This issue…
Your guide to Summer days out in our area
The magazine for the people of Bath and North East Somerset | Summer 2015
Win £50
in our phot competitio o n on page 6
What’s on your plate?
Why hot school meals are such a benefit for children
Brought to you in partnership with:
A helping hand
Support services for local businesses Plus... All the latest news
including a new strategy for health and boosting the local food economy
Welcome
Summer 2015
If you have problems reading this magazine, please contact Bath & North East Somerset Council for a braille or larger version on 01225 477495
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @BathnesLeader
W
elcome to the Summer 2015 edition of Connect magazine. Now that we can enjoy better weather at last (hopefully), this edition is packed with a wide variety of events and activities to keep you busy. Following the local elections held in May, we introduce you to your newlyelected ward Councillors (on p.16) including their contact details, to help you get in touch with our 65 members across the 37 wards of Bath and North East Somerset. With many children taking up holiday jobs, on page 12 employers, parents and young people can find out why 13-16 year olds need to register with the Council As without doing so, not only is the employer breaking the law, but the young person will not be covered by their insurance. Improving the local economy is a key focus for the Council, and on
page 10 we’re encouraging budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses to make use of the wide range of Council support available – including loan funds, workshops and one-to-one advice sessions. We also take a look at the health and wellbeing benefits of local community transport schemes on page 30. These invaluable lifelines are helping people to get out and about, and were keen to get more people involved in volunteering to help with the service.
“We’re encouraging entrepreneurs and businesses to make use of the Council support available” Finally, on page 38 you can meet the Virtual School Team and discover more about the vital assistance that they provide to children and young people in care across Bath and North East Somerset. Councillor Tim Warren, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
is brought to you by...
Connect magazine is distributed to 76,000 households. It is produced in partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council and MediaClash
MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW T: 01225 475800 W: www.mediaclash.co.uk
For advertising enquiries contact lisa.rodd@mediaclash.co.uk
In this issue...
Newsdesk............................... 4 The latest news including a plan aiming to improve health and boost the food economy
Events diary............................ 8 Summer events: family fun, theatre, arts, exhibitions, music and a whole lot more
Helping hand for business....10 Discover the wide range of support services to help budding businesses in our region
A working holiday.....12 Work permits safeguard young people who work during the summer holidays
What’s on your plate................14 A hot school meal has many health benefits and can improve academic performance
Your new councillors.............16 Following the recent Local Government Elections here are your new councillors
Taking it personally................19 The six key targets that Sirona’s staff are working towards over the coming years
Private fostering.................... 23 Are you looking after someone else’s child? Here’s everything you need to know
The right way to recycle....... 24 Some valuable tips on how to become an even better recycler
Your care, your way............... 28 Planning community services – a brand new initiative that needs your input
By the community................. 30 The role of community transport schemes
Meet the.................................. 38 The Council’s Virtual School Team
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 3
Newsdesk Newsdesk
Keeping you informed with the latest news from the area A strategy has been devised to ensure locally sourced food is available to our community
Better food for B&NES A new plan aims to improve health and boost the food economy
T
he Council has developed a new three-year local food strategy to ensure that healthy, sustainable and locally sourced food is available to everyone in the community. The detailed action plan sets out to improve health and wellbeing, support environmental sustainability and boost the local food economy. The strategy is structured around three delivery themes: local food production; food provision and access; and a healthy and sustainable food culture. The first aims to encourage sustainable food production, support the development of the food supply chain and improve opportunities for community food growing. Under the second, the aims are to increase the procurement and provision of good food in both the public and private sectors, to improve the local food retail offer and to ensure everyone, including low-income residents, has access to good food. The third centres on improving opportunities for residents to learn
4 | Connect | Summer 2015
