News

‘Check in, Catch up and Prepare’ All school’s in Wales prepare to enter next phase

Published

5 years ago

June 3, 2020

ALL children will have the opportunity to “Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September”, the Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced today as she published details of the next phase for schools in Wales.

It is proposed that all schools will start the next phase on 29 June, with the term extended by a week, therefore ending on 27 July.

In the next academic year, beginning in September, the intention is that the autumn half-term break will be expanded to two weeks.

In each school there will be a phased approach. Year groups will be split into cohorts with staggered starts, lessons and breaks. It is expected that this will mean, at most, a third of pupils present at any one time, though schools may need time to reach this level of operation.

There will be much smaller classes, providing secure dedicated time with teachers and classmates. This time will include online and personalised classroom experience, getting children and teachers ready for a similar experience in September.

Next week, the Welsh Government will publish guidance to support schools, as well as further and higher education institutions. This will include information on managing their facilities and logistical arrangements, including buildings, resources, cleaning and transport.

The Government is also today publishing a paper from its COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group, representing the latest understanding of the virus with respect to children and education.

Further Education colleges are ensuring that appropriate measures are being taken to re-open for face-to-face learning from 15 June. They will prioritise those students requiring licence to practice assessments and vulnerable learners. This follows close working with Government and the joint trade unions.

Guidance for childcare providers will also be published in the next week, supporting them to increase the numbers of children in attendance alongside schools.

Kirsty Williams said:

“My announcement today gives schools three and a half weeks to continue preparing for the next phase.

“We will use the last weeks of the summer term to make sure pupils, staff and parents are prepared – mentally, emotionally and practically – for the new normal in September.

“29 June means there will have been one full month of test, trace and protect, which will continue to expand. I can also announce that teachers will be a priority group in our new antibody-testing programme. As we continue to keep Wales safe, this approach will be critical.

“The evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the best opportunity to ensure more time in school. Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling. That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing, learning progress and mental health of our young people.

“This is and has been a worrying period for us all. I know that many will feel apprehensive. We have not rushed this work and this decision.

“The three and a half week period before the next phase also gives us time to keep watch on developments elsewhere and provides further check-points to review evidence and the roll-out of testing.

“This is the best practical option that meets my five principles which underpin my decision making.

“I am also convinced that it is only by returning to their own school that we will see increased attendance from our more vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

“Working together we will secure equity and excellence for pupils as they check in, catch up, and prepare for summer and September.”

Health

Local nurse awarded by The Queen’s Nursing Institute

Published

10 mins ago

January 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEGAN WARE, a Learning Disability Children’s Community Nurse in Hywel Dda University Health Board, was recently awarded the ‘Dame Elizabeth Fradd Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement’ by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

This prestigious award was presented to Megan in recognition of her hard work and achievements across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.

Megan was nominated by one of her lecturers in the University of South Wales. There were many reasons that helped influence her nomination for this award. She has enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to gain experience, develop and achieve. She helped with teaching year one community children’s nursing students in the Specialist Practitioner Qualification (SPQ), sharing her own learning from her clinical practice.

Her innovation and encouragement have inspired others to feel confident within their future specialist practice and she has excelled clinically, achieving all the elements of the course to a high standard.

Megan said: “I have always been passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives and I feel so privileged to be in the position I am as a nurse working with children with learning disabilities and complex needs. I was completely shocked to have won this award but feel proud at the fact that I have been recognised for my work and efforts in completing the course.”

Megan is also the first learning disability nurse in Wales working within a community children’s nursing team to complete her SPQ in children’s community nursing. The course prepares nurses to become a specialist practitioner following the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s standards of proficiency for community nursing specialist practice qualifications. The skills taught involve health education and health promotion, how to improve quality in healthcare settings, leadership, and management and more.

Sharon Daniel, Interim Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at the health board praised Megan’s achievement, saying: “I am proud of Megan for obtaining this award and for being the first learning disability nurse to study for the Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Wales. It is testament to all her hard work and commitment to extending her knowledge as a nurse working with and benefiting children in our community.”

