News
Event celebrates county’s teaching assistants
THE ENORMOUS contribution made to school life by Pembrokeshire’s teaching assistants was praised in a celebration event last week at County Hall.
The event was designed to highlight the important work they do, and also recognise the success of the LSAs who have undertaken additional training and development programmes.
Among them were a recently-trained cohort of ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) who provide emotional and mental health support for pupils identified as likely to benefit from help to develop their wellbeing and resilience.
The ELSA training programme is run by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Educational Psychology Service.
The Service has trained in the range of 100 ELSAs over the last four years, meaning there is at least one ELSA in almost every school.
Earlier this year, the County Council also launched an ELSA training programme through the medium of Welsh – the first local authority in Wales to do so – and it will be introducing an Early Years version in Spring 2019.
Sue Priestnall, Educational Psychologist, told the ELSAs: “So many of you are not simply doing a job but are going out of your way to support your young people – to use your own psychological understanding to help them develop the skills they need to build their resilience and manage the social and emotional issues that often throw them completely out of kilter and obstruct their access to academic learning.”
Hayli Gibson, Lead for Early Years, told the LSAs: “You will hear today how the fantastic work you do with children makes such a difference to both children and staff in your schools.
“What we also need to remember is how those children impact our own lives, and provide us with rich sometimes life or career changing experiences.
“You are now sector leading ambassadors who have the chance to make a real difference.”
The celebration event also highlighted the work undertaken by the county’s ALN (Additional Learning Needs) champions, who work in schools throughout Pembrokeshire.
Nichola Jones, Inclusion Manager, said: “Two years ago we joined with Trinity University to put on a conference for learning support assistants working with children and young people with additional learning needs.
“The room was filled with support workers from nearly every school in the county and was a real signal of the commitment not only of the staff but the leadership teams who released them to attend.
“As a result of the feedback that day, the Council’s Inclusion Service launched the first training programme. Feedback from the participants indicated that it has been an overwhelming success.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning Councillor David Lloyd agreed: “It was a great privilege to have been part of this ground-breaking award ceremony.
“The obvious pride that the award winners rightly took in their achievements radiated across the room.
“Everybody present shared in their success raising the profile of our previously unsung heroes.
“They will all take a new-found self-confidence into the classroom to the considerable benefit of our children.
“Well done all.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the ALN champions and ELSAs by Cllr Josh Beynon, champion for wellbeing in Pembrokeshire.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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