Caring kids pick up iPods for taking Sunderland to a brighter future!

PRIZES HAVE GONE to five youngsters for taking time to share their views on how to improve life in Sunderland.

The prizes were presented on behalf of Sunderland Children's Trust - after the children and young people took part in an on-line survey about what it’s like to live and grow up in Sunderland.

The five winners were amongst 900 youngsters who took part in the survey and who were subsequently entered into a prize draw for taking part.

Councillor Pat Smith, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, presented the five winners with their iPod awards.

Three hundred parents and carers also took part in the survey and were entered into a prize draw. The winner will get a voucher for four SAFC match tickets.

The on-line survey was just one of many consultation mechanisms used by Sunderland Children's Trust and the findings enabled the Trust to decide the Top 10 things needed to make Sunderland an even better place for children and young people to live and grow up in.

Councillor Pat Smith said,"Children and young people are a vital part of Sunderland's aspirations to be the UK's most liveable city. The aim is to make Sunderland a city that children and young people want to invest their lives in.

"Part of that bigger picture is making sure that children and young people are given the skills and support they need … It means listening to what they want, and tailoring the services available to meet their needs.

"Sunderland Children's Trust [SCT] has listened to what children and young people have said and used the information to develop it's Children and Young People's Plan 2007-2009."

Councillor Smith added: "As the council member responsible for Children's Services, I find it heartening that so many children and young people wanted to express their views about growing up in Sunderland."

SCT saw the coming together of the organisations delivering services to children and young people in Sunderland. The Trust enables organisations to work together to plan and deliver services around children and families.

Chaired by Council Leader Councillor Bob Symonds, SCT has representatives from all the key agencies in the city, including the City Council, Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust, Northumbria Police, City Hospitals, City of Sunderland College, Northumbria Probation Service, Fire and Rescue Authority, Connexions, University of Sunderland and Learning Skills Council.

Following a broad consultation programme SCT wants children and young people in Sunderland to:

Be strong individuals, proud of their city and contribute to its future

Be aware of how their behaviour affects others and the importance of staying out of trouble

Make positive lifestyle choices

Lead healthier lives

Feel good about themselves

Be safe in the community, at school and at home

Achieve in their education

Enjoy sport, leisure and play

Live in decent homes

Get the right training, further education and jobs

For further details about the Trust and its aims and ambitions visit www.sunderlandchildrenstrust.org.uk.

 

Smart new Coalfields pool will be worth the wait

WORK BEGINS at the end of this month to prepare the site at Hetton Sports Complex for a new 25 metre pool due to open in Summer 2009.

The new pool will replace the existing 1960s complex and will become a
focal point on the same site.

The new Coalfields facility will have a range of facilities, including a 25 Metre Swimming Pool, Learner Pool, Reception and Changing facilities.

A thorough investigation and land survey is needed, involving excavations within the buildings.

In the interests of public safety the complex will have to close its doors from Sunday September 30.

Regular sports users will be directed to nearby sporting and leisure facilities within the city.

Councillor Mel Speding, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Sport and Leisure, explained,   "The exploratory survey will involve undertaking a destructive examination of the building and damage to the external and internal walls and ceilings in the facility is expected. The centre therefore has to be closed to ensure the safety of the public and staff."

Councillor Speding added: "Hetton Sports Complex has served the local community over the years, but as one sporting era closes, another begins - and Coalfields residents can look forward to a new 25 metre pool on their doorstep!"

 

Public service telly takes off as big screens go up in public places

BIG TV SCREENS in public spaces are Sunderland council’s latest wheeze to beam key messages direct to citizens.
Sunderland Partnership TV (SPTV), launched at the Stadium of Light (on September 4), will tell the public about initiatives and services as well as give advice.
The system will broadcast messages about education, local health issues, community safety, local jobs, as well as showcasing local partnership achievements and projects.

Stephen Taylor, Chair of the Sunderland Partnership, said: “SPTV will be a valuable tool through which we can communicate with residents and ensure that local communities have access to relevant and timely information.”

 

CHILDREN FLY FLAG FOR BETTER STANDARDS

KEY STAGE I RESULTS just in show Sunderland seven year olds are maintaining last year's performance improvements.

Youngsters achieving Level 2 or above in reading rose from 81 to 82 per cent, while maths Level 2 achievers stayed the same at 90 per cent.

Levels dipped by 1 per cent in writing; overall results local results compare with this year’s regional and national averages.

Lynda Brown, Head of Standards in the Council's Children's Services Directorate, commented: "We had a disappointing year in 2006 with small percentage drops across all subjects. It’s good to see an upturn this year in reading, with some stability in Maths.

“There remains much to do and we will continue to support our schools in innovative ways to reinforce improvement.”

Councillor Pat Smith, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, added: "Our seven year olds achieve well at these levels due to the excellent early years provision in our schools and nurseries.

“I expect further improvement in the future when the work of our newly-established Children's Centres begins to have an effect across the city."

 

Hairy Geordie biker cracks UK coast for cancer kids

ON AUGUST 1 LAWRENCE LAIDLOW WILL set off on a mammoth trek to benefit the Clic Sargent children’s’ cancer charity.

