Friday, 31 May 2013

Hampshire is well underway to meeting the Government's targets for the provision of 15 hours per week free nursery places for disadvantaged two year olds.

By 2014, it is anticipated that around 4,000 additional places will be needed across the county to meet the potential demand from eligible two year olds. Children qualifying for the places include those who are in the care of the Local Authority, as well as those whose parents are on low incomes and those who are unemployed or in receipt of benefits.

The County Council is supporting childcare providers to enable them to create additional places as well as providing training to help them meet the specific needs of children under three years old who will be eligible for the offer.

More than 1,000 two year olds eligible for the free provision have already taken up places and a total of 2,000 new places are expected to be ready for September. More than £1.6 million has been put aside to create the additional places through a targeted programme of capital funding, enabling new schemes to be developed in areas of highest need.

Currently, more than 70% of Hampshire's early years education providers offer places for funded two year olds. In addition, there are childminders in Hampshire who deliver early years education provision. The scheme to offer free childcare provision is part of a national, Government-led initiative to improve outcomes for children. The County Council is launching a leaflet campaign to raise awareness of the offer to families who may be eligible. In the meantime information is also available on the county councils website.

Alternatively parents can contact their local Children's Centre for details or telephone Services for Young Children Information Support Team on 01962 847070 or email childcare@hants.gov.uk.

Cllr Peter Edgar, Executive Member for Education, said: "Hampshire County Council is committed to ensuring that children have the best possible start to learning. Evidence shows that good early years education from a young age can help to boost child development and lead to better achievement in school. That is why we are offering families, who might not otherwise be able to access childcare, a chance to get a good start for their children. All two year old places will be offered in provision that is well equipped to meet the need to young children. Parents who take up the places for their children can also access a range of children's centre activities which can help them with parenting, including how to understand and support their child's healthy development, as well as gaining advice about training and employment. We are also supporting childcare providers so they can ensure they have additional places and skills to meet the needs of these young children."

Providers wanting more information about grants to help them develop their provision should visit Services for Young Children.  They will need to meet the criteria and be planning to provide additional places in the priority areas listed.

• Services for Young Children

Friday, 31 May 2013

Children with disabilities and their families are set to benefit from just under £1m of funding allocated by Hampshire County Council to improve accessibility to services as well as help them in their homes and respite care.

A total of £500,000 will pay for specialist equipment needed to aid the youngsters, either in their own homes, or in their family-based short breaks placements. The remaining £325,000 will be spent on enhancements to help children and young people with disabilities access a range of leisure and recreational opportunities around the county.

The accessibility projects selected for capital funding were chosen in partnership with parents and carer representatives from Hampshire Parent / Carer Network and from Parent Voice, using the results of a survey undertaken by Parent Voice. Parent Voice is an information and participation service hosted by the Rose Road Association and funded by Hampshire County Council. The service supports families enabling them to access information about activities and support available with the aim of increasing participation of families with disabled children. The aim of the survey was to identify how access to leisure opportunities in the community for their children could be improved.

Commenting Hampshire County Council's Executive member for Children's Services, Councillor Keith Mans, said: "The County Council wants all children to be able to participate as fully as possible in recreational and leisure activities. This is why we have listened to parents and carers views on how accessibility to some of these services can be improved for children with disabilities and targeted capital funding accordingly to help leisure providers make enhancements to their facilities. In doing this we are enabling providers to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families so that even more will be encouraged to take part in the leisure opportunities available around the county."

Parents involved in the selection of projects to be funded know how important making activities more inclusive is. Al Crabtree, from Netley whose son Dylan, 14 has cerebral palsy said: "As a parent there is nothing more sad than seeing your child as a wheelchair spectator watching while other children have fun. It breaks your heart. When leisure facilities are truly inclusive my son has the opportunity to play and take part like any other child. Accessible changing facilities at swimming pools mean the difference between us being able to go swimming as a family and enjoy it or go and be stressed by the lack of facilities - in the past I have had to try and change Dylan on a wet floor in view of other people which is undignified for him and unhygienic. More often than not we would not go at all than face that. This investment in making activities accessible makes a real difference to children and their families."

