New Directions Clinches National Award
13/05/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
THE QUALITY of the advice and support services provided by New Directions - Reading Borough Council’s Learning and Employment Service - has been recognised nationally.
It has picked up the Matrix Standard for the work it does to support and advise clients on their choice of career.
The award follows a four-day inspection in February during which learners, staff, tutors, learning support assistants and volunteers were interviewed and New Directions’ centres, policies, procedures and practice were examined.
Key strengths identified included:
• Partnerships and outreach work which was classed as ‘reliable, supportive and flexible and provision tailored to need.’
• Case studies on the website www.newdirectionsreading.co.uk were good as they had a balance of inspirational and more normal journeys that relate to people’s own experience and are not perceived as unobtainable.
• Staff were found to be committed to making a difference. The Senior Management Team ensures staff are competent, professional and properly qualified but in addition staff understand the need to achieve outcomes and progress.
• Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity and the quality assurance of these was strong.
• Learner support is integrated across the whole organisation – Learners make good progress.
• The use of Learning Support Workers and Volunteers across the organisation was good.
• Performance management of staff was strong.
• Volunteers and learners have opportunities to contribute to the design and delivery of the service. Learner and staff voice is strong.
Lead Councillor for Education, John Ennis, said “I’m delighted that New Directions has maintained its high standards for giving good quality and impartial Information, Advice and Guidance. Also that services are consistent across the borough. This positive external judgement so soon after the positive Ofsted inspection confirms that the service continues to flourish”.
Anyone needing assistance with their career or job search should visit http://www.newdirectionsreading.co.uk or call 0345 842 0012 so they can benefit from the services and courses on offer.
Monday, 13 May 2013
Sunday, 12 May 2013
No Stopping Order Proposal For Southcote
No Stopping Order Proposal For Southcote
23/04/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
Residents in Southcote are to have their say on a proposal to ban anti-social parking in their neighbourhood.
Southcote Neighbourhood Action Group has been out over the last few weeks assessing which roads in the area suffer from the worst issues of people parking their vehicles on grass verges and pavements.
When people do this, it can reduce visibility at road junctions and roundabouts and can cause an obstruction for those with mobility problems, parents with pushchairs and young children walking to and from school, and older people. As well as making it difficult for residents to use their streets safely, the vehicles can also cause substantial damage to verges.
Residents living in Ashampstead Road, Brunel Road, Circuit Lane, Florian Gardens (off Virginia Way), Frilsham Road, Gainsborough Road, Southcote Lane and Virginia Way, where these problems occur more often, will be able to feedback what they think of the ban which is being proposed by the neighbourhood action group, through a consultation that starts this week.
The consultation (April 20th-May 28th 2013), concerns whether to introduce a ‘no stopping’ order in these roads. A no stopping order would prevent any vehicle from pulling up and stopping on pavements and verges. After a period in which warning notices would be issued, registered keepers of vehicles found by Council enforcement officers to be in breach of the ban, would be issued with a penalty charge notice.
Rachel Eden, lead councillor for neighbourhoods and housing, said: “This is the chance for local residents to say what they think about footway and verge parking and the NAG’s proposals for tackling it. Verge parking was a key issue identified by many people who responded to a major NAG survey last year, but it is important for car-owners who would be affected by the proposed ban to respond also.”
Residents will receive a consultation form through their door, but any resident in the area is welcome to attend the next Southcote Neighbourhood Action Group meeting on Thursday, May 23rd at 7pm, at the Children’s Centre in Coronation Square .
The consultation is also available to view online at www.reading.gov.uk/southcoteparking
If there is found to be majority support for the scheme amongst residents, the request will then be passed onto Reading Borough Council for them to consider.
23/04/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
Residents in Southcote are to have their say on a proposal to ban anti-social parking in their neighbourhood.
Southcote Neighbourhood Action Group has been out over the last few weeks assessing which roads in the area suffer from the worst issues of people parking their vehicles on grass verges and pavements.
