Rock, Roaches, Canyons and Coves, are also on display at the venue until 15 April. For more information contact Martha Jasko on 01298 24658 or email martha.jasko@derbyshire.gov.uk (Ref: CC.80.07) |
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| 07 March 2007 | Funding boost for Derbyshire schools |
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A Derbyshire school is to be replaced ahead of schedule thanks to a Government cash advance to improve and modernise buildings for county pupils and staff. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) gave local authorities the chance to receive advance funding for capital projects from their 2008/2009 and 2010/2011 budgets. Derbyshire County Council accepted the offer and will receive £5,765,893 from the modernisation fund and £593,498 from the local education authority co-ordinated voluntary-aided programme (LCVAP) for church aided schools. This means priority projects that would have been carried out with cash from the authority’s 2008 to 2011 budgets can begin now as part of the 2007/2008 programme of work. Abercrombie Community Primary School in Victoria Street, Chesterfield is to be replaced with a new £4,550,000 building suitable for its 210 pupils. Designs for the new school are being drawn up and work on the new site on the school’s detached playing field in Higher Albert Street is expected to start in spring 2008. The new school will see pupils benefit from:
Once complete pupils and staff will transfer to the new site and it is anticipated that the existing school will be sold. Work on a new £250,000 replacement kitchen for Somercotes Infant School will be brought forward and included in a current scheme to replace a double classroom unit at the Victoria Street site, already planned for this financial year. Bramley Vale Primary in Chesterfield will benefit from the early investment of £100,000 to replace the school’s kitchen, which has been out of action since 2005 as it was too large, out-of-date and in need of extensive modernisation. Meals have since been cooked at Grassmoor Primary School and transported. As part of work to remodel the kitchen, expected to begin in summer, some of the extra space will be transformed into an arts area. A planned new £4.6million replacement primary school in Clay Cross has been earmarked for an additional £200,000 to cover rising costs of materials and a new £2,700,000 replacement primary school in Main Road, Shirland, is to receive an extra £600,000 to cover additional costs. Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “The advance funding from the Government means we can complete projects sooner and beat rising inflation costs of building materials. “Our aim is to make Derbyshire’s schools centres of excellence so every child has the best possible opportunity to fulfil their potential and enjoy their education. “These new school buildings will meet the highest modern standards and be fully equipped for today’s curriculum so staff can make learning innovative and exciting for pupils both now and in the future.”
(REF: FW.75.07)
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| 07 March 2007 | Cash awarded to environmental projects |
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Groups are being invited to apply for up to £50,000 to spend on improvements in their communities. Derbyshire County Council’s Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme (DALGS) is awarding up to 85 per cent of the cost of projects in areas that have suffered from the effects of quarried sand, gravel and crushed rock. Private landowners can apply for up to 50 per cent of the cost. Funding is available for a wide range of community and environmental projects. Past awards have gone towards the refurbishment of play areas, village halls, community centres, dry stone walls and places of worship. Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and chair of DALGS Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “Since DALGS started five years ago it has awarded £1.5m to 73 projects. “This has resulted in many worthwhile schemes being put into place which will improve many communities across the county.” Cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “DALGS is a great initiative as it allows us to return money raised from taxation on quarrying back to the communities who most need it. “These latest grants will help make significant improvements to community facilities, recreation provision and restoring the historic environment.” The closing date for applications is Monday 23 April. Grants will be decided in late summer. Application forms are available by contacting the Derbyshire Environmental Trust on 01629 585314, email det@derbyshire.gov.uk, by post from Derbyshire Environmental Trust, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. (REF: SM.78.07)
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| 07 March 2007 | Brush up your search skills at record office |
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A series of workshops are being staged at Derbyshire Record Office to help researchers brush up their search skills.
The workshops – based on the theme of Freedom and Liberty – are aimed at people with previous experience of searching the thousands of archives kept at the county council-run office in Matlock.
Now they will be able to hone their skills with help from experienced council staff who will be on hand during the one-to-one sessions.
Using documents from the record office collections, each session will focus on a specific topic and will feature practical research exercises.
The theme was chosen as 2007 marks the anniversary of many major events including the 250th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, the 190th anniversary of the Pentrich Revolution and 60 years since the independence of India.
The workshops are:
The sessions are free but people are advised to book as places are limited. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Councillor Bob Janes, the county council’s cabinet member for cultural and community services, said: “These sessions are designed for people who already have some experience of searching for documents kept at the record office.