Ray Daniel from Medstead whose son Matthew, 18, has cerebral palsy and complex physical disabilities agrees with Al. A member of Hampshire Parent/Carer Network he said accessibility to services had improved considerably since Matthew was a young child: "As a result of this investment there are more places in Hampshire which are accessible compared to many other areas. Parent and carer involvement is very important as it will help us and the County Council build on this work so that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as non disabled children."

Funded projects include:

• The creation of a redesigned inclusive play area at Royal Victoria Country Park, Eastleigh. Parents / carers and children and young people will be involved in fun consultation sessions to say what they want from their new play area. (£100,000)
• Improved access and changing facilities including changing bench and hoist at The Rapids fun pools, Romsey (£52,200)
• Improved accessible changing area including hoist and changing bench at Horizon Leisure Centre, Havant (£34,000)
• Extension to accessible changing facilities and improvement to facilities including a changing bench and hoist at Hamble Sports Complex pool (£34,000)
• Accessible play equipment at Alice Holt Forest (£20,300); part of wider improvements undertaken by the Forestry Commission including a more accessible cafe and a Changing Places toilet
• Sensory4All - a multi-use sensory space available for families or groups to hire, based at Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh. A later phase of building by Eastleigh Youth Trust will see other improvements including a Changing Places toilet and a café. (£16,500)

In addition to these projects there are a range of smaller enhancements which will be undertaken at the following venues: improved changing facilities including hoist and changing bench at Farnborough Leisure Centre, Farnborough, Ringwood Leisure Centre, Ringwood, West End Arts Centre, Aldershot, part of Hampshire County Council’s wider improvements to the access at the centre, a hoist at Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield, improved changing facilities including a changing bench at Basingstoke Sports Centre, Basingstoke; and improved access via a hoist to the swimming pool at Bishops Waltham school pool.

Changing Places toilets have a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist and plenty of space - and can make all the difference to someone with profound and multiple learning disabilities. For more information see the MENCAP website.

• Parent Voice and Hampshire Parent / Carer Network

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

"A good foster carer is like a safety net. I knew that if I messed up someone would be there to catch me. Good carers don't judge you and you can tell them anything."

Powerful words from a young person who knows the very real and positive difference a foster carer can make to a vulnerable young person's life.

Nikki is 18 now and living independently in supported lodgings but to mark Fostercare Fortnight , 13- 27 May, she is helping Hampshire County Council to raise awareness of Fostering in a bid to recruit more carers.

Nikki, who is one of Hampshire's Care Ambassadors supporting other young people in care, spent around ten years in foster care. She still has contact with the family she lived with prior to living independently. "Penny was everything I could have wanted in a foster carer," said Nikki. "She made me feel at home in her family, she understood the difficult things I was dealing with. When I made mistakes she was there to help me but she never judged me. A good foster placement helps you feel safe and secure and for me it enabled me to be a child again."

Security and stability are very important for vulnerable children coming into foster care. Emma, 19, who is studying Philosophy at university with the aim of becoming a teacher has lived with foster carers for the past five years. She said the ability to give and take is key to the success of a placement. "Sometimes carers need to stick with it," she said. "When you come into care you may have a range of feelings, there may be upset, stress and some conflict. It's really important for carers to be willing to work through the hiccups. My carers are lovely people, supportive, consistent, and reflective. I can talk things through with them and they don't let problems escalate."

Like Nikki and Emma, children and young people are looked after by the local authority in foster placements when their own family, for whatever reason, is unable to care for them. It is often a time of turmoil and the one thing they need is someone who will be there for them, listen to them and support them with whatever challenges they are facing.

Nicky from Waterlooville is one of Hampshire's dedicated team of foster carers. She and her husband Steve have looked after around 25 children in the five years they have been fostering. They currently have four boys living with them and their own teenage son. "It certainly makes for a full house," said Nicky, "but I can't remember it being any different. It's the little things which make it so rewarding. I had one little boy and no-one had ever sat and read a book with him. He was so happy to do that and his enjoyment was great to see."