about nutrition and develop their own skills, increasing public awareness of good food and supporting residents, businesses and public sector organisations to reduce and recycle food waste. A key element of the strategy is Fairtrade food. As a member of the sustainable food cities network, B&NES holds Fairtrade accreditation for Saltford and Keynsham and is currently renewing accreditation for Bath. The intention is to encourage a wider range of workplaces and community organisations to serve both Fairtrade and local products and get involved in the Fairtrade campaign. Initiatives already in place in the area for this scheme to build on, including the Bath & North East Somerset Farmers Markets, the Bath City Farm and the Bath Food Cycle, a volunteer-led initiative providing a weekly free three-course meal to people in need using surplus food donated by local food businesses. Food organisations such as FareShare South West, Transition Bath, Bath Spa University,
Keynsham Food Bank and Sirona Care and Health attended the launch of the new strategy at Farrington’s Farm Shop in Farrington Gurney, along with local businesses, producers, community groups and charities. All individuals, businesses and organisations who are interested in the new strategy and would like to be involved are invited to join the online Sustainability Network Food Group at www. sustainabilitynetwork.co.uk/group/ localfood. n
Find out more For more information on local food and to see the Local Food Strategy, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ services/environment/ sustainability/food/local-food
www.bathnes.gov.uk/latestnews
Tim leads the way
C
ouncillor Tim Warren has been appointed as the new Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, following last month’s local elections. Cllr Warren, who leads a majority Conservative administration, said: “I’m proud to lead the Cabinet as we set to work on ensuring that the Council is efficient and well-run; investing in the future and putting the interests of residents first – right across Bath and North East Somerset.” The key aims and priorities of the new administration include: n Tackling waste to keep Council Tax down: A ‘root and branch’ spending review, protecting front-line services, more collaborative and shared service arrangements, and capitalising on opportunities to generate revenue through Council resources and sound investments. n Improving local transport: Supporting community/ dial-a-ride services and progression of the MetroWest rail project, consulting on an East of Bath Park & Ride site, more targeted road safety schemes and tackling poor road and pavement surfaces. n Investing in children and young people: Investing in Early Years services, at least £6.6m on school buildings and primary school places, modernising play areas, delivering a full complement of school crossing patrols, ensuring children in care and those with special educational needs have the support they need.
n Delivering more affordable housing: Delivering more than 3,300 affordable homes, prioritising investment in brownfield redevelopment, producing a Student Accommodation Strategy and supporting communities in developing Neighbourhood Plans. n Supporting communities, improving services Protecting existing free parking and preventing further closure of public toilets, improving the cleanliness of public spaces, incentivising recycling, encouraging expansion of community libraries, delivering a flood-risk management strategy, and closer working with parish/ town councils. n Improving health and wellbeing: Delivering investment of up to £18.5m to improve leisure facilities, integrating leisure with Public Health responsibilities, supporting independent living for elderly/ disabled residents, expanding care home provision and continuing to integrate adult social care and health services. n Growing the economy, increasing local jobs: Securing investment to create 9,000 jobs and over 3,000 homes in the next 15 years, supporting roll-out of superfast internet across our area (and ultrafast broadband in Bath), encouraging businesses to establish and grow, fulfilling the economic potential of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Keynsham with top-end office space to attract companies to the area, developing skills training and encouraging entrepreneurship. n
Green & pleasant land A network of meadows are to be introduced to parks in our area
T
he Council is introducing a network of meadows across parks and green spaces in the area. The scheme, in response to the news that the UK has lost around 90% of its wildlife-rich grassland since the Second World War, will be launched this year with 24 meadows and rolled out across the district over the coming years. The new meadows will be created in areas identified by ecologists and parks managers and monitored to maximise their benefits to wildlife. It’s hoped that they will be able to attract small animals, wildflowers and butterfly species, such as the Small Copper and the Marbled White. The new areas will also provide
News round-up Bridge design shortlist Plans for the design and development of a new bridge within the Bath Quays Waterside project have reached a significant stage, with the announcement of a shortlist of design teams. Just six design teams were chosen from the 49 who responded, both from within and outside the UK. The teams will be invited to develop and submit their designs to be evaluated by the Council’s jury during the summer. The winning design will be announced in the autumn. The deadline for the children’s competition to design a new bridge has been extended to 17 July. Entries will be judged by the same panel, and the winners will be announced at the same time as the public exhibition of the shortlisted designs. If you haven’t yet entered and would like to, visit www.bathnes. gov.uk/services/planningand-building-control/ major-projects/bath-quaysbridge for an entry form.
