Education

Smithsonian spot for special chair

Published

7 years ago

December 21, 2017

Access+ability: Chair's design allows active participation

A CHAIR created by UWTSD product design graduate Keira Gwynn, which helps a little girl and her family enjoy Christmas together, will be featured in the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s access+ability exhibition.

The R82 Scallop chair has been selected for inclusion in the exhibition that will feature products, projects and services by and for people living with cognitive and sensory disabilities that expand their ability to lead independent lives and engage more fully in the world.

It was originally developed by Keira as a project during her degree course at UWTSD. Keira designed the R82 Scallop to aid children living with mild to moderate disabilities in floor sitting and to add extra support while sitting on a chair. “The R82 Scallop encourages long sitting or sitting with slightly bent knees, naturally preventing children from sitting in ‘W’ shape or in a slouching frog position which could be detrimental to health and posture,” said Keira.

The design caught the attention of R82 and Keira and R82 entered into a partnership in 2015 which resulted in her moving to the company’s base in Denmark to develop the product and bring it to market. Keira now works as a Project Leader in the company’s Marketing Department.

The chair helps eight-year-old Evie Hopkins (pictured), who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia at just four months old. It affects her right side and she is unable to sit independently without tipping over; which affects her confidence and caused anxiety.

It meant she missed out on family meal and play times with her brothers and sisters, trips to the beach and school friends’ birthday parties as well as family celebrations at Christmas.

But thanks to the product, Evie can now happily sit, eat and play alongside her parents, siblings and peers. Evie’s mum, Karen Hopkins said the introduction of the special seat has been life changing for Evie. “She is now able to actively participate in many activities which weren’t previously possible. It allows her to sit on a normal chair at the table and plays a variety of games with her brothers and sisters. It’s so lovely to see her finally doing that,” she said.

Keira said studying product design at UWTSD had taught her to gather research, analyse and use it creatively to solve real life problems. “These skills enabled me to create a product that not only solved a problem for one particular family’s needs but many,” she added. “I created an inclusive product that could be used by a variety of users from children with special needs to adults who just need a comfortable floor sitter.”

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

Published

3 days ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Richard Lewis

WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.