Nicky mainly fosters older boys now and it is not without its challenges: "It's not always easy," she said "but when you see a young person who may have come to you troubled or quiet and withdrawn, gain in confidence, smile and succeed at things they didn't think they could do, it is worth it."

It is not just the child who benefits. Nicky is in touch with one mum of two boys she cared for. "Mum really turned her life round so she could have her boys back. She and the boys are doing well. That's when fostering really works and it is a pleasure to see."

The County Council is always on the lookout for more people, like Nicky, who can rise to the challenge and make a real difference to a vulnerable young person's life by being a foster carer. Right now the County Council is especially keen to hear from people who can offer a stable and caring home environment to a teenager, sibling groups, or children with complex needs. Opportunities exist which range from long-term caring roles to respite and short break care. Carers are also needed to support parents and babies.

Anyone can be a foster carer as long as they have what it takes to care for children. To help foster carers Hampshire County Council has a range of training courses and comprehensive support recognised by Ofsted who judged the Fostering Service to be good with outstanding features. The Council also offers a competitive package of fees and allowances according to skills and experience.

John Coughlan, Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services said: "Foster carers like Nicky are vital to us - without them our job of ensuring good outcomes for vulnerable children would be much harder. It can be challenging at times as all parenting can be, but carers tell us it is a very rewarding role and as we can see from the testimony of Nikki and Emma being a foster carer is a chance to make a real difference to children's lives."

To find out more about how you can make a difference, call the Foster Care team on 0845 603 5620 or log on to the website.

• Foster with Hampshire County Council

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Hampshire County Council is encouraging parents to swap their car for a ticket to stride on the school run instead, with their children, during Walk to School Week (20- 24 May).

Over ninety thousand Hampshire-based school children have signed up to take part in Walk to School Week 2013, encouraging parents and children to take the opportunity to try walking to school and putting into practice good pedestrian road safety behaviour. All children taking part in Walk to School Week will receive a log book, certificate and stickers.

Walk to School Week is the initiative of national charity 'Living Streets'. According to the charity, by walking to school, parents say they find the journey to school less stressful, their petrol bill goes down, their children perform better at school and both they and their children feel healthier and fitter.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage as many school children and their families across the county to give walking a go during Walk to School Week. It is a more active way to start the day and can help improve concentration in the classroom. It can also be beneficial in helping children develop life long road safety skills and their sense of independence, as well as being fun.

Number of children participating by district.

East Hants 7,860
Basingstoke 13,170
Eastleigh 9,060
Fareham 8,435
Gosport 5,995
Hart 6,860
Havant 7,705
New Forest 9,980
Rushmoor 6,835
Test Valley 8,265
Winchester 6,455

Total 90,620

• Walk to School Week

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

The outline terms for proposals that could lead to a groundbreaking strategic partnership between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to deliver Children's Services on the Island were approved today 25 March.

The decision by Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Roy Perry provides a formal basis for the proposals, which are designed to strengthen child protection and education services on the Island.

Substantial further work is now required before an agreement can be finalised and the Councils are engaged on a steady and considered approach to ensure all challenges, risks and solutions are identified, in what could be a significant opportunity for both local authorities.

Cllr Perry said: "It is a credit that Hampshire County Council with its reputation for strongly performing Children's Services should be approached by the Isle of Wight Council, with the support of the Department for Education, with a view to establishing such a partnership. It is an opportunity for us to offer assistance to our neighbour and an opportunity for us to develop an area of work as an extension of our capacity - the prospect of this type of partnership is something that's been under informal consideration nationally for some time in view of general financial and performance concerns."

"While it does represent a significant opportunity for both councils, uppermost in my mind is that I have a first and unequivocal responsibility to the children of Hampshire. I will be seeking full assurance that these proposals are subject to very careful assessment and that there can be no question of Hampshire's Children's Services budgets being utilised."