His aim is to ride the coastline of Great Britain on his Cruiser motorbike. To raise  money for the charity? Sure. But to also to raise its profile.

It’s a 2400 mile round trip. He’ll stop at towns and cities en route to collect money and attend Clic Sargent local events.

The first leg takes Lawrence from Newcastle to Edinburgh. He sets off at 11am from the Ouseburn Building on the North side of the Tyne. The building is actually the home of the Newcastle HOGs. Nothing to do with pigs or wild boars. HOGs are the Harley Owners Group who themselves do a lot for charity. Those HOGs who are not at work will turn out to see Lawrence off.

From Edinburgh Lawrence travels to Aberdeen. Although he will be using a few B&Bs, Lawrence will also be camping out. He’s hoping for good weather and that the Scottish mosquitoes will be scared of a big hairy Geordie.

Lawrence’s final call – on his triumphant return, he hopes! - will be La Riviera restaurant on Newcastle quayside on August 27.

Watch our website for arrival times.    

CLIC Sargent provides services and staff to support children, young people and families who are affected by cancer. The help they provide ranges from clinical expertise to free accommodation near hospitals.
As the UK's leading children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is the only organisation to offer them all round care and support by providing:
During treatment – providing specialist nurses, doctors, play specialists, Homes from Home.
In hospital & at home – offering specialist social care and family support in the community – specialist youth services, holidays, grants, helpline.
After treatment – helping survivors, supporting those bereaved, research.

CLIC Sargent's Charity Registration Number is 1107328

Lawrence Laidlow is a Business Performance Coach. Previously he ran a group of line mechanics in RAF Germany working on Harrier Jump Jets. Then he became a website designer, wall coatings sales rep and a schools mentor.

Lawrence is a black belt in Taekwon-Do, which he took up in the Falkland Islands. He currently teaches Taekwon as a way of helping kids in his native Blaydon community.

For more information and to donate/sponsor please contact:
Pauline Short at PMS Marcoms
Tel: 01429 836532
e-mail pms@pms-marcoms.co.uk
www.pms@pms-marcoms.co.uk

Vaux revamp takes clearer shape

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE VAUX site is a step nearer with the publication of the planning inspector's report determining its future.

The inspector endorses the City Council's overarching strategy for the regeneration of the site as a mixed use development - and also concludes that major retail development should be confined to a central retail core which does not take in the Vaux site.

The report is the verdict of an independently-appointed government inspector tasked with examining planned alterations to Sunderland's Unitary Development Plan.

The report sets out the framework for the long term development of land in the city.

In his report, which is binding on all parties, the inspector also endorses the future development use of major sites such as the Holmeside Triangle and other important sites along the riverside, such as the former Grove Cranes site and Sheepfolds.

Leader of Sunderland City Council Cllr Bob Symonds said: "We welcome this report.  It is an important step forward for the city, clarifying the planning framework for Central Sunderland and helping to increase developers’ confidence in investing in the city. 

“It gives us a clear steer forward for securing the future development of the Vaux site and the other large development sites within Central Sunderland.  We will now be working closely with our partners to take forward the inspector’s decisons."

Following the inspector's report the alteration to the UDP will be formally adopted by the City Council in September.

The report will be available to view on http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/planningpolicy/

 

YOUTH PARLIAMENT TEENAGER SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL PANEL

A SUNDERLAND TEENAGER could be joining an online panel of bright youngsters tasked with changing the shape of decision making as we know it….

Charlotte Cheal, 17, chair of Sunderland Youth Parliament, has won a place in the shortlist of a national competition.

The Youth Voices website competition was organised by BT Better World Campaign together with Guardian newspaper online experts.

The panel Charlotte could be joining will have the power to influence leaders to take better account of the needs of young people.

The Voices site has been designed to create a safe and secure online forum for young people to discuss issues of special concern to them.

The topics discussed will be steered by the panel who will co-ordinate responses.

"I'm quite nervous, but also excited about going down to London for the selection!” said Charlotte who is studying Politics, English Language, History and RE at St Robert of Newminster RC School sixth form.

"I've been part of Sunderland Youth Parliament for four years. Being actually consulted and listened to by the council has been great.

"I've always been interested in creative writing, but as I have got more involved in the Youth Parliament I like to write and discuss important issues like policy."

Initially, to be nominated for the panel, Charlotte had to submit in 100 words why she would be an ideal candidate for the panel. She was then asked more about why young people should have their say for a better world.

The visit to London is the final stage, with 30 finalists being pared down to the final panel.

Charlotte added: "I'd like to say a huge thank you Sunderland's Youth Development Group. Without their support I'd not have been able to go to London."

Dave Murray, Youth Participation Officer from Sunderland City Council's Youth Development Group, said: "Chair of Sunderland Youth Parliament is a very demanding role, and Charlotte was previously a Member of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament.

"She’s enthusiastic and dedicated, a true ambassador for Sunderland’s young people She helped to plan the first ever State of the City Debate for young people in the city and also worked with other young people on the Sunderland Young People's Bullying Charter, which is now being successfully used in many schools across the city.

"Charlotte really is an active champion for all young people. I wish her luck in the finals. I’m sure the city of Sunderland is behind her all the way."