When people do this, it can reduce visibility at road junctions and roundabouts and can cause an obstruction for those with mobility problems, parents with pushchairs and young children walking to and from school, and older people. As well as making it difficult for residents to use their streets safely, the vehicles can also cause substantial damage to verges.
Residents living in Ashampstead Road, Brunel Road, Circuit Lane, Florian Gardens (off Virginia Way), Frilsham Road, Gainsborough Road, Southcote Lane and Virginia Way, where these problems occur more often, will be able to feedback what they think of the ban which is being proposed by the neighbourhood action group, through a consultation that starts this week.
The consultation (April 20th-May 28th 2013), concerns whether to introduce a ‘no stopping’ order in these roads. A no stopping order would prevent any vehicle from pulling up and stopping on pavements and verges. After a period in which warning notices would be issued, registered keepers of vehicles found by Council enforcement officers to be in breach of the ban, would be issued with a penalty charge notice.
Rachel Eden, lead councillor for neighbourhoods and housing, said: “This is the chance for local residents to say what they think about footway and verge parking and the NAG’s proposals for tackling it. Verge parking was a key issue identified by many people who responded to a major NAG survey last year, but it is important for car-owners who would be affected by the proposed ban to respond also.”
Residents will receive a consultation form through their door, but any resident in the area is welcome to attend the next Southcote Neighbourhood Action Group meeting on Thursday, May 23rd at 7pm, at the Children’s Centre in Coronation Square .
The consultation is also available to view online at www.reading.gov.uk/southcoteparking
If there is found to be majority support for the scheme amongst residents, the request will then be passed onto Reading Borough Council for them to consider.
Reading Maintains Child Protection Rating Despite Tougher Test
Reading Maintains Child Protection Rating Despite Tougher Test
23/04/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
AN UNANNOUNCED inspection of child protection services in Reading last month has found it is performing adequately.
It means Reading has maintained the rating despite the introduction by Ofsted of significantly harder tests this year for all local Council’s and their partner agencies.
A detailed report – published today (April 23) at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/local-authorities/reading – describes child protection in Reading as ‘a service that is doing what is required to keep children and young people safe.’
The Ofsted report states: “Since the last inspection of safeguarding and services for looked after children in February 2012 progress has been made in strengthening arrangements for identifying children and young people at risk of significant harm and responding to their needs.”
Child protection and safeguarding in Reading is provided by the Borough Council in close conjunction with a number of partner agencies including Thames Valley Police and NHS Berkshire West. It is overseen by the Reading Safeguarding Children Board (RSCB).There are 172 children or young people in Reading subject to child protection plans and the snap Ofsted inspection considered key aspects of a child’s journey through the child protection system and the effectiveness of the help and protection on offer.
Ofsted inspectors visited Reading between March 11 – 20 and found: “Social workers and staff in other agencies whose job it is to keep children and young people safe work hard and are committed to helping children and their families. People act quickly when a child or young person needs to be protected.”
As part of their inspection, Ofsted noted an improvement in the timeliness of initial assessments - now in line with those of statistical neighbours - and significant progress in securing a more stable workforce. Caseloads for Council social workers were described in the report as ‘manageable.’
The inspection report goes on to say: “Most of the time, children and young people who need extra help get good support and advice early on before problems get very big or much more difficult to sort out. People and services that help make sure that parents are involved at an early stage."
The report adds: “Many of the parents who spoke to inspectors felt things were getting better.”
Ofsted noted that Reading Borough Council had protected children’s services provision in both the 2012/13 and 2013/14 budgets and inspectors wrote: “Elected members, the Managing Director of the Council, Director of Education, Social Services and Housing and senior managers all show ambition for the Council in maintaining high quality services to protect and safeguard vulnerable children and young people. Ambition is shared by partner agencies and reflected in the allocation of resources to meet service needs and demands.”
The Ofsted also refers to a fall in the number of young people committing serious crimes and breaking the law in Reading and the fact children and young people were benefitting from a diverse range of early help and preventative services.