Broadly, the outline proposals for a strategic partnership, which would be unlikely to start before end of May 2013, would mean that Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services and Children's Services Departmental Management Team would take full operational responsibility for Isle of Wight Children's Services, including education and social care, as per the terms of Children Act 2004 as part of an improvement programme under the auspices of Government. The Isle of Wight Council would retain political authority and accountability. Line management and operational responsibility would rest entirely with Hampshire County Council. The Isle of Wight Council would remain financially accountable and fund all relevant costs of the arrangement.

Isle of Wight Council Leader Cllr David Pugh said: "It is imperative that these arrangements to improve our child protection services are put in place swiftly and also that they are effective. We also look forward to the potential of working with our colleagues in Hampshire to drive forward continued improvement in our schools.

"We welcome this step forward and will continue our discussions with Hampshire to ensure the arrangement is the very best one for Island residents and, most importantly, the children and families who deserve the very best support."

• Children's Services in Hampshire

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Pupils at a Winchester school are to have new permanent classrooms as part of plans unveiled by Hampshire County Council to cater for the school's ongoing growth in pupil numbers.

At his Decision Day (25 March), Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, Councillor Roy Perry instructed officers to progress a scheme at All Saints Church of England Primary School in St Catherine's Road, Winchester to replace the temporary classroom and provide the school with permanent accommodation for a one form entry school.

The plans form part of the County Council's £10million long term investment to provide hundreds of additional primary school places in the city from September 2014 to meet the pressures from rising birth rates, new housing developments and parental preference, as more and more young families move to Winchester.

Adding to the Children's Services existing overall £256million capital programme over the next three years, the enhanced facilities will see the temporary classroom removed, and two new permanent classrooms provided. There will also be a new internal link that connects the upper and lower parts of the school so that staff and pupils no longer have to go outside, as they do now. A new level main entrance will also be provided for the school, as well as improved staff facilities and in particular, a larger staffroom.

Commenting, Councillor Perry said: "The Capital Programme report on this agenda makes reference to the recent Government grant announcement. The report identifies £256million for investment in schools and other Children's Services establishments over the next three years. Such a considerable investment will offer many new and enhanced facilities for Hampshire children.

"In the Winchester city area, there has been a significant and rapid demand for primary places which mirrors the national trend, and one which we expect to continue. Much work is already underway to help address this in the years ahead, and I am pleased that we are in a position to move forward with plans to provide two permanent classrooms at All Saints Church of England Primary School, which will deliver an extra 70 places, and bring total pupil numbers up to 210. This represents a significant investment by the County Council so that children attending the school in future can enjoy enhanced facilities that support their learning and provide them with the best possible start in life."

• Children's Services Capital Programme 2013/14

Monday, 25 March 2013

A number of outstanding young Hampshire citizens have been recognised at a ceremony to mark their exceptional efforts in helping to make a positive difference in their local community.

The 'Hampshire Making a Difference Award' was presented by the Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Andrew Joy, rewarding young people aged between five and 18 from across Hampshire who, by being active, good citizens, have done something exceptional to help others.

A special presentation was held on 22 March and a total of 51 young people from Romsey, Chandler's Ford, Southampton, Winchester, Gosport and Farnborough (13 individuals and 38 young people from four groups) were commended for their work and awarded a certificate and letter of congratulations from the County Council Chairman.

These award-winning efforts to make a positive difference in their community have included; providing care, help and support to disabled family members, volunteering at a project to support young people with disabilities and special needs, volunteering at a local Beavers group, and providing volunteer coaching to local gymnastics clubs. Other examples are fundraising for various charities and for those with special needs, refurbishing a local community centre in North West Fareham, developing and safeguarding youth provision for the local community, representing the voice of young people in the New Forest and changing the perception of young people in the community in Fareham and Gosport.

Councillor Joy said: "We received dozens of nominations for these Awards which goes to show the immense amount of good work being done in Hampshire by some wonderful young people, who are making a really positive difference in their local communities.

"This work can so often go unnoticed and certainly unrecorded, so these Awards are a real opportunity to recognise their contributions and say thank you for their acts of exceptional active citizenship. Congratulations to all the young winners and I would like to thank them on behalf of Hampshire County Council for setting such a fine example and for helping to make our county an even better place to live."