Sunderland set to be new Software City!

IN AN AMBITIOUS BID to attract millions of pounds of investment, employ thousands and generate wealth Sunderland has been launched as the new “software city”.  

Business, academe and the public sector are joining forces to create and deliver this exciting vision of Sunderland in the 21st century.

Lord Puttnam, keynote speaker at the launch, announced plans to further diversify the city’s industrial base and establish a vibrant software industry.

International businesses and potential investors in IT and telecommunications industries are backing he idea, after discussions about future inward investment and partnerships.

Major regional partners include Leighton Group, the University of Sunderland, Sunderland City Council, the North East Business and Innovation Centre and regional development agency One NorthEast.

While the vision is long-term, there is already much ground-level activity that demonstrates the potential to promote Sunderland as a software city. 

Existing assets include high quality sites and premises, excellent telecommunications connectivity and the commitment of Sunderland University’s nationally renowned School of Technology and Computing.

Sunderland Software City will be a city wide initiative rather than a location specific ‘business park’. The university will be a key hub of activity and a major driver for innovation and change: access to a skilled workforce and graduates are critical in the development of a Software City.

Prof. John MacIntyre, University of Sunderland, said: “The University of Sunderland is delighted to be taking a leading role in the Sunderland Software City initiative.  We are aligning our academic programmes so that our graduates will not only have the skills in software development and IT, which the new software industry in Sunderland will need, but will also be helped and encouraged to become the new software entrepreneurs – following the example of others in the region like Sage and Leighton.

“The university will play a key role in developing and sharing knowledge with the software companies, enhancing high level skills and the knowledge base, and adding real value to the industry.”

Public sector involvement will focus on creating the support and physical infrastructure required to underpin a growing software sector.

Cllr Bob Symonds, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said:  “The council has, in partnership with the private sector, been working hard to develop a world-class infrastructure of telecommunications and business premises.  This has already attracted businesses.

“New buildings like the e-volve Business Centre at Rainton Bridge demonstrate why the city has been voted one of the top seven global ‘intelligent communities’ by the Intelligent Communities Forum.

“We are committed to working with the university, One NorthEast and the private sector to create the right environment for a more diverse, dynamic and modern industrial base.” 

Paul Callaghan, Chairman of growing technology, communications and media group Leighton commented: “To build a sustainable and globally competitive software industry in Sunderland we must … develop a range of products and services that people want to buy in a global market … It’s a big idea that is industry led but harnesses the power of business, academia and the public sector. When all three come together you have the recipe for success.”

Sunderland Software City has the backing of One NorthEast (ONE) and the concept is a key component within the Regional Economic Strategy for the North East, ‘Leading the Way’.  ONE has identified nine priority areas to boost the regional economy and ‘commercial creativity’, of which software development is a part, is seen as a prime driver of growth.

John Holmes, Director of Regeneration, at ONE said: “We are very pleased to be working with Sunderland University, Sunderland City Council, businesses and communities to develop the Sunderland Software City project, and we do see this as of major potential significance for the city and the region as a whole.”

The North East now boasts three hot ‘City’ initiatives. DigitalCity is an ambitious initiative driving the economy in Tees Valley. Newcastle has developed Science City status to reinforce strengths in science research. Sunderland Software City will raise the profile of this city in a similarly potent way.

 

I take a chance on my first Chooba (Bubble tea) …

By Jane Smith

I am led into the stark, bright office by a lovely young receptionist. This does nothing to calm my nerves.

My hands are sweaty.  I look around for an escape route. What’s all this fuss about, I hear you ask? I am about to try my first Bubble tea.

Bubble Tea (http://www.chooba.eu/?=Bubble_tea) is a big hit in Asia, Australia and America. Now it’s being established in Europe by a leading tea supplier

A natural, tea-based product, you serve it chilled over ice with, wait for it, tapioca pearls in the bottom! The pearls are the “bubbles”. Hmm ... I’m sceptical! Mind you, all my friends and co-workers love this drink.

Every lunchtime they meet for their CAA meeting - Chooba Addicts Anonymous. This is an excuse for them all to talk about how amazing Chooba is whilst drinking … Chooba. Of course.

My co-worker (who shall remain anonymous) invited me to one of these meetings to try and get me hooked. I was taken in by the hype and finally decided to try it. Which brings me back to the office, the sweaty palms and the fit receptionist.

A door to the right opens, my heart starts beating fast. Two gentlemen enter. They look casually friendly and introduce themselves as Gavin and Fabian, the creators of Chooba. I am handed the drink with an overly large straw, supposedly for sucking up the Choobubbles.

I smile, not wanting to look like a crazy lady with a fear of Bubble tea, and take the drink gratefully. Maybe I can drink the tea and pretend to eat a Choobubble without actually having to do it! The gentlemen look at me encouragingly. It’s time!

I raise the chunky straw to my lips and suck. First couple of sucks … it’s just tea, and it’s nice, really nice! In fact I could drink this easily; it’s refreshing, comforting and tastes natural all at the same time. My taste buds are happy! Then the inevitable.

With the fourth suck and I get Choobubbles up with the tea. What do I do? I can’t swallow them whole so I chew them! Can I just mention at this point, at this very moment in my life, everything changed … life clicked and everything fell into place. It was amazing!