A number of recommendations for improvements were made, the main one being the need for all agencies to be clear about when to refer children and young people to the Council’s Child Protection Team. Inspectors wrote: “A significantly high number of contacts or referrals made to social care by partner agencies do not meet the jointly agreed thresholds for intervention. As a result inappropriate contacts and referrals are placing a unnecessary burden on front line social care services which potentially could divert staff resources from more serious and higher level cases.”
A number of other recommended improvements included involving children more in discussions and decision-making about their plans, and providing clearer information to make it easier for children and parents to understand why they are receiving the services they are. Reading Borough Council has already started work on an action plan to present to Ofsted outlining how it proposes to address the recommendations made.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Of all the services provided by this Council, keeping vulnerable children safe is the most important of all. Despite the significantly harder test set, Reading has maintained its position and the progress that has been made is clear in this latest Ofsted report.
“ Reading has a population of more than 33,000 children or young people under the age of 17 and that population is increasing. At a time of significant budget pressure it is therefore also good to see inspectors note the Council’s on-going commitment to providing all the resource necessary to help look after the needs of the most vulnerable young people in our town.”
23/04/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
AN UNANNOUNCED inspection of child protection services in Reading last month has found it is performing adequately.
It means Reading has maintained the rating despite the introduction by Ofsted of significantly harder tests this year for all local Council’s and their partner agencies.
A detailed report – published today (April 23) at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/local-authorities/reading – describes child protection in Reading as ‘a service that is doing what is required to keep children and young people safe.’
The Ofsted report states: “Since the last inspection of safeguarding and services for looked after children in February 2012 progress has been made in strengthening arrangements for identifying children and young people at risk of significant harm and responding to their needs.”
Child protection and safeguarding in Reading is provided by the Borough Council in close conjunction with a number of partner agencies including Thames Valley Police and NHS Berkshire West. It is overseen by the Reading Safeguarding Children Board (RSCB).There are 172 children or young people in Reading subject to child protection plans and the snap Ofsted inspection considered key aspects of a child’s journey through the child protection system and the effectiveness of the help and protection on offer.
Ofsted inspectors visited Reading between March 11 – 20 and found: “Social workers and staff in other agencies whose job it is to keep children and young people safe work hard and are committed to helping children and their families. People act quickly when a child or young person needs to be protected.”
As part of their inspection, Ofsted noted an improvement in the timeliness of initial assessments - now in line with those of statistical neighbours - and significant progress in securing a more stable workforce. Caseloads for Council social workers were described in the report as ‘manageable.’
The inspection report goes on to say: “Most of the time, children and young people who need extra help get good support and advice early on before problems get very big or much more difficult to sort out. People and services that help make sure that parents are involved at an early stage."
The report adds: “Many of the parents who spoke to inspectors felt things were getting better.”
Ofsted noted that Reading Borough Council had protected children’s services provision in both the 2012/13 and 2013/14 budgets and inspectors wrote: “Elected members, the Managing Director of the Council, Director of Education, Social Services and Housing and senior managers all show ambition for the Council in maintaining high quality services to protect and safeguard vulnerable children and young people. Ambition is shared by partner agencies and reflected in the allocation of resources to meet service needs and demands.”
The Ofsted also refers to a fall in the number of young people committing serious crimes and breaking the law in Reading and the fact children and young people were benefitting from a diverse range of early help and preventative services.
A number of recommendations for improvements were made, the main one being the need for all agencies to be clear about when to refer children and young people to the Council’s Child Protection Team. Inspectors wrote: “A significantly high number of contacts or referrals made to social care by partner agencies do not meet the jointly agreed thresholds for intervention. As a result inappropriate contacts and referrals are placing a unnecessary burden on front line social care services which potentially could divert staff resources from more serious and higher level cases.”