“We hope that they will help people to develop their skills even further to make the most of the vast array of material at their fingertips.”
For more information or to book contact Derbyshire Record Office, New Street, Matlock, on 01629 585959 or e-mailrecord.office@derbyshire.gov.uk
(Ref: CC.77.07)
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| 06 March 2007 | National award for county council children's manager |
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A Derbyshire County Council children’s worker has scooped a national award for his outstanding skills. Chris Lewis, was one of 26 people selected from about 750,000 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) candidates to receive a highly commended certificate from the City and Guilds Institute. The outreach team manager has worked for the authority since 1983 and was one of the first students in the country to complete the Managers in Residential Childcare qualification. During his 10-month course last year he had to demonstrate knowledge and skills in child care and development, health and safety, staff recruitment and development and national legislation and policy. After completing his studies Chris submitted a synopsis of his coursework, including details of how he had provided excellent service to children and staff in his care. As outreach team manager for the northern area of the county he helps children with disabilities access services and leisure facilities in the local community. The exam body awarded him the highly commended certificate, for his “meticulous attention to details and knowledge”. Chris, (54), said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to receive this honour and didn’t expect it at all because I was just doing my job and learning as much as I could so I could do my very best for the children and other staff. “The study was a really rewarding experience and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to make the most of my potential.” A formal presentation of the award was made by Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services. Councillor Western said: “One of our top priorities is to help all Derbyshire children learn, succeed and live happily and healthily so we invest in the training of staff like Chris to make sure we meet this target. “He has put an incredible amount of effort into his course and deserves this recognition for doing a great job in his day-to-day work and applying himself to furthering his skills. “I’m delighted and proud for him and think he’s a credit to Derbyshire County Council and the children and families we serve.” TOP MARKS: Chris Lewis receives his certificate from Councillor Anne Western. (REF: FW.76.07)
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| 05 March 2007 | Amazing brains |
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Pupils at a Derbyshire primary school have been learning about the wonders of the human brain during a week of activities.
Our Amazing Brains is a national initiative which aims to teach pupils how the brain works and the different styles they can use to learn new information.
During the week pupils at Walton Holymoorside Primary School in Holymoor Road, Holymoorside made models of brains using dough and did exercises to find out what their gifts and talents are.
Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, visited the school to see some of the activities.
He said: “While the week’s activities have been fun for pupils they have also learnt a lot about how the brain works and how it can help them to gain new skills and abilities.
“Teaching staff are also using the information gained from the sessions to find out about the preferred learning styles of pupils so they can use innovative teaching methods to bring out the abilities of all pupils.
“All staff at the school have already received training on teaching methods they can use to engage pupils with different learning styles, such as verbal or visual, so all students can get the most out of their lessons.”
All of the school’s 387 pupils, aged three to 11, took part in the Our Amazing Brains activities. Brainy kids…Walton Holymoorside Primary School pupils Natalie Sharratt and Scott Briggs, both eight, show Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, paper models they have made of the human brain.
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| 01 March 2007 | Derbyshire's schools beat national test averages |
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Students in Derbyshire have outperformed national averages in test results for 14-year-olds published by the Government today (Thursday). Achievement and attainment tables look at the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum assessment tests, also known as SATs, taken by students in 2006. The percentage of Derbyshire pupils, excluding Derby city, who achieved the benchmark level five standard at Key Stage 3 was (national figures are in brackets):
Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “Since the league tables began in 2002 Derbyshire has consistently performed above the national average at Key Stage 3. “It’s a fantastic reflection on the hard work that is going on to continually improve on already high standards and achievements by pupils, teaching staff, governors and Derbyshire County Council’s education advisers. “I’m particularly proud that two Derbyshire schools, The William Allit School in Swadlincote and St Thomas More Catholic School in Buxton, are among the top improving schools based on sustained improvement between 2003 and 2006. “I’d like to congratulate everyone on these results and for maintaining Derbyshire’s strong record for providing an excellent level of education.” The tables also reveal the results of schools in individual subjects, their overall points scores and a value added measure, which looks at pupils’ progress between the ages of 11 and 14. Schools performing well in the average points score include The Ecclesbourne School in Duffield, Lady Manners School in Bakewell, St Mary’s Catholic High School in Upper Newbold, Saint John Houghton Catholic School in Kirk Hallam, Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield and Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School. Those scoring highly in the value added measures include Lady Manners School in Bakewell, St Mary’s Catholic High School in Upper Newbold, The Ecclesbourne School in Duffield, Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield, John Flamsteed Community School in Denby and Netherthorpe School in Staveley.