The Choobubbles were surprisingly sweet and chewy and not at all odd! They added a new dimension to drinking. How can I have feared this incredible feeling? I take another sip: as good as the last. I feel the rush, I’m hooked, Something so delicious has never graced these lips before! There is nothing in the world better than this pure bliss.

But wait. Gavin and Fabian whip out a trolley with lots different coloured syrups on them. They ask me to pick one. One! How can I pick just one? Hazelnut … no I think I’ll have mint… Oooh, but there’s some toasted marshmallow… argh! I settle for chocolate, safety choice. They add a shot, I take a sip and fall off my chair.

This is heaven, my tongue tingles with excitement; my brain can’t quite register what’s going on. This is the drink of the future. I say goodbye to Gavin and Fabian, gods of the Bubble tea world, and walk out the office. With my head held high and a Chooba in my hand, I feel like a new woman.

 

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK AT RACIST BULLIES

BULLYING, RACISM, DISCRIMINATION get a dramatic, musical thumbs down at Sunderland’s Empire Theatre on Tuesday (June 26).

That’s when 'THE WORD' struts its stuff in a bid to promote anti-racism and mutual understanding through music.

The group known as 'THE WORD' uses hip-hop and rap to address issues affecting young people's lives and promote mutual understanding and tolerance.

Formed by Amer Sheikh - a chemistry teacher and rapper at Thornhill Business and Enterprise School - and former pupil Brentt Barker, 'THE WORD' has been performing for two years at regional and national events to an estimated 17,000 people.

Fellow Thornhill pupils Kudzai Chiremba (Year 11) and Sophie Forster (Year 10) make up the remainder of the four-strong group. The Thornholme Road school provides the resources and logistical support which make it all possible.

Attending the morning and matinee performances will be pupils from 65 primary, secondary, special schools, colleges, universities and other agencies across the North-East.

They’ll be joined by civic leaders and sporting celebrities from Sunderland and Newcastle United football clubs.

Cllr Bryan Charlton, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Community Cohesion said: "The City is proud to support THE WORD and delighted that the Government has recognized its achievements in promoting community cohesion and tolerance in such an innovative way.

"Using music they can get positive messages over to young audiences in an accessible and entertaining way.

"This pioneering approach is part of our strategy with partners across the city to create and sustain better mutual understanding and tolerance through community cohesion. Getting young people involved in that process is vital to its continued success.

Other initiatives include a CD single 'This is our Word' and an educational DVD 'Respect the Word' produced by the University of Sunderland.

Amer Sheikh said: "This event is the biggest we've ever staged. It’s taken months of preparation. Our shared love of the music and some strong beliefs brought us all together. We use our performances to get powerful, positive messages across in the most accessible and entertaining ways we can.

"Our show informs young people about discrimination, anti-racist education, racism in society and sport, bullying, world faiths and respect for difference. Using positive rap music we seek to inspire young people to follow their dreams and goals."
Gentoo (formerly the Sunderland Housing Group) are lead sponsors of the event at the Empire. Michelle Meldrum, Gentoo Director, said: "It's great to be supporting such a worthwhile project."

Minister for schools opens the future for generations of school children

Jim Knight Minister of State for Schools and 14-19 Learners will visit Oxclose Community School this Wednesday, June 20, to mark the beginning of a new future for Sunderland school children.

Mr Knight MP will officially open the first school in Sunderland to benefit from the government’s ambitious Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme which will transform secondary education by providing 21st century learning environments that engage and inspire young people to learn.

Oxclose Community School, in Washington, is the first of nine Sunderland schools to benefit from a £120 million investment into changing the face of education.

Jim Knight MP, said: "I am looking forward to Wednesday's visit to Sunderland so that I can see for myself the £10.6 million refurbishment of Oxclose Community School.

“Our national investment of £31 billion over the last decade means that hundreds of thousands of pupils are now being taught in new or vastly improved facilities and I am delighted to see the impact this is having in Sunderland. 

“I'm sure that our investment at Oxclose Community School will cement the students, teachers and governors in their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm for the future.  I wish them the continued success that they deserve.”

The £10.6 million refurbishment of the school, which has Visual and Performing Arts status, has not only turned it into a centre of learning excellence with a multi-media resource centre, performing arts suite and state of the art computing equipment, but will also make it a focal point for the community out side of school hours.

The aim of the project has been to transform the 1970’s building into a modern school fitted with state of the art facilities and is part of the educational transformation that is happening across the City.

The school now accommodates:
·New Performing Arts block with up to date dance, drama and music opportunities. The block contains dance and drama studios, a suite of hi-tech music rooms and recording and video editing studios as well as a suite of eight music practice rooms for individual or group work.

·Learning Resource Centre for personalised learning fitted with ICT equipment to support on-line learning. The centre is designed to further develop independent learning skills through innovative and motivating lessons, personalised to meet the needs of each student.

·Creation of social spaces and flexible learning areas.
·New main entrance.
·Extended and improved dining area.
·Refurbished specialist areas throughout the school – all classrooms have a high level of ICT, including interactive white boards and radio networking. Specialist areas in science and technology offer new academic and vocational learning for students.  