A number of other recommended improvements included involving children more in discussions and decision-making about their plans, and providing clearer information to make it easier for children and parents to understand why they are receiving the services they are. Reading Borough Council has already started work on an action plan to present to Ofsted outlining how it proposes to address the recommendations made.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Of all the services provided by this Council, keeping vulnerable children safe is the most important of all. Despite the significantly harder test set, Reading has maintained its position and the progress that has been made is clear in this latest Ofsted report.
“ Reading has a population of more than 33,000 children or young people under the age of 17 and that population is increasing. At a time of significant budget pressure it is therefore also good to see inspectors note the Council’s on-going commitment to providing all the resource necessary to help look after the needs of the most vulnerable young people in our town.”
Every Child Offered a Primary School Place in Reading
Every Child Offered a Primary School Place in Reading
Reading Borough Council Press Release
EVERY family who applied for a primary school place in Reading starting in September this year will be offered a place, despite continuing evidence of a significant increase in the population of primary school aged children in the town.
Today (Tue April 16th) is the day when offers go out to all parents who applied for a primary school place starting in September 2013. Those who applied online can find out about their offer by logging into https://admissions.reading.gov.uk with their username and password. Offer letters are being posted out today for all other applications.
A total 2,138 applications were received for the September 2013 intake. That figure is just six short of the total number of applications received last year, which in itself was an increase of nearly 200 applications from 2011 the figure. This year’s total suggests there has been a ‘step increase’ in the number of children of primary school age living in the town and this has been confirmed in the latest Census figures, which themselves show a 34% increase in children aged 0-4 years old - the second highest rise in the whole of the South-East since 2001 .
Initial data for primary school applications in Reading shows:
•The rate of ‘first preference’ has increased year-on-year by 1.3%, to 77.4%, as a result of additional classes being added to schools
•The number of applications which received offers for one of their ‘top three preferences" increased by 3.2% year-on-year, to 93.5%
•The number of families offered a place at a school they did not list on their application stands at 4.4%, a significant fall from last years 8.1% figure
Any parent who receives an offer this week and has any concerns, or wants to discuss the offer further, are being urged to phone Reading Borough Council’s dedicated Schools Admissions Team on 0118 937 3777 in the first instance. The Admissions Team will be on hand between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to discuss in detail any alternative options which may be available.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “The number of primary school applications received this year again confirms the significant increase there has been in young children in our town. Despite economic conditions, Reading remains a good place to live, find work and go to school and we want to be able to continue to offer every child in Reading the best possible education. The fact that the increase in numbers has been sustained this year shows very clearly it is something we can continue to expect going forward, which is why the Council is working hard to plan for the longer term.”
A national shortage of primary and secondary school places is being mirrored in Reading . Reading Borough Council has invested heavily in catering for that demand, to the tune of more than £25 million over a five year period and a £2 million investment in 2012, but estimates show there is expected to be an increased demand going forward.
A report to Reading Borough Council’s Cabinet last night (April 15th) outlined a Proposed Primary School Expansion Plan for Reading . The report outlined the Council’s intention to submit a number of bids to the Department for Education for additional capital to help realise the proposals for a significantly increased primary school capacity in the town.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
The following tables have the numbers and percentages for the last three years (data prior to 2011 is not comparable as parents applied through different LA's)
1st Pref 2nd Pref 3rd Pref 4th Pref Divert No Initial Offers Cohort
2011 1602 171 76 18 80 0 1947
2012 1632 220 84 35 173 77 2144
2013 1655 247 97 45 94 0 2138
1st Pref 2nd Pref 3rd Pref 4th Pref Divert No Initial Offers Cohort
2011 82.3% 8.8% 3.9% 0.9% 4.1% 0.0% 1947
2012 76.1% 10.3% 3.9% 1.6% 8.1% 3.6% 2144
2013 77.4% 11.6% 4.5% 2.1% 4.4% 0.0% 2138
Reading Borough Council Press Release
EVERY family who applied for a primary school place in Reading starting in September this year will be offered a place, despite continuing evidence of a significant increase in the population of primary school aged children in the town.
