The DfE figures revealed that only 3.2 per cent of pupils in York were regarded as persistent absentees [absent for 15 or more per cent of their lessons], a reduction from 5 per cent for the same period in 2012-13.
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Six of York’s nine Children Centres could close under options put forward by the Labour Council.
Council consultation leaflet click to enlarge
Current users were surveyed during August on their preferred future for the centres.
The options on offer were
The Consultation closed on 26th August but so far Council officials have declined to reveal the results of the consultation.
Sadly this process is all too familiar to York residents with decisions being taken behind closed doors and little opportunity for the community at large to express their views.
Hob Moor Children’s Centre future unclear
No doubt the Councils panacea for all problems – ditch services and hope that “volunteers” will take on the burden – will emerge as the favoured option.
With millions of pounds having been invested in Sure Start (which originally enjoyed Labour Government support) it is little short of tragic that the programme is now in jeopardy.
The York Childrens Centres gained a national award for excellence only last year.
The 9 Sure Start children’s centres are (click for details):
All reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils will now get their meals paid for under the scheme, which was first announced by the Liberal Democrats in 2013.
Although some children previously qualified for school meals, some do not take them due to the stigma, and others who don’t qualify struggle to afford them.
Research and pilot schemes in places such as Durham and Wolverhampton show that introducing universal free school meals leads to positive improvements in health, attainment and social cohesion, as well as helping families with the cost of living.
Provisional results show that 64 per cent of young people in York achieved five or more A*-C grades including English and Maths GCSE on first entry.Results this year are not comparable to previous years because of changes made in the performance tables which report the first entry rather than best entry results for candidates.
There have also been significant changes to the examination system in 2014, with the removal of some GCSE equivalent courses from the performance tables, reductions in coursework and the move away from modular examinations towards end of course examinations.
There was some disappointment at York High where a spokesman commented,
“In spite of the hard work of the students, the support of the families and the commitment of staff our results have dropped to 43 per cent of students gaining 5A* – C including English and Maths.
This is of course disappointing but is an inevitable consequence of an assessment based mainly on longer exams at the end of a two year course.”
Nick Clegg launching the new scheme last year
The scheme was announced by the coalition government a year ago
City of York Council has been working with primary schools and its school meals catering providers to ensure that all the children wanting a hot school meal can get one.
Each school site has been surveyed and the necessary supplies – from cutlery to ovens and fridges – have been ordered, and trial days have been held in some schools to evaluate how best to facilitate the increased demand for school lunches. Adaptations and additional equipment have been funded through a £370,000 grant from the government.
Evidence shows that eating a good meal at lunchtime has important health and educational benefits for children.
The meals can improve their diet, promote healthy eating habits and increase concentration during afternoon lessons.
Parents with children in Key Stage 1 are encouraged to consider taking up the free school meals offer.
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87% of residents saythat they would like to see the Woodlands play area off Bellhouse Way reopened at least during day light hours at weekends.
The equipment has been unavailable for several months now because of health and safety fears.
However many residents have pointed out that young children trying to climb the 2 metre high railings, which surround the play area, are probably at greater risk
The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust has now responded to the local Residents Association promising that – following some minor works – the area will be reopened within a couple of weeks.
Elsewhere in the Woodlands estate, survey respondents were critical of the mowing arrangements for verges. They had been left uncut for so long that, after cutting, the area resembled a hayfield.
A site meeting to discuss the problem has taken place.
The Trust also plan to do some maintenance work on their shrub beds.
The playground, with new equipment, is on the Woodlands Estate which is managed by Joseph Rowntree Housing.
Local residents have approached the Association to seek their support in getting answers and most importantly getting the play area used again.
Shirley Gumley, Chairman of the Foxwood Residents Association, said
” It is a great pity that this play area has been locked for so long. There are lots of young children in the area who would appreciate a secure place to play and residents are feeling frustrated at the lack of communication from Joseph Rowntree on this issue.
If there is a reason why the area cannot be used then tell us rather than leaving everyone guessing”
A door to door survey on the issue is currently being undertaken in the area.
The Lib Dems, along with groups such as the Carers Trust, are calling for Pupil Premium eligibility to be extended to include young carers.
The Pupil Premium is an additional allowance given to schools to support looked after children and those from low income families.
Children entitled to free school meals are eligible for the funding along with children in care, adopted children, children in hospital schools and service personnel children.
Schools in York have received £12.6 million since the Lib Dem policy was introduced in 2011.
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Westfield school
The Council has published a list of schools which may be closed tomorrow because of a strike by one of the teachers unions.
Those affected include Hob Moor and Westfield.
York High and Millthorpe will be “partially open”.
Dringhouses and Woodthorpe are expected to remain open.