Following an improvement in GCSE results, which according to Ofsted “is among the best in the country” the redesign, refurbishment and rebuild will help pupils and staff reach the next stage in developing a centre of excellence for learning.

Coun Bob Symonds, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is one of the first cities in the country to benefit from the Government’s Building Schools for the Future Programme.

“Oxclose School marks the true start of a really exciting journey to transform learning for young people throughout Sunderland.

“This is the first school in the remodeling of Sunderland’s educational structure and is part of a huge project that will inspire personal learning and development for each student for generations to come.

“The new school will give each pupil a solid grounding for their future and their achievements will be celebrated. Preparing for adulthood through learning is a very important stage in anyone’s life and the young learners will get the best start by having access to state of the art technology and facilities.”

The school is the first of its kind to be launched as a new generation school under the unique and innovative “Sunderland Model”.

The journey began in 2004 when Sunderland City Council introduced plans for major secondary school renewal in the first phase of the BSF programme. Building Schools For the Future presents Sunderland with an exceptional opportunity to transform teaching and learning in the city that will improve the life chances for all students in communities across Wearside. 

Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, the government agency that has been tasked with delivering Building Schools for the Future said:

“BSF will transform the learning environments for pupils, teachers and local communities across the country and I congratulate Sunderland on the opening of Oxclose today. The new facilities and technology will help young people reach for excellence and unlock the talent that every single one of them has. BSF will make a real and tangible difference to the life chances of every young person across the country and I very much forward to hearing about the difference it makes in Sunderland in the near future.”

Mike Foster, Headteacher of Oxclose Community School, added: “ We are delighted with the results of the BSF project at Oxclose Community School.

“It is important to remember that this is a transformational teaching and learning project and that everything we have done to the building has had the future of learning for our students at the heart of the process.

“I would like to thank students, parents, staff, governors and everyone involved in the project. It hasn’t always been easy but we now have an excellent base from which to develop educational opportunity for all.”

Safety drive sees parents back at their school desks

It’s back to school for a group of Sunderland parents keen to gain practical tips and advice on staying safe.

A group of 15 adults have returned to the classroom at Grange Park Primary School to learn more about safety in the home. Working with Southwick Children's Centre, the course is run through Sunderland City Council’s Grow Your Own project, a school-based initiative aimed at improving training, education and employment opportunities for members of the local community.

The home safety course runs for seven weeks and offers talks and demonstrations covering every aspect of home safety. Sessions have included advice on toy safety, accidents in the home and fire prevention. The course is open to all parents, grandparents and carers.

One of the Grow Your Own Support Workers at Grange Park Primary School added, “Everyone who has taken part in the course will receive their first aid certificate.”

Each week the sessions follow a specific theme. Previous talks from the city’s beach lifeguards, St John Ambulance and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have included advice on being water wise … first aid … and fire safety and prevention.

Sharon Ashmore, a 37-year-old mum of two, commented: “I have learnt a great deal from the home safety course. Previously if I had seen an accident I would have panicked. Now I know what needs to be done so I would remain calm and help.”

Grandmother, Rose Christie, 59, added: “I knew nothing about home safety before joining the course. It was easy to follow, not too technical. I’d recommend the course to anyone of any age.”  

Councillor Pat Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services within Sunderland City Council, commented: “This is a great example of how the Pupils First Grow Your Own project can help encourage adults to join together in their own community to improve their learning.”

More information from Melanie Richardson at Adessi on 01642 213 641 or email melanie@adessi.co.uk.

 

Lions of Zululand prowling Sunderland

Zulu dancers

A DANCE TROUPE is lending a definite African flavour to primary school assemblies in Sunderland as part of an education outreach programme.

' The Lions of Zululand ' are visiting primary schools around the city on a ten-day cultural exchange tour, performing traditional dances in national costume as the schoolday begins, and then staying with the children throughout the day with music and dance workshops to prepare the children to give their own performances to parents and classmates at the end of the day.

While the music provides the main focus of the day, the twelve strong group use it to help the primary school children look at the art and literature which defines Zulu life and culture as part of their history and citizenship studies. 

Stephen Auster, City Music Co-ordinator said: " The group are based in Durban, South Africa and have become very popular touring schools and arts centres across the country since 2005 promoting the culture of the Zula nation.

" They are also very well regarded in America where the group have worked with both the infuential Smithsonian Institute and the Centre for African American History, so we are delighted that they have agreed to perform in ten of our primary schools.

" The Lions of Zululand are made up of twelve very energetic and enthuisiastic singers and dancers, and the format of each day is tailored to meet the needs of each school so the children can the most out of the day, while the visits have also  been organised post-SATS and pre-half term so lessons aren't disrupted."

One of the schools the ' Lions ' have already visited is Hill View Infants in Grangetown whose headteacher Wendy Angus said: " Our children throughly enjoyed it, as did our staff, and it was the kind of day our youngsters will remember forever.

" The children were all a little nervous to begin with when the performers first appeared in full costune, but the performance was absolutely breathtaking and the children then had the opportunity to work with the group as individuals in small workshops where they learned more about the Zulu language and culture.

