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‘Learning needs’ offered support through new website

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A NEW website, providing help and information for parents, teachers and professionals involved in supporting children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), has been launched in Pembrokeshire.

Run by the County Council’s Inclusion Service, the website is divided into four main sections headed:

  • Support and Provision for ALN
  • Parent Partnership Services
  • Resources
  • Pupil Voice and Wellbeing

The website contains information for families about local events, parent networks and drop-ins providing the opportunity to meet with local support teams of specialists.

It also tells the touching story of Eliza and her inspiring journey as she began her schooling in Johnston Primary under the headship of Gareth Jones.

Other local young people such as Freya, Jack, Siana, Mair and Jamie are also featured and have important stories to tell on what is important to them in overcoming dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism

Many of them attended the launch in County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Wednesday (May 15) along with Scarlet’s rugby players, Simon Gardiner – himself dyslexic – and Josh Helps.

The County Council’s new Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Guy Woodham, described how proud he was of the remarkable achievements of the children and young people in Pembrokeshire with additional needs.

He said he was especially pleased to learn that the outcomes for children and young people with ALN were consistently higher in the County than over half of the local authorities in Wales over the last two and three years.

Councillor Woodham added: “This website in an invaluable tool and provides professionals and families with a wide range of early screening, classroom strategies, resources as well as things that can help in the home.”

Nicola Jones, the Council’s Head of Inclusion, Disability and Wellbeing, said that early identification and intervention strategies had allowed the Authority to make significant strides in meeting the needs of youngster with ALN.

She said: “With the joined up offer of support and provision in schools, it means more children’s needs are being met within the classroom.
“There are now 24 per cent of learners with additional needs compared to 31% in 2012, with only 8 per cent compared to 18 per cent with complex needs.”

Describing his own experience, Haverfordwest-born rugby prop forward Simon said: “Teachers didn’t really understand my dyslexia when I was at school. They thought I was naughty or just wasn’t trying. I really loved maths and science, but when it came to putting anything on paper, I really struggled.

“If teachers had more understanding of dyslexia, they would have been able to help me more. That’s why this website is a good thing, because there is a lot of information there.

“I would especially recommend this website to parents. It’s a great way to point them in the right direction to get advice and find out more. Now teachers seem to know more about dyslexia and what to look for.”

The Council’s Chief Executive, Ian Westley added that although he recognised the Authority had one of the highest rates of exclusion, he was delighted that already the new approach was having a significant impact in reducing that number.

The website address is: https://pembsinclusionservice.wales/

To speak to someone directly about your child’s additional needs, contact the helpline on 01437 776354 or email [email protected]

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Wanted: Steven Kimpriktzis in connection with drug trafficking operation

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are urgently seeking information leading to the arrest of Steven Kostas Kimpriktzis, aged between 45 and 50, in relation to a significant drug trafficking operation.

Kimpriktzis, an alleged central figure in an Organised Crime Group (OCG), is accused of conspiring to supply Class A controlled substances across Liverpool, Dorset, and Pembrokeshire between May 2021 and March 2022.

The police allege Kimpriktzis’s direct involvement in the orchestration of drug movements that have significantly impacted the regions involved. Standing at approximately 175 to 180 cm (5′ 10″) with a medium build and described as White European in ethnicity, Kimpriktzis has known connections in both Liverpool and Reading and has been spotted in Greece recently.

The Dyfed-Powys Police force is leading the charge in this cross-regional investigation, emphasising the severity of the charges against Kimpriktzis. As part of a larger OCG, his activities have drawn considerable concern, prompting a nationwide alert for his apprehension.

Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding Kimpriktzis’s whereabouts or activities. Confidential tips can be relayed anonymously by contacting 0800 555 111. The police stress the importance of community assistance in curtailing the operations of such organised crime groups, which pose significant risks to public safety and wellbeing.

In the ongoing battle against drug trafficking within the UK, the capture of individuals such as Steven Kostas Kimpriktzis represents a critical step in dismantling networks that fuel illegal drug distribution and associated criminal activities. The Dyfed-Powys Police remain dedicated to this cause, urging anyone with knowledge that could lead to Kimpriktzis’s arrest to come forward.

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‘SPARC’ Powering progress for females – launches on International Women’s Day

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ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, Pembrokeshire College proudly hosted the highly anticipated launch event of the Sustainable Power, Renewables, and Construction (SPARC) Alliance. This occasion celebrated women and effective collaboration between industry, notably the Alliance members: Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven and RWE Renewables, local secondary schools, and Pembrokeshire College.

The collective aim of SPARC is to promote gender diversity in these underrepresented industries. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Fay Jones, delivered an empowering address, emphasising the importance of initiatives like SPARC in promoting gender diversity. Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: “I was delighted to come to Pembrokeshire College on International Women’s Day to celebrate the excellent work that’s been achieved by all the partners in promoting opportunities for young women. Encouraging women into professions like engineering and construction is vital to ensure they have the chance of achieving fantastic well-paid careers in their local area.

It’s great to see the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal being used for such a brilliant scheme.” The event that was opened by Dr Barry Walters, Principal of Pembrokeshire College, reminding the audience of the current gender gap in the featured sectors and the role we all should play encouraging females into non-traditional roles.

Keynote speaker and trailblazer Jessica Leigh Jones MBE, captivated the audience with her insights into the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and progress in the green economy. A highlight of the event was the SPARC Alliance panel discussion Chaired by the former Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson. The highlight was the female ‘Careers’ panel, five female professionals took time out of their busy schedules to inspire the next generation of engineers by answering questions from learners.

The SPARC Alliance investment and the additional funding from the Swansea City Deal, will support school teachers to deliver SPARC engagement activities. Awareness raising, building confidence and interacting with industry will add to unlocking female potential in these underrepresented industries. “Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire County Council extend their gratitude to all partners whose unwavering collaboration and support have brought this transformative initiative to fruition, breaking barriers and building a future filled with opportunities for future generations.” SPARC Lead, Hayley Williams.

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Pembrokeshire man accused of ‘sexual activity’ with stepdaughter

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A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with committing sexual acts against his step-daughter.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of engaging in ‘adult sexual activity’ with the girl between January 1, and June 4, 2021.

The acts included sexually touching the child, who was 16 or over at the time of the alleged offences, with his finger.

He faces a total of four charges of engaging in sexual activity with his family member.

No pleas were entered by the defendant when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the matter, which will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on March 28.

The defendant was released on unconditional bail.

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