Today (Tue April 16th) is the day when offers go out to all parents who applied for a primary school place starting in September 2013. Those who applied online can find out about their offer by logging into https://admissions.reading.gov.uk with their username and password. Offer letters are being posted out today for all other applications.
A total 2,138 applications were received for the September 2013 intake. That figure is just six short of the total number of applications received last year, which in itself was an increase of nearly 200 applications from 2011 the figure. This year’s total suggests there has been a ‘step increase’ in the number of children of primary school age living in the town and this has been confirmed in the latest Census figures, which themselves show a 34% increase in children aged 0-4 years old - the second highest rise in the whole of the South-East since 2001 .
Initial data for primary school applications in Reading shows:
•The rate of ‘first preference’ has increased year-on-year by 1.3%, to 77.4%, as a result of additional classes being added to schools
•The number of applications which received offers for one of their ‘top three preferences" increased by 3.2% year-on-year, to 93.5%
•The number of families offered a place at a school they did not list on their application stands at 4.4%, a significant fall from last years 8.1% figure
Any parent who receives an offer this week and has any concerns, or wants to discuss the offer further, are being urged to phone Reading Borough Council’s dedicated Schools Admissions Team on 0118 937 3777 in the first instance. The Admissions Team will be on hand between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to discuss in detail any alternative options which may be available.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “The number of primary school applications received this year again confirms the significant increase there has been in young children in our town. Despite economic conditions, Reading remains a good place to live, find work and go to school and we want to be able to continue to offer every child in Reading the best possible education. The fact that the increase in numbers has been sustained this year shows very clearly it is something we can continue to expect going forward, which is why the Council is working hard to plan for the longer term.”
A national shortage of primary and secondary school places is being mirrored in Reading . Reading Borough Council has invested heavily in catering for that demand, to the tune of more than £25 million over a five year period and a £2 million investment in 2012, but estimates show there is expected to be an increased demand going forward.
A report to Reading Borough Council’s Cabinet last night (April 15th) outlined a Proposed Primary School Expansion Plan for Reading . The report outlined the Council’s intention to submit a number of bids to the Department for Education for additional capital to help realise the proposals for a significantly increased primary school capacity in the town.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
The following tables have the numbers and percentages for the last three years (data prior to 2011 is not comparable as parents applied through different LA's)
1st Pref 2nd Pref 3rd Pref 4th Pref Divert No Initial Offers Cohort
2011 1602 171 76 18 80 0 1947
2012 1632 220 84 35 173 77 2144
2013 1655 247 97 45 94 0 2138
1st Pref 2nd Pref 3rd Pref 4th Pref Divert No Initial Offers Cohort
2011 82.3% 8.8% 3.9% 0.9% 4.1% 0.0% 1947
2012 76.1% 10.3% 3.9% 1.6% 8.1% 3.6% 2144
2013 77.4% 11.6% 4.5% 2.1% 4.4% 0.0% 2138
New Directions Helps Create South Reading Community Garden
New Directions Helps Create South Reading Community Garden
10/05/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
LOCAL groups and families in South Reading will soon be able to enjoy the use of a community garden thanks to a team of volunteers from the Prince’s Trust working with New Directions.
The small plot of land surrounds the New Directions Centre in Northumberland Avenue and was derelict before the team of volunteers got to work.
The site will now be further developed to grow plants, vegetables and herbs. The centre also features a teaching kitchen which will be used by various organisations to cook with some of the local produce being grown.
The Prince’s Trust volunteers study for the Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills and the transformation of the garden became the community element of their qualification. Sir John Madejski and Mr Charles Brims (High Sheriff of Berkshire) presented their certificates at a ceremony at Madejski Conference Centre last month.
New Directions is Reading Borough Council’s Learning and Employment Service and is part of the steering group working towards transforming the garden.