It’s electrifying This summer, Network Rail Could this the winner? will be taking the first major step on the way to electrifying the Great Western Mainline. Electrification will pave the way for a new generation of high speed intercity trains that are cleaner, greener, with a greater capacity. The work takes place between 18 July and 31 August. First Great Western have planned a comprehensive rail replacement for August which will mirror the current train timetable where possible and which also has a comparable capacity to the train service. For the most up to date information on alternative travel plans, please visit First Great Western’s website www.fgw/bath2015
New life for a library book
Wildlife will be able to thrive food for songbirds. There are plenty of ways in which you can help. Please explore the meadows and enjoy them. You can also help to keep them litter-free and remember to clean up after your dog. There will be teams looking after the meadows, but please let us know if you see any problems. And please tell us if you know of other areas that might benefit from similar treatment. To find out more, please contact the Parks Projects Manager Paul Pearce on 01225 396879 or email paul_pearce@ bathnes.gov.uk. n
Library goers are being asked to compete with one another for the most creative idea for reusing an ex-library book. The theme for this year’s Recycled Book Art Competition is “Wonderland” to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. There are four categories: Under 12, 12-17, 18 and over, and Group. The competition, which runs from 5-19 September, will be judged by public vote. To enter the competition, visit any library in Bath & North East Somerset, where you can get an entry form and choose an ex-library book. The closing date for entries is 29 August.
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 5
Newsdesk
Plans for the future
I
t is now easier for local communities to get involved in planning their futures. In our area there are two main ways: The B&NES Placemaking Plan and local Neighbourhood Plans. The Placemaking Plan covers the whole of B&NES, and a Draft Plan is due to be published in the autumn for consultation. It will then be submitted to an independent Government-appointed Inspector early in 2016 for adoption the same year. The Plan identifies and allocates sites for development, together with community spaces to be protected, and sets out detailed policies to be used in determining planning applications.
Top cycle race final
T
he grand finale of the 2015 Pearl Izumi Tour Series comes to Bath on 11 June with teams competing for the crown of Britain’s fastest team. The closed-road circuit takes in the Royal Crescent, Marlborough Buildings, Brock Street, The Circus, Gay Street and Royal Avenue. This is where the day’s activities will start with cycling activities for local primary and secondary schoolchildren. These will be followed by an amateur event for local cyclists and the chance for eight corporate teams to enter and race on the Pearl Izumi route. The
Neighbourhood Plans, which guide the future development, regeneration and conservation of an area, must be developed with the community, be subject to two consultations and pass an independent examination and a community referendum. These Plans offer communities an opportunity to influence the future of their area. There are currently 12 designated Neighbourhood Plan areas in B&NES, with Freshford and Limpley Stoke the first Neighbourhood Plan areas to have a successful examination. Keep an eye out for more details in the next issue of Connect magazine. n
Pro-cycling comes to Bath
day will end with the Men’s Grand Final at 7.30pm. This year will see two new teams among the nine squads: Team Wiggins, formed by 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins, and the One Pro Cycling Team of England cricketer Matt Prior. Members of the public are invited to line the route, and there will be a activities available for spectators in Royal Victoria Park, just in front of the Royal Crescent. For more information about the race, visit the official website www.tourseries.co.uk. n
Connect competition Name the location?
Here are the latest ongoing projects in your community Newbridge Park and Ride
Works to Newbridge Park & Ride are progressing well with the new extension to the car park now open. Works continue to upgrade the existing parking facilities including a brand new facilities building with public toilets due for completion. The extension works to Newbridge are a part of the Bath Transport Package and are providing an additional 248 spaces at this Park & Ride site.
Weston All Saints Primary School
WIN
£50!