" Out in the playground at break you could see how the visit had really caught our youngsters' imaginations, and the whole experience has been very worthwhile for the whole school."

www.sunderlandschools.org/citymusic

 

Beating bullies – youngsters have the best approach

SUNDERLAND'S ADVANCED APPROACH to tackling bullies from within the classroom is being help up as a national example of best practice.

Drawn up by young people themselves, the Anti-Bullying Charter was launches to provide schools with guidelines to help them tackle this national problem.

Now the City Council has been invited to share this best practice with other local authorities at a meeting of the DfES backed Anti-Bullying Alliance at the Children's Bureau offices in London.

The Charter Mark - devised and driven by young people - will be represented by Sunderland City Council's John Britton, PSHCE, Consultant  (Personal, Social, Health in Citizenship Education) and Grant Hollis, 15, from Sunderland's Youth Parliament.

John Britton said: "What makes this Charter unique is the fact that it was produced by youngsters, based on their ideas and responses to a problem some of them unfortunately experience first-hand, and how they think the teachers and staff should be best equipped to deal with bullying.

"It is a set of guidelines which allow pupils and staff at individual schools to judge whether they have the procedures, resources and communications in place for the prevention and management of bullying, and provides a system of self evaluation for schools to follow with a 'charter mark' of gold, silver and bronze available for the standards they achieve.

"The Charter has attracted a lot of interest, and we're looking forward to sharing our ideas with people from all over the country, with Sunderland leading the way in terms of using youth engagement to put effective policies in place to make sure bullies can find no place in the classroom or the school community."

The self-assessment system covers a range of issues and how initial schools perform with a series of questions including:
- does school have an anti-bullying strategy in place?
- are opportunities provided for pupils to raise concerns?
- is there appropriate training for staff?
- does a peer support system exist within school?
- what advice and support is available for parents?

By judging themselves against the criteria the Anti-Bullying Charter provides schools have the opportunity to see how they perform in the key areas pupils themselves have helped identify.

With every school in Sunderland signed up to the Anti-Bullying Charter, and each working hard toward accreditation, the first actual award presentations are
expected later this year with guests from other Children's Services - including Liverpool and Walsall - among those invited to attend.

Deputy Director of Children's Services Keith Moore said: "Bullying is a national problem, and we should all be proud of the fact that young people in Sunderland are playing such an active role in trying to find workable solutions to it on behalf of people their age all over the country.

"Through school, the Youth Parliament, and completing the questionnaires, they've all achieved a great deal. I'm delighted that everyone from primary to secondary school-age children has set such an example for the rest of the country to follow."

Northeast medics scoop innovation awards

The Sage Gateshead was the venue for an important recent prize presentation: this year's regional 'Bright Ideas in Healthcare Awards'. First prize went to a device which helps surgeons repair fractured bones.

Developed by Dr Christian Wohlrab at Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust, the
Bone Alignment Device will help prevent complications and the likelihood of painful surgery by making sure fractured bones are correctly positioned before they heal.

The device won £2500 for first place in the innovative medical devices
Category. Competition organisers will now work at finding a manufacturer who
can produce the device for the surgical market.

Second place went to a new high-resolution ultrasound technique developed at
Newcastle General which can help detect cancers. A special brush used
to clean valves used by throat cancer patients, and developed by City Hospitals
Sunderland Foundation NHS Trust, won third place.

Highly commended finalists in the devices category included: equipment to help
improve the administration of epidural injections (developed at North Tees and
Hartlepool NHS Trust); a paddle used to reduce distress during breast-screening
(developed at Gateshead Foundation NHS Trust); and a tool to help improve the way
medicines are administered to babies (Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust).

Joint winners in the innovative service delivery category were a service
partnership involving the Butterfly North East charity and the Northern Centre
for Cancer Treatment at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, led
by Dr Petros Perros and Kate Farnell.

The partnership helps supports patients with thyroid cancer and helps frontline staff manage patients with drug-related problems developed by the 'First Contact ' Team, led by Dr Morris Gallagher (South Tyneside PCT).

Third place went to a dermatology care service which has significantly reduced
its patient waiting times (County Durham and Darlington Foundation NHS Trust).

Highly commended awards went to a service which improves the handling of
patients suffering from falls (Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation
Trust); a set of training materials which encourage young people to take up
careers in the NHS (County Durham and Darlington Foundation NHS Trust); and a
new initiative to encourage the use of Emergency Care Practitioners (County
Durham PCT).

The winning entries shared a prize fund worth £11,000 at the awards which
showcases the most exciting new services and devices developed by employees in
the region's NHS Trusts.

Run by the NHS Innovations North project at technology brokers RTC North, the
Awards were established to identify valuable intellectual property within the
region's Trusts and deliver new product ideas to local manufacturers.

Backed by Trust research and development managers, the technology and device
category is sponsored by the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS) and
Healthcare Network North East England.

Mike Hartley, Project Director, CELS, commented, "CELS was privileged to sponsor the device category and as usual there were some excellent applications.

"In the service delivery category the judging panel saw equal merit in two of
the front running projects. Both were excellent examples of service improvement working in the community and patient engagement and as a result we were
delighted to extend our sponsorship to ensure that the panel could award two first
place prizes for the category.