In addition to New Directions, the steering group includes Let’s Get Going and Eat 4 Health (both linked to the NHS and promote healthy eating) to adults and families), Food 4 Families (have a network of food growing gardens across Reading where parents and children will learn how to grow their own food together), Thames Valley Housing, and the Reading Borough Council’s Planning Team. Thrive, a local charity that enable those touched by a disability to transform their lives using gardening, has shown an interest and would like a group to use the garden.
Lead Councillor for Education, John Ennis, said “I’m delighted that New Directions continues to find innovative ways to work with a broad range of partners providing opportunities for all the community”.
Community groups interested in making use of the garden should contact New Directions on 0345 842 0012.
10/05/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
LOCAL groups and families in South Reading will soon be able to enjoy the use of a community garden thanks to a team of volunteers from the Prince’s Trust working with New Directions.
The small plot of land surrounds the New Directions Centre in Northumberland Avenue and was derelict before the team of volunteers got to work.
The site will now be further developed to grow plants, vegetables and herbs. The centre also features a teaching kitchen which will be used by various organisations to cook with some of the local produce being grown.
The Prince’s Trust volunteers study for the Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills and the transformation of the garden became the community element of their qualification. Sir John Madejski and Mr Charles Brims (High Sheriff of Berkshire) presented their certificates at a ceremony at Madejski Conference Centre last month.
New Directions is Reading Borough Council’s Learning and Employment Service and is part of the steering group working towards transforming the garden.
In addition to New Directions, the steering group includes Let’s Get Going and Eat 4 Health (both linked to the NHS and promote healthy eating) to adults and families), Food 4 Families (have a network of food growing gardens across Reading where parents and children will learn how to grow their own food together), Thames Valley Housing, and the Reading Borough Council’s Planning Team. Thrive, a local charity that enable those touched by a disability to transform their lives using gardening, has shown an interest and would like a group to use the garden.
Lead Councillor for Education, John Ennis, said “I’m delighted that New Directions continues to find innovative ways to work with a broad range of partners providing opportunities for all the community”.
Community groups interested in making use of the garden should contact New Directions on 0345 842 0012.
Berkshire Councils & Stars get in the frame for Foster Care Fortnight
Berkshire Councils & Stars get in the frame for Foster Care Fortnight
02/05/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
Berkshire ’s six local authorities are ‘getting in the frame’ for Foster Care Fortnight (May 13th-26th).
Reading Borough Council, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council are pledging their support to a national campaign to recruit more foster carers to give a home to vulnerable children and young people.
Some of the biggest names from stage, screen and literature have also signed up to this year’s campaign ‘Get in the Frame’, to raise awareness during Foster Care Fortnight, of the need to recruit more foster carers across Berkshire and the UK .
With fostering services across the country needing to recruit 9,000 foster carers in 2013 alone, to provide loving homes and skilled and dedicated care for some of the UK ’s most vulnerable children, it is more important than ever to get in the frame.
Councils across Berkshire are holding information events, throughout Foster Care Fortnight (13th-26th May), providing an ideal opportunity for local people to find out what is involved and ask any questions they may have.
Residents all over Berkshire are encouraging people to think about how they can make a difference to children and young people’s lives.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Children and young people come in to care for all sorts of reasons – sometimes it’s for a few days, weeks or months. But some children will be looking for a family who they can live with until they are grown up”.
“Councils in Berkshire are working together this Foster Care Fortnight to highlight the different ways people can get in the frame and help make a positive difference to children and young people, by offering them a safe and happy home.”
Lorraine Pascale, spent time in foster care as a child. She has offered her support to this year’s campaign: "I'm putting myself in the frame during the Foster Care Fortnight because I want people to know that great foster carers helped me when I needed someone to be there for me the most.
"Growing up in and around the care system isn't easy. So if you think you can be there for some of the UK 's most vulnerable children then go on, I urge you, put yourself in the frame today and consider being a foster carer."
Foster carers are as different as the children they look after. It doesn’t matter if you are married or single, a home owner or rent your home, gay or heterosexual, religious or non-practising; what matters most is that you are right for the child or children. As long as you have a spare room and are over 21, you can apply to be a foster carer.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering and wondered how you can make a difference to a child or young person’s life, contact your local authority’s family placement service to find out more.