Do you recognise this former strip of shops shown in the image? If you do then enter our competition. This photograph was kindly provided by the Bath Records Office (www.batharchives.co.uk)
How to enter Email: Send your answer to connectmagazine@bathnes.gov.uk Post: Send your answer to Connect Competition, Floor 1, Guildhall, Bath BA1 5AW Last issue’s winner: Norman Berry, of Rudgeway Road, Paulton.
Terms and conditions: Competition open to residents of Bath and North East Somerset only. Employees of MediaClash and Bath & North East Somerset Council (or relatives) not eligible to enter. Editor’s decision is final.
6 | Connect | Summer 2015
Work is on progress with completion set for August 2015. The building structure has been completed and the internal 1st fix is in progress. Over the coming weeks the scaffolding will be removed allowing the external works to commence.
events diary
Calendar
Here comes summer and a host of ways to celebrate, including exhibitions, films, music festivals and the colourful Bath Carnival
Antiques at Green Park Station
20 & 27 July 2 & 30 August
Xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx x
27 July to 1 August
Try on togas at The Roman Baths
JUNE
The Girl Who Fell To Earth
Fugitive Pieces
Bath Society of Artists Until 27 June More than 300 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures will be on show in the Victoria Art Gallery’s summer exhibition at Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT. All artworks for sale. www.victoriagal.org.uk 01225 477233
8 | Connect | Summer 2015
n Art Store Tour 17 June A chance to explore parts of the gallery never normally seen. From 12 noon to 12.45pm at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT. Free, but call in advance to book. www.victoriagal.org.uk 01225 477233 n Saltford Festival 13-21 June Featuring a wide variety of events throughout the riverside village of Saltford, some ticketed. Tickets available from Saltford Post Office, Saltford Hall (open 10am to 12 noon on weekdays) or by emailing events@saltfordhall.co.uk www.saltfordhall.co.uk n Midsomer Arts Festival 24-30 June A week-long celebration of visual and performing arts in and around the beautiful village of Midsomer Norton. Free entry. www.midsomerartsfestival.weebly. com n Bath Festival of Nature 27 June Gather round the bandstand in Royal Victoria Park, Bath to discover the rich diversity of wildlife in the heart of the city. 11am-6pm. Free. www.festivalofnature.org.uk
Juanita Buchan at the Central Library, Bath
Keynsham Music Festival 29 June-5 July Join in the party at this week-long free festival of music and cultural events at Memorial Park, Keynsham. www.keynshammusicfestival. co.uk Tel: 0117 986 8683 Party in the park
n Stanton Prior Open Gardens 28 June A chance to see nine stunning village gardens at their best. Including home-made cream teas, local produce stall and bric-a-brac stall. 2-5.30pm, Stanton Prior, Bath BA2 9HX. £5, children under 15 free.
JULY
n Dr Dolittle 2-4 July A treat for all the family as the Susan Hill School of Dancing Musical Theatre Group morph into antelopes, ostriches, kangaroos, polar bears and giraffes. 7.30pm at the Victoria Hall, Church Street Radstock, BA3 3QG. For more information and ticket prices, email info@victoriahallradstock.com. www.victoriahallradstock.co.uk 01761 438885
n Independence Day BBQ 3 July Join in the Independence Day celebrations at the American Museum with an evening of classic Fifties and Sixties rock ‘n’ roll and a barbecue. 5.30-8.30pm at the American Museum, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7BD. Adults £2, children £1, families £5 at the gate. www.americanmuseum.org 01225 460503
BBQ at the American Museum
gold in the ancient world given by the Bath Evening Decorative and Fine Arts Society (BEDFAS). 7pm at The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BD. www.bedfas.co.uk 01225 742819 Bath gets a flavour of Brazil
Hamlet at the Victoria Gallery
n Jane Austen’s Bath 4 July-4 October An exhibition of watercolours and prints depicting the Bath Jane Austen saw and portrayed in her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. At Victoria Gallery, Bridge Stree, Bath BA2 4AT. Lunchtime tours every Thursday, 12.30-1.30pm. Free to Discovery Card and ticket holders. www.victoriagal.org.uk 01225 477233
Bath Carnival
11 July
