News

Pembrokeshire’s new ‘Vision for Education’ revealed

Published

8 years ago

October 7, 2016

Pembrokeshire County Council: New education ‘Vision’ revealed

A NEW ‘Vision’ for education and learning in Pembrokeshire is to be implemented by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The new plan was set out during the council’s latest meeting of Cabinet on Monday (Oct 3) and is designed to ‘clearly set out the aspirations for education in Pembrokeshire over the next three years’.

Heavily involved with the Vision, Cllr Susan Perkins said: “We are all aware of the recent history of education in the county and although this year has seen some improvement at key stage four, there is still improvement needed if the young people of Pembrokeshire are to access the highest quality education outcomes.”

With her supporting statement to hand, Cllr Perkins went on to list the objectives of the Vision, stating: “Every pupil is ready to learn and access across a broad range of learning and areas of experience; every pupil is resilient and supported to build their mental and emotional well-being; all pupils engage and participate and are able to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances; all local stakeholders positively contribute to the ambitions and aspirations of Pembrokeshire learners; a directorate which is responsive to future changes and has the capacity to adapt and effectively manage change.”

While there was obvious support for the Vision, some councillors expressed concern over how the Vision would be implemented as well as a lack of leadership in schools around Pembrokeshire.

Leader of the council, Cllr James Adams, said: “One of the key words that I’ve picked out of the foreword is that of leadership, school leadership particularly. There is still quite an alarming variance in terms of the performance of many of our schools and leadership appears time and again as the most critical factor in terms of school-based outcomes.”

Cllr Huw George shared his concern, adding: “It’s not a Pembrokeshire problem; it’s a lack of leadership.

“The whole of Wales needs to look at where we’re going to find leaders to take the Vision forward.”

The Director of Children and Schools, Kate Evans-Hughes, responded to Cllr Adams, saying: “We do find it difficult to recruit [leaders] from beyond Pembrokeshire. We actually need to strengthen the leadership development programme that we have within Pembrokeshire.

“The recognition was that we need to grow our own and there are plenty of talented teachers out there, there are plenty of inspired teachers; what we need to make sure is we have a middle leaders programme that is inspirational and does make them want to go onto the next step.

“One of the biggest challenges facing recruitment of Headteachers is an anxiety about undertaking the role because never has there been so much accountability for Headteachers, and rightly so, but now we have to shift people into wanting to be part of that accountability, not being afraid of it.”

Crime

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

6 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).

Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.

**Stopped twice for allegedly using blue lights: Ajay Owen (Image: Facebook)**

Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.

However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.

Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.

The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.

“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.

News

Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury

Published

6 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.

Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.

Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.

Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.

She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.

Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

Published

7 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.