"I would like to congratulate all of those who reached the final and we will be
working with NHS Innovations North to explore opportunities to develop all of
these Bright Ideas."

Associate sponsors include Urquart, Dykes & Lord LLP, One NorthEast, Dickinson
Dees, Hargreaves Elsworth and the Centre for Design Research at Northumbria
University.

For more information on the Bright Ideas in Health Awards call Barbara Marriner
on 0191 5164400; email: enquiry@nhsinnovationsnorth.org.uk.

 

Care homes congratulated in annual award ceremony

This year's winners of the annual ' Healthy Home ' awards - presented to homes providing their residents with consistently healthy, hygienic and safe
surroundings – have just received certificates from the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Tom Foster.

Now in their eleventh year the awards are presented only after vigorous and regular
inspections of individual homes to ensure that residents are provided with healthy,
balanced diets, high standards of hygiene and restricted smoking areas, while well
trained staff follow comprehensive health and safety procedures.

The scheme is organised by the City Council in partnership with Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust to promote health and well-being within residential and nursing homes across the City.

Homes must also demonstrate an organised programme of education, exercise and
activities for residents to promote mental as well as physical stimulation. This
year there is another consideration to take into account.

Norma Johnston Assistant Head of the City Council's Environmental Services said: "The Healthy Homes Award have to be earned with regular and stringent checks by the inspection team to make sure the highest standards are not only being met, but also maintained. 

"These awards are part of the continued drive within the city with our partners to
improve health and quality of life for all parts of the community."

Award-winning homes for 2007/2008 were:

West Lodge Penshaw (new)
Jubilee Nursing Home
Barnes Court Care Centre
Springfield Gardens
Springfield House
Adey Gardens Care Home
Thistledale
The Pavilion Care Centre
Moorhouse
Washington Grange Care Home
Valleyview Care Home
Donwell Care home
Kentmere House

Cut carbon, save cash is Sunderland’s new eco-friendly mission

REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS and cut energy costs – that’s Sunderland’s plan over the next five years.

The City Council's Carbon Plan will reduce carbon emissions by 10 per cent by March 2012. Failure to implement the plan could see the council's annual energy bill rise by £2 million pounds …  

Against strong regional and national competition Sunderland City Council was selected in May 2006 to join the Carbon Trust's Local Authority Carbon Management programme. The resulting plan outlines how to reduce emissions and cut fuel costs.
Proposals include: tackling energy consumption in buildings and street lighting, to uncovering efficiencies in transport and commuting.

Phil Barrett, Director of Development and Regeneration said, "The challenge now is to develop proposals into full projects with priority for those offering the best value for money and savings to the council's energy bill.

"At present about three million pounds of investment is thought to be required to fund the proposals needed to cut emissions by 10 per cent. But after five years these proposals should have saved at least an equivalent amount off the council's energy bill ... so the Carbon Plan should pay for itself in full, and we will only take proposals forward on that basis."

With the Carbon Plan Sunderland City Council aims to become “a low carbon council by using energy more efficiently and developing more of our own low carbon energy sources.”

To achieve this, a long-standing cross-council consultation exercise is underway to help chief officers, managers and staff across all departments identify savings and implement the proposals.

Already identified is the contrary fact that necessary expansion plans - such as new facilities and extra streetlights - will increase the council's emissions by 8 per cent.

In mitigation, programmes such as Building Schools for the Future and reviewing use of all property and making better use of existing buildings is expected to cut emissions by 6 per cent.

Further proposals to cut emissions to the 10 per cent target have been identified. These include:

- Using wood prunings from council parks and woodlands as fuel to heat buildings
- Developing energy-saving measures across all council buildings
- More accurate monitoring of the electricity used by streetlights
- Installing vehicle management systems, to make journeys more efficient
- Cutting transport costs by purchasing more efficient vehicles

Phil Barrett added: "Tackling emissions through this Carbon Plan will play a vital part in Sunderland, achieving its aim of becoming the most liveable city in the UK through a balanced, sustainable and environmental approach"

Out of the darkness and into the light:

A review of Lynette Wallworth’s exhibition at the National Glass Centre
By Frances Duckett-Pike

Lynette Wallworth, Invisible by Night [2004]

After being awarded an Arts Council England International Fellowship, hosted by the National Glass Centre, Australian born Lynette Wallworth explores new ways of working with glass,

Walking through the doors into the exhibition, you are immediately taken in to another world. As the doors close and the darkness surrounds you, a sense of eeriness fills the room.

The three pieces are a strange combination of technology and nature and rely on interaction.

One is a projection onto a glass screen of a woman, which invites you to touch the screen to move her. Her silhouette moves to the screen, she touches it, marking the screen with her fingertips, and then moves away.

‘This piece was inspired by women that Lynette met who had experienced suffering.’ Said Katie Howarth, gallery assistant at the Glass Centre.

Music flows through from the second room, slow and relaxing and haunting sounds of nature.

Outside the room are three bowls with a sign asking you to pick one up and move under a projector of images from the Great Barrier Reef. Explosions of colours and fishes fill the bowl, as if you have the whole reef in your hands.