Grab some glitter and join in the fun as Rio comes to Bath for a day of music, art and dance. Festivities begin in Parade Gardens, Bath BA2 4DF, with local bands and free activities in preparation for the grand parade. www.visitbath.co.uk Gold of the Gods at The Holburne
n Everyman
5 July A chance for cyclists to challenge themselves with routes of 80, 50 and 25 miles in this one-day event in and around Bath. For more details and to register, visit the website. www.bikebath.co.uk 0845 388 0037
16 July A National Theatre Live production of the classic myth, adapted by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and starring Bafta winner Chiwetel Ejiofor. 6.30pm at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HQ. Tickets are £12 for adults, £10 for under-18s. www.midsomernorton communitytrust.co.uk 01761 419133
n Gold of the Gods: Treasures
n Corston Country Fair
of South America and the Search for Eldorado 6 July Be dazzled by the work of Peruvian and Colombian goldsmiths in this lecture on
18 July A great family day out with stalls, train rides, bouncy castle, classic cars, dog show, brass band and refreshments. Entrance £1, children under 16 free.
n A Day of Cycling
From 2-5pm at the village of Corston, near Bath BA2 9AZ.
n Togas and Tunics 20 & 27 July A chance for children to have fun learning about the Romans by trying on togas, making a mosaic and handling Roman objects. For Key Stages 1 and 2. At The Roman Baths, Stall Street, Bath BA1 1LZ. www.romanbaths.co.uk 01225 477785 n A Thread of Colour 27 July-1 August A new exhibition features textiles and fine art by Saltford artist Juanita Buchan. 10am-4pm at Bath Central Library, The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath BA1 5AN. Free entry. www.juanitabuchan.co.uk
AUGUST
n Bath Vintage & Antiques Sunday Market 2 & 30 August The perfect day out for collectors, with the chance to browse through kitchenalia, glass, ceramics, furniture and more. 9.30am-4pm on the first and last Sunday of every month at Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB. www.vintageandantiques.co.uk 07723 611249 Bath Vintage & Antiques Market
n Bath Folk Festival 8-16 August Internationally acclaimed acts join with local talent for this exciting festival, with concerts and workshops at various locations throughout Bath, and a five-day Summer School open to all ages and abilities at the University of Bath. www.bathfolkfestival.org n Under the Sea 11 August Explore how designers use shape to create mermaids and sea beasts – just one of the Fashion Museum’s fun-filled activities for children this summer. 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm at the Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH. www.fashionmuseum.co.uk 01225 477789
Add an event Any member of the public or organisation or can add an event to our online calendar.
Bath City Farm Family Fun Day
All you need to do is register with us via the website. Events will be searchable by date or category.
8 August
Activities for all the family, including live music, workshops, bouncy castle, treasure hunt, craft fair and animals. Free entry. 10am-3pm, at Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath BA2 1NW. www.bathcityfarm.org.uk 01225 481269
n The Paradis Palm Court Trio 7 August One of a series of lunchtime concerts on the first Friday of each month. Refreshments available. 12.30-1.30pm in the Assembly Room at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, The Island, Bath BA3 2HQ. www.midsomernortoncommunity trust.co.uk 01761 419133
Fun for all the family
Visit www.bathnes.gov. uk/events to begin uploading your event.
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 9
Meeting people: B&NES Business Support Service can help you build your networks
A helping hand for business Do you run your own business or dream of starting one? The Council has a wide range of support services to help both budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses – and they’re free
T
he Council is committed to helping businesses start and grow, so that local residents have a wide range of jobs available to them. Anyone running a business, or even just thinking about it, can access the Council’s free business support service, which provides advice on a wide range of issues including business planning, finance and funding, and marketing. “There’s a lot of information out there, but it can take time to find out what’s relevant for your business,” says Economic Development Officer Helen Moore. “An hour with one of our advisors can help you focus on the right next step.”