(REF: FW.69.07) |
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| 05 March 2007 | Making a real change with washable nappies |
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Parents and carers are once again being asked to ditch the disposables in favour of more environmentally ‘real’ nappies. Derbyshire County Council has a series of events planned as part of Real Nappy Week (Sunday 11 March until Sunday 18 March) where parents can get advice on using washable nappies and where to buy them. Nappuccinos will be held on:
Local baby shops and nappy outlets will be at a Baby Day on Saturday 17 March from 10.30am until 1.30pm at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Swadlincote. And on the same day (10am until 2pm) a nappy advisor will be on hand to give advice when the county council’s waste exhibition van pulls into Derby market square. There will also be advice on general recycling. Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for sustainable communities Councillor Brian Lucas said: “It is estimated 9,000 tonnes of nappy waste is sent to landfill sites in Derbyshire each year at a cost of £378,000. “It makes sense that the more we can divert from landfill the better it will be for our environment and our pockets. The aim of the Baby Days and Nappuccino events is to let parents know they do have choices and washable nappies need not be so daunting to use.” (REF: SM.73.07)
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| 01 March 2007 | Improving life for looked after children and young people |
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An even higher quality of care is to be offered in Derbyshire County Council’s children’s homes following changes to the way they are run.
The move will coincide with an appeal to recruit more contract foster carers who provide care for the most vulnerable young people in Derbyshire.
Currently there are 45 places in children’s homes and 22 with contract foster carers – which are a mix of long-term and short-term placements.
Some places have to be kept aside for emergency admissions in children’s homes and with contract foster carers in case they are needed. This makes it hard to plan to use spaces effectively.
Emergency admissions in children’s homes can cause disruption to longer term residents and affect the family atmosphere that has built up.
To reduce disruption to young people in long-term children’s home placements and reduce the number of spare spaces in homes Derbyshire County Council is going to use the Stephenson Unit in Clay Cross for emergency admissions whenever possible. This means other children’s homes will only get emergency admissions if the Stephenson Unit is full.
Four contract foster carers will also be employed just to take emergency cases.
Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “By altering the way we run centres and provide contract foster carers we can provide an even higher standard of care for these young people.
“Existing residents will face less disruption and emergency admissions will be placed in a children’s home with other young people in similar circumstances or with a specialist contract foster carer. This will allow them to get the more specialist care they need.”
Contract carers are paid £443.87 a week in expenses and fees to take a young person in their home to provide 24-hour care and support.
The young person may have behavioural difficulties, have been in trouble with the police or involved in substance misuse.
Having contract foster carers prevents Derbyshire teenagers being sent to specialist accommodation outside the county or to secure units. By living in a stable, family environment it helps them make a fresh start.
Anyone interested in becoming a contract foster carer should ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering (opens in a new window) (REF: JF.72.07)
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| 01 March 2007 | Parents notified about secondary school places |
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Thousands of letters will be sent by Derbyshire County Council today (Thursday) telling parents which secondary school their child has been offered a place at.
The authority has sent out letters making offers of secondary school places to 8,652 Derbyshire parents. Of those who made applications, 95 per cent of parents have been offered their first choice school. Overall 98 per cent of parents have been offered a place at one of their three preferred schools.
This is the third year the county council has acted as a central clearing house to deal with admissions to all secondary schools, including voluntary aided and foundation (former grant maintained) schools.
Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for school planning and support, said: “I am delighted that 95 per cent of parents have been able to get their first choice of school – up from 93 per cent last year.
“Parents have no automatic right to a place at a particular school but the requests of most parents have been met.”
The small number of parents who have not got a place at their preferred school have the right of appeal to an independent panel. Information of how to appeal is available online by visiting www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions (opens in a new window) Alternatively parents can get information from Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays or 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays.
All current year six pupils will start at secondary school in September.
Parents who have applied for places at infant, primary or junior schools for their child will be notified by letter on 13 April. Anyone who has not already made an application should do so urgently by ringing the admissions and appeals team on 01246 347479.
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