The third piece is three television screens of moving photographs Lynette took when in Iran, all from her bedroom window. The main focus is the middle screen where bright poppies merge into beautiful mountains and a woman in a long floating gown walks.

The exhibition runs from March 17th-June 17th and is something that can be enjoyed by art lovers or novices alike. Children will enjoy participating in the pieces and the room can capture you there for hours.

I myself have been there three times already, and each time find something more mesmerising about the pieces than the last.

How to cut the cost of childcare

Sunderland's working parents could re-claim a large proportion of their
childcare costs.

The childcare element of the Working Tax Credit enables parents to re-claim
up to 80 per cent of the cost of registered and approved childcare.

Information about the scheme is available from the Sunderland City Council
run Children's Information Service (CISS).

Parents can learn about the full range of childcare options, including
childminders, nurseries, out of school hours clubs and playschemes.

Contact the CISS team on 0191 520 5505. The CISS is a free service.

Sophie Maddison, Information Team Leader at the CISS said, "We aim to make
finding affordable and accessible childcare as easy as possible."

A promotional campaign to raise awareness of the CISS and its services is
currently running throughout the region.

Parents can also find out about the childcare element of the Working Tax
Credit by calling into their local Children's Centre.

Sunderland Council Tax rise on the cards

A Council Tax increase is one proposal under current discussion by Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet.

The final budget proposals will be recommended to the City Council for consideration next month.

The mooted Council Tax hike of 3.5% is well below prevailing price increases.

Council Leader Bob Symonds said: "This latest budget builds on the excellent track record which the City Council has achieved over recent years and contains some important new investments to address the priorities which local people tell us are important to them."

The priorities covered in the budget include providing more resources to help older people live independently in their own homes for longer; extra investment in services for young people; and more resources for street care and highways and footpath maintenance.

Cllr Symonds added: "This has been achieved against the backdrop of a 2.7% government grant increase - the lowest settlement for any local authority with the same responsibilities as Sunderland.  The budget reflects significant efficiency savings of just under £4m which have helped to balance the budget - but with no reduction to front line services.

“The City Council was recently awarded the top rating following an  independent assessment of the way we use financial resources and the budget for 2000/8 reflects that excellent practice.”

The Council Tax increase – if initiated – would mean that Sunderland City Council, already rated a four star council, will continue to levy the lowest Council Tax in Tyne and Wear.  

FOSTERING … ADOPTION – COULD YOU HELP?

'YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE' is the message to all in Sunderland from the City Council's Fostering and Adoption Service.

Foster carers and adopters are needed for children of all ages, particularly older children. Information about fostering or adoption is available from Sunderland City Council's Fostering and Adoption Service on 0191 520 5555.

Councillor Pat Smith, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said, "Recruitment is vital because there are children who have had a dreadful start in life and desperately need families with room in their hearts and homes. They need security, stability and lots of love.

"We urgently need more people to come forward as foster carers and adopters. Living with a caring family can make such a difference to these children - it's literally life changing for them.

"We're not pretending it's easy to foster a child, but we give on-going support and training and the rewards are immense. We have many people who have fostered children in the city for decades. They often comment on how great it is when the children come back for Christmas or Sunday lunch!"

Could you foster a child?

Profile of real placement Neil (changed name)

Neil came into foster care because of extreme neglect and went to live with his current foster carers when he was eight years old.

At the time he had no respect for anyone in authority and had already been excluded from nursery and several schools for being aggressive to children and to teachers.

Neil frequently ran out of school and on one occasion his carer had to go to school to coax him out of a manhole he had climbed down and was refusing to leave. During his first week in foster care Neil was excluded from the new school.

Neil's carer dealt with the problems by working closely with the school and asked if she could go into school and stay with him when he was being disruptive. The school agreed to this and the carer spent a great deal of time there when he "kicked off" to calm him down.

His behaviour gradually improved and she was able to withdraw. This little boy could not read or write; the carer worked hard at getting the extra help that he needed with this.

Neil is now 14, and although his carer still needs to go into school occasionally, his behaviour has vastly improved. He is in a mainstream school, and is expected to achieve some GCSEs.

Neil also had massive problems with eating. Because he had been starved, he used to gorge food, and at parties when people helped themselves to food, he used to panic that there would be no food left for him. He would run and push people out of the way and take huge amounts of food for himself. This anxiety about food lasted for years, but with regular and plentiful food and lots of reassurance, Neil is now more relaxed about food and is even becoming choosy about what he eats.

Neil has regular contact with his birth family, and this sometimes causes him to be upset and can trigger problems in school. The carer keeps in touch with the head of year, and lets her know if contact has been difficult. The carer makes an effort to keep good relationships with Neil's family and took his brother on holiday with them. She appreciates the importance of his family to Neil, but she also understands his difficulty in coping with the differences between the two families.

Although Neil keeps in contact with his birth family, his carer feels that he is also fully integrated into their family. She feels that the difference between the two families and their values will always be difficult for him, but he is coping with this better as he gets older.

She now describes Neil as “well behaved and a good role model to other teenagers. He is a fine young man who we are proud to have in our family.”

Neil's carer puts her success with Neil down to the fact that she spent time with him and listened to him and made the connection between his behaviour and his emotional issues.