Practical help
To deliver the service, the Council works with business advice consultancy Cool Ventures, which runs a series of workshops and offers one-to-one advice sessions For start-ups, the Starting in Business workshop covers the advantages and disadvantages of self-employment, the viability of the idea, market research and how to write a business plan. Follow-up workshop Making It Happen looks at closing deals, market research, increasing sales and financial matters.
10 | Connect | Summer 2015
Build your confidence at a workshop The Strategic and Business Planning workshops are aimed at existing businesses with growth ambitions. They enable entrepreneurs to think about where they want their business to go and formulate a plan of action. “The whole ethos of our service is practical,” says Cool Ventures Director Roger Wilkins. “It’s about giving people the skills to go into business and help that business thrive.”
Networking
Everyone who uses the service also has access to a free session with one of Cool Ventures’ expert advisors who, as well as offering tailored advice, are often an excellent source of local knowledge. “There are so many business groups operating locally (and close by in Bristol) which can help businesses make contacts
and stay up to date with industry news and trends,” says Helen Moore. “Our business support service is a ‘front door’ to this activity – advisors can give you an overview of the best groups and people to get in touch with.” Helen is a firm believer that this faceto-face contact is very important when you’re running your own business. And the feedback from Cool Ventures’ workshops and advice sessions has been very good. “We want people to use the service because it’s free,” says Helen. “When something is free people sometimes think, ‘Is it any good?’ But these guys are worth their weight in gold because they really know their stuff.” n
Find out more For more information about the business community and business support service in B&NES, as well as links to other useful sources of information, visit www.investinbath.co.uk or contact the Economic Development Team on 01225 396304.
www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/business
The business start-up Ian Threlkeld Photographer based in Radstock Ian Threlkeld, 60, has been taking photographs professionally for 27 years and was working as a science teacher when, in August last year, he gave up his job to set up TEK Photography. His work covers a wide range of subjects, including architectural photography, which is one of his specialisms. His clients include a cruise ship company, a home improvement website and a hotel review site, for whom he travels round the country photographing venues. Ian says: “When I started I couldn’t see the wood for the trees. There were so many choices to make in terms of where to invest money and time and where to save it. Through Cool Ventures I was able to discuss all my questions with an expert advisor who helped me focus on the priorities.
The growing business Marietta Birkholtz Vocational guidance counsellor based in Bath German-born Marietta, 50, came to the UK in 1986 to improve her English. She first qualified as a teacher and a bodywork therapist and later took a degree in occupational therapy. Her subsequent work led her to develop a vocational service for clients in 2001 and, in 2012, she also became a yoga instructor. Through her business Real Vocation she aims to help people find the right work and path in life. Marietta says: “I cannot recommend Cool Ventures highly enough. After relocating from London to Bath, I booked one of their free sessions. I was received by a friendly, efficient and knowledgeable advisor, who had prepared for our meeting by evaluating my website www.realvocation.com. “It was evident that she genuinely believed my business would grow, and she advised me on the wording for one of the pages. She also suggested an additional client group I could target, which is now in process.
“After this I spent some time cold calling, which generated some work and got me started. I also spent time setting up my website www.tekphotography.co.uk which now gets around 500 hits per month.
“I came away not only with increased confidence and many helpful comments, but an onward referral to an excellent social media expert who also offered a free first session. I believe that B&NES and their partner Cool Ventures provide an essential service to help businesses in Somerset succeed.”
“If I hadn’t taken the opportunity to work with Cool Ventures, I might have chosen a very different path – I might not even be in business. I would definitely recommend anyone starting out or already in business to use this great service. You can never have too much impartial advice.”