Friday, 22 March 2013

A massive £256million investment over the next three years for Hampshire's children and young people, including one of the biggest ever programmes for creating new school places has been approved by Hampshire County Council within its budget for 2013/14.

Now that Government has announced details of local authority grants for education capital spending for the next two years, the Council can plan with more certainty and Councillor Roy Perry, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, is being asked to approve the detail of this substantial investment plan on 25 March.

It includes a commitment to spend £165million creating around 8,000 new, high quality school places that will meet the heavy demand from rising birth rates, new housing developments and more families moving into the county. It's also expected to give a big boost to Hampshire's economy by creating new jobs in the building industry and safeguarding others.

Other significant plans include the investment of £3m in Gosport Skills Centre, a centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training on the Daedulus Enterprise Zone site. The technical training centre will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics technologies and wider engineering disciplines and will be led by Fareham College supported by St Vincent College and private sector employers. It is anticipated it will create sustainable employment opportunities by attracting investment and employers to the area while providing vital vocational skills to the district's young people.

The investment programme will also include improvements to the highly valued outdoor study centre at Stubbington, enhancements to education centres around the county to support vulnerable children and young people as well as the strategic review of children's residential homes which will see the relocation and replacement of homes to ensure they better meet the needs of the most vulnerable children that they support.

Commenting Councillor Perry said: "This planned programme represents a very significant investment into children's services, especially education, across Hampshire. Thousands of additional school places will be created, enhancements will be made to schools and education centre facilities as well as accommodation for children in care who are among the county's most vulnerable.

"A particularly innovative development is the Gosport Skills Centre, which will ensure young people have the right skills to meet the needs of the Hampshire employment market. This will not only improve opportunities for young people but will also help to ensure sustainable development of the local economy."

The 8,000 new school places will help meet forecast demand that is based on calculations not just about rising birth rates but housing growth and parental preferences that add further pressures. Population movement is hard to predict and some parts of Hampshire are becoming increasingly attractive for young families to move to after their children are born. There is a developing trend with parents attracted by the general quality of life in the county but also by the high quality schools, with more than 75% of children attending a primary school ranked good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Earlier this month Hampshire County Council was able to offer a record high 99.5% of parents a place for their child at a secondary school of their choice this September - with 96.2% getting their first preferred school, around 10% higher than the national averages released by the Department for Education last year.

The admissions team is now handling primary school applications with offers due to go out on 16 April. In total the department will have dealt with 33,000 applications this year for children who are either starting primary or secondary school or transferring from infant to junior school.

Councillor Perry added, "The pressure on school places is a national challenge and the popularity of Hampshire schools adds to that challenge. We have dealt with these pressures to date as the figures bear out. This significant investment plan means that we will continue to be able to offer parents high quality schooling in high quality accommodation."

• Children's Services in Hampshire

Monday, 18 March 2013

Children with disabilities and their families in Basingstoke look set to benefit from more than £100,000 funding support from Hampshire County Council for specialist play activities in the coming year.

Subject to the agreement of the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services Cllr Roy Perry on 25 March, funding for 'short breaks' specialist play schemes in the borough will not only be maintained but there will be more choice offered to local families, with an extended range of providers in line for support.

The short breaks scheme ensures that children can take part in a range of safe, fun and interesting play schemes during school holidays and weekends, giving their carers much-needed breaks.

More than 3,500 children across Hampshire can take part in recreational and leisure activities each year thanks to the programme.

A panel that includes local parent representatives from Basingstoke has recommended that Cllr Perry awards three grants this year to provide a good mix of specialist play schemes that would be sustainable and offer more choice to local people.

They are:

• Basingstoke Play Council, £30,689 recommended for holiday and some Saturday play sessions for children with learning disabilities and autism aged between 4 and 11 years.
• Kids - Pebbles Holiday Play Scheme, £10,000 recommended towards a holiday play scheme for early years and primary-aged children, based at Kids Pebbles' site, Popley.
• Disability Challengers, £65,000 recommended for holiday and Saturday play sessions for children aged 4-12 with complex needs and disabilities.