The process is probably much quicker than you think and by May 2014, you could be helping to create a positive future for a child.
You can find out more, visit www.berkshirefostering.co.uk or all (0118) 937 3740.
You can also get in touch through Facebook www.facebook.com/FABerks or Twitter www.twitter.com/FABerks
02/05/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
Berkshire ’s six local authorities are ‘getting in the frame’ for Foster Care Fortnight (May 13th-26th).
Reading Borough Council, Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council are pledging their support to a national campaign to recruit more foster carers to give a home to vulnerable children and young people.
Some of the biggest names from stage, screen and literature have also signed up to this year’s campaign ‘Get in the Frame’, to raise awareness during Foster Care Fortnight, of the need to recruit more foster carers across Berkshire and the UK .
With fostering services across the country needing to recruit 9,000 foster carers in 2013 alone, to provide loving homes and skilled and dedicated care for some of the UK ’s most vulnerable children, it is more important than ever to get in the frame.
Councils across Berkshire are holding information events, throughout Foster Care Fortnight (13th-26th May), providing an ideal opportunity for local people to find out what is involved and ask any questions they may have.
Residents all over Berkshire are encouraging people to think about how they can make a difference to children and young people’s lives.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Children and young people come in to care for all sorts of reasons – sometimes it’s for a few days, weeks or months. But some children will be looking for a family who they can live with until they are grown up”.
“Councils in Berkshire are working together this Foster Care Fortnight to highlight the different ways people can get in the frame and help make a positive difference to children and young people, by offering them a safe and happy home.”
Lorraine Pascale, spent time in foster care as a child. She has offered her support to this year’s campaign: "I'm putting myself in the frame during the Foster Care Fortnight because I want people to know that great foster carers helped me when I needed someone to be there for me the most.
"Growing up in and around the care system isn't easy. So if you think you can be there for some of the UK 's most vulnerable children then go on, I urge you, put yourself in the frame today and consider being a foster carer."
Foster carers are as different as the children they look after. It doesn’t matter if you are married or single, a home owner or rent your home, gay or heterosexual, religious or non-practising; what matters most is that you are right for the child or children. As long as you have a spare room and are over 21, you can apply to be a foster carer.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering and wondered how you can make a difference to a child or young person’s life, contact your local authority’s family placement service to find out more.
The process is probably much quicker than you think and by May 2014, you could be helping to create a positive future for a child.
You can find out more, visit www.berkshirefostering.co.uk or all (0118) 937 3740.
You can also get in touch through Facebook www.facebook.com/FABerks or Twitter www.twitter.com/FABerks
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Reading Arts Week - Calling on Residents to Make Art Submissions
11/04/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release
The town’s arts festival and largest public art exhibition celebrating the wealth of creativity returns in June (15-23) and is calling on residents to make their art submissions.
Reading Arts Week organised by Reading Borough Council, in partnership with Reading College and in collaboration with University of Reading, Strength in Numbers Arts Festival, Whiteknight Studio Trail, Reading Your Way and Rising Sun Art Centre, is inviting artists and artisans in Reading and surrounding area to submit up to two original works of art. The pieces will be exhibited at this year’s Arts Week Exhibition, held at Reading College on 22 and 23 June.
Submitting work into Reading Arts Week is open to anyone over the age of 16 living or working in the greater Reading area. You needn’t be a professional established artist, maybe you enjoy painting or taking photographs or are currently on a part-time creative course and would like to enter your work into the exhibition.
You can submit paintings, sculpture, photography, textiles, ceramics, furniture, glass, mosaics, jewellery and digital art including video.
You can submit a maximum of two works, for a supporting fee of £18.00. There is no charge for those who are currently studying on a full or part time course in the Reading area. Deadline for submissions is 23:59 on Sunday 2 June 2013.