Megan plans on finishing her dissertation and completing her Masters degree, which will help further her career.

This annual award is for the most outstanding student in the Specialist Practice Qualification in community children’s nursing across universities in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. The Dame Elizabeth Fradd Memorial Prize was established in 2024 to honour the legacy of Dame Elizabeth Fradd, a Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute and a distinguished children’s nurse.

Business

Industrial event venue ‘Hangar’ up for sale in Milford Haven

Published

15 mins ago

January 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN exciting business opportunity has emerged in Milford Haven with the announcement that Hangar, an industrial event venue located on Thornton Industrial Estate, is now on the market. Known for its versatility and modern facilities, the space has become a standout feature in Pembrokeshire’s growing events scene.

Venue with potential

Hangar is fully licensed for alcohol sales and approved to host both live and recorded music events, as well as sporting showcases. Featuring a state-of-the-art 6m x 3m video wall, the venue offers an immersive experience for guests, whether for corporate gatherings, live music nights, or private functions.

The premises include a fully fitted bar, designed for efficiency and customer satisfaction, and a flexible layout that can accommodate private celebrations, conferences, and entertainment events.

Strategic location

Situated in the heart of Thornton Industrial Estate, Hangar combines industrial charm with an accessible location, making it an attractive option for event planners and visitors alike.

Ready for growth

Owner Steve Bartram highlighted the venue’s growth potential, pointing out its appeal to entrepreneurs ready to invest time and expertise. With Pembrokeshire’s entertainment industry on the rise, Hangar is well-positioned to become a central hub for events in the region.

“This is a ready-to-operate business with immense potential for someone with vision and passion for the events industry,” said Mr Bartram.

Serious inquiries invited

Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch directly to arrange viewings and discuss further details.

For those with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a vision for growth, Hangar represents a rare and exciting investment in Pembrokeshire’s vibrant events sector.

Contact The Hangar on Facebook for more information.

Crime

Gardener cleared of exposure after court hears incident was accidental

Published

3 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE gardener has been found not guilty of exposing his ‘flaccid penis’ to a female property owner after agreeing to cut trees in her garden.

The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed Thomas Jones, 21, exposed himself to her after agreeing on a £300 fee for cutting down trees in her back garden.

As he began unloading tools from his van on the morning of November 9, 2022, he allegedly turned towards the woman, exposing himself.

“The first I knew of it was when she pointed at me,” Thomas Jones told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was on trial for exposure.

“I was in shock. I felt embarrassed and awful. I felt bad.”

During cross-examination, Mr Jones, of Long Meadow, Adams Road, Monkton, admitted he did not wear underwear but insisted the exposure was accidental.

“I accept that it was outside my trousers, but I didn’t find her attractive, so why would I do all that?” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense.

“I’ve known my girlfriend for the past seven years, so why would I risk all that, plus risk losing the £300 from the job?”

GIVING EVIDENCE FROM BEHIND A SCREEN

The complainant said Mr Jones had knocked on her door and handed her a leaflet advertising his gardening services.

“I had some trees that needed cutting down, so I took him around, we chatted about it, and we agreed on a price,” she said.

After moving her car to allow Mr Jones to park his van, she claimed she saw what she described as ‘his flaccid penis’ hanging outside his trousers as she walked back into her house.

“I went inside, thinking, ‘That’s very weird’, and I knew it wasn’t right,” she said.

“I went back outside and told him that I’d changed my mind and didn’t want him to do the work anymore. I pointed at it, and I was really angry. I swore at him and asked him to leave.”

Despite apologising repeatedly, Thomas Jones, who has no previous convictions or police cautions, was reported and later charged with intentional exposure. He persistently denied the charge.

DEFENCE ARGUMENT

“The Crown has to prove that the defendant intentionally exposed his penis,” said his solicitor, Gareth Walters.

“But he wasn’t wearing underwear, and it came out of his trousers through his undone zip, which led to him being exposed. It wasn’t an erect penis, and it wasn’t intentional. It was a complete accident.”

After a short adjournment, Thomas Jones was found not guilty. An application for a restraining order against the complainant was refused by the magistrates.