Councillor Perry said: "I know how important these short breaks services are to the families of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs and it's my aim to ensure that all children in Hampshire whatever their ability have the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in a range of educational and leisure opportunities.

"Funds awarded in this way enable voluntary sector organisations to continue to develop their services to meet families' needs, while achieving value for money and that's why I'm pleased to see that the proposals before me for Basingstoke give a good mix of provision for different ages, abilities and needs as well as maintaining activities that are successful and valued by local families."

• More information about short breaks services

Friday, 08 March 2013

Children with speech and language difficulties will benefit from specialist support now available through Hampshire County Council's Children's Centres.

A team of speech and language professionals started work this term to provide additional support to children with speech and language difficulties. Working closely with the NHS speech and language therapy services to support individual children they will also help parents and Children's Centre staff to better support children's communication development, ensuring they have a language rich environment.

The team is part of just under £1m committed to improve and develop speech and language support services added to this year's budget as an initiative from Hampshire County Council's Leader Councillor Ken Thornber. The new services are part of a wide range of services available to young families being delivered through Hampshire's Children's Centres from 81 locations around the county. As well as the early help through children's centres targeted support for children with speech and language difficulties is being offered at the county's special schools.

Councillor Thornber committed the additional funding to creating the dedicated Speech and Language Therapy Service to complement services provided by the NHS and the work already being done by the County Council to support the development of children's speech and language. This work includes projects such as Hampshire's Keep on Talking project which works with children in their early years to prepare them for school.

Councillor Thornber said: "I am personally delighted to see this new service come into existence. The County Council has always been dedicated to providing the best service it possibly can for all our children and families because we must give our young the best possible start in life.

"The development of good speech and language skills is vital if a child is to achieve its potential. Research shows that children who are not able to communicate successfully are at risk of low educational attainment, increased behavioural and emotional difficulties, poor employment opportunities or training prospects and increased likelihood of mental health problems.

"The new service being delivered through our 81 Children's Centres will build on the positive work already being undertaken in Hampshire and it will ensure that even younger children, those aged 0-3 will be supported, and that parents will be better equipped to support their child's language development."

• Children's Centres in Hampshire
• The Early Communication Support Service

Friday, 08 March 2013

An innovative dance project run by Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Youth Offending team is getting national recognition at two prestigious events in London next week

On Monday 11 March, HRH The Princess Royal will be presenting representatives from The Wessex Dance Academy with a Commendation at the Butler Trust Annual Awards at Buckingham Palace.

Wessex Dance Academy aims to transform the lives of young people, aged 14 - 18, who have offended or are at risk of offending, have been excluded from mainstream education, or are looked after children. It is run by Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Youth Offending Team, in conjunction with professional dance company Dance United. It has been running as a termly programme, with three cohorts a year since last September having developed from a pilot project between 2009 and 2011.

One of its key aims is to reduce re-offending rates. The re-offending rate for the pilot project from 2009 to 2011 averaged at 34%. This compares favourably with similar programmes in Leeds and Bradford, evaluated by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) Centre for Research on Socio-cultural Change at the University of Manchester which found combined re-offending rates there averaged 50%. The full impact of the Hampshire service will be evaluated later in 2013 when the Wessex Dance Academy has been fully running for one year.

The Butler Trust Awards were launched in 1985 in memory of the reforming former Home Secretary, RAB Butler. The awards celebrate outstanding dedication, skill and creativity by people working in prisons, probation or youth justice settings across the UK.

Two days later, on 13 March, the Wessex Dance Academy will be at the LGC Awards 2013 ceremony in London, where they have been shortlisted in the category of Children's Services.

Commenting Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council's Executive Lead member for Children's Services said: "I am delighted to see the positive impact that this programme is having is being recognised in this way. To be commended by the Butler Trust annual awards is extremely encouraging and a measure of the commitment which both our staff and the young people attending the Wessex Dance Academy give to the programme.

"The Dance Academy can help transform young people's lives. It provides them with a unique opportunity and a positive focus for their lives, helping them find out just what they are capable of achieving through hard work, dedication and commitment. I wish the team the best of luck for the LGC awards later in the week."

• Wessex Dance Academy