To make an art submission visit www.reading.gov.uk/artsweek
This year’s Arts Week Exhibition will also incorporate the annual end of year show for Reading College students and the Strength in Numbers Arts Festival will also be taking place across the town during Saturday 22nd June.
Reading Arts Week, sponsored by The Reading Chronicle and Reading Midweek is taking place from 15 to 23 June. ‘The Art Village’ will launch this year’s festival at Reading Water Fest in the Forbury Gardens on Saturday 15 June. The Art Village is a collection of pop-up stalls and exhibitions by local artists taking part in this year’s Arts Week Exhibition. Making a return to Arts Week by popular demand is the outdoor art gallery surrounding the Forbury Bandstand with work created by students at Reading College.
John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Reading Arts Week is an excellent event to showcase talented artists including adult learners and students. Each year I thoroughly enjoy viewing the impressive works of art on show, produced by local Reading people. We would like this year’s events to be even bigger and better than last year”
Marian Livingston, Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: “Reading has many incredibly talented and creative people. If you are one of them then don’t miss this great opportunity to show your creative skills to a wider audience and make your art submission. Last year’s exhibition was an amazing show and this year’s will be even more outstanding”.
For a full list of events and exhibitions, how to submit work, details of booking a stall at The Art Village or becoming a volunteer to help organise events, visit www.reading.gov.uk , www.facebook.com/rdgartsweek or www.twitter.com/rdgartsweek
Reading Borough Council Press Release
The town’s arts festival and largest public art exhibition celebrating the wealth of creativity returns in June (15-23) and is calling on residents to make their art submissions.
Reading Arts Week organised by Reading Borough Council, in partnership with Reading College and in collaboration with University of Reading, Strength in Numbers Arts Festival, Whiteknight Studio Trail, Reading Your Way and Rising Sun Art Centre, is inviting artists and artisans in Reading and surrounding area to submit up to two original works of art. The pieces will be exhibited at this year’s Arts Week Exhibition, held at Reading College on 22 and 23 June.
Submitting work into Reading Arts Week is open to anyone over the age of 16 living or working in the greater Reading area. You needn’t be a professional established artist, maybe you enjoy painting or taking photographs or are currently on a part-time creative course and would like to enter your work into the exhibition.
You can submit paintings, sculpture, photography, textiles, ceramics, furniture, glass, mosaics, jewellery and digital art including video.
You can submit a maximum of two works, for a supporting fee of £18.00. There is no charge for those who are currently studying on a full or part time course in the Reading area. Deadline for submissions is 23:59 on Sunday 2 June 2013.
To make an art submission visit www.reading.gov.uk/artsweek
This year’s Arts Week Exhibition will also incorporate the annual end of year show for Reading College students and the Strength in Numbers Arts Festival will also be taking place across the town during Saturday 22nd June.
Reading Arts Week, sponsored by The Reading Chronicle and Reading Midweek is taking place from 15 to 23 June. ‘The Art Village’ will launch this year’s festival at Reading Water Fest in the Forbury Gardens on Saturday 15 June. The Art Village is a collection of pop-up stalls and exhibitions by local artists taking part in this year’s Arts Week Exhibition. Making a return to Arts Week by popular demand is the outdoor art gallery surrounding the Forbury Bandstand with work created by students at Reading College.
John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education and Children’s Services, said: “Reading Arts Week is an excellent event to showcase talented artists including adult learners and students. Each year I thoroughly enjoy viewing the impressive works of art on show, produced by local Reading people. We would like this year’s events to be even bigger and better than last year”
Marian Livingston, Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: “Reading has many incredibly talented and creative people. If you are one of them then don’t miss this great opportunity to show your creative skills to a wider audience and make your art submission. Last year’s exhibition was an amazing show and this year’s will be even more outstanding”.
For a full list of events and exhibitions, how to submit work, details of booking a stall at The Art Village or becoming a volunteer to help organise events, visit www.reading.gov.uk , www.facebook.com/rdgartsweek or www.twitter.com/rdgartsweek
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)