What else can we help with? n Premises search A commercial property search facility is available for businesses looking for premises. Visit www.investinbath.co.uk/propertysearch n Complying with trade regulations Our trading standards team can help to ensure that your business is complying with the most recent trade standards and regulations. Businesses can also be part of the Buy with Confidence scheme, which helps residents find approved and vetted businesses. To find out about all our Trading Standards services, please visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/trading-standards.co.uk n Workforce development Employers can get advice on employment and skills initiatives which can help them grow their business. Visit www.investinbath.co.uk/people
Loan funding The Council has contributed towards a revolving loan fund, designed for local entrepreneurs who might be struggling to borrow money from mainstream lenders. Start-ups can apply for a loan of up to £10,000 and expanding businesses up to £20,000. The Fredericks Foundation, which administers the fund, provides support during the application process and also mentoring once the loan has been made. For more information, visit www.fredericks foundation.org or call 01276 472722.
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 11
Working in the holidays Work permits safeguard young people
Part time & holiday jobs are a great way for school-age children to earn, learn and help local businesses – but they must be registered with the Council
F
or 13-16 year olds and their employers, part-time and holiday work means a whole range of positive benefits, however young workers need to be registered with the Council . Whether the work is paid or unpaid, such as in the voluntary sector, employers are legally obliged to register with the Council for the young person they employ, and parents or carers must give consent to their child working. The aim of the work permits is to safeguard young people as well as make sure that their employers and their businesses are protected. Without one, an employer is not only breaking the law but the young person is not likely to be covered by their insurance. “It’s vital for businesses, young people,
12 | Connect | Summer 2015
their parents or carers and schools to be aware of the need to register a child”, explained Ann Hardy, the Council’s Senior Children Missing Education Officer. “Our priority is to make sure that school-age children stay safe in the workplace and also have enough time for schoolwork, socialising and rest. At the same time we are keen to work with employers so that they stay within legal guidelines and remain fully insured. The application process is simple, it’s free of charge and we are always here to help.”
Local employers give the scheme their support
Employers from across the area are firmly in favour of the permits, such as McColls newsagent in Keynsham, which employs
around 11 teenagers at any one time to do paper rounds. As shop manager Ben Sims explained: “Having the permits is really important to us and they also give parents peace of mind. Our youngest employees are only 13 and that is still quite a tender age to be working. Some of them do their rounds six days a week so everyone wants to know that we’re taking care of them. Sorting out the permits is really simple and the Council has always been very helpful.” Bath charity Mercy in Action has employed 91 children aged between 13 and 16 over the last two years as voluntary retail assistants in its shops. In return, the young people receive the same training as the paid employees, get a real idea of the workplace and get help with their CVs, interview
www.bathnes.gov.uk/holidayjobs
How to register child employees Getting a permit is straightforward. Employers simply need to fill out a brief application form, ensure that the young person’s parent or carer signs it then sends it to the Council. Once approved, the Council issues the permit to the employer and informs parents/carers that it has been granted. As part of the process, a risk assessment needs to be carried out by the employer and confirmed on the application form. Work permits are specific to the young person, the employer and the type of employment so those with more than one job will need separate permits. Where to get an application form n Some employers will have them n From school offices n Download from the Council’s website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/holidayjobs n Email the Council at cmes@bathnes.gov.uk Application forms should be submitted within a week of a young person starting work. If you already have a young employee but didn’t know that you were required to register, send the form in straightaway.
13-16s employment at a glance n Employers are legally required to ensure that school-age children are registered with the Council. n A young person is considered to be employed whether the work is paid or unpaid. n Those working without registering with the Council may not be covered by a business’s insurance. n Young people are only allowed to do certain types of work and there are limits to the number of hours they can work during term time and school holidays. n Employers can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000 by the Council if they: Fail to register school-age employees Employ school-age children to do prohibited work Allow school-age children to work outside the permitted hours
Volunteering can be a way to get free training
techniques and university applications. “We support children in the Philippines,” said Sue Wedekind, the charity’s administrator “so we want to ensure that any children we work with here are safeguarded. Getting a permit involves a bit of paperwork at the start but once you’ve got it in place you’re away.” Writhlington Sports and Leisure Centre, which employs around 20 teenagers as voluntary assistant sports coaches, has a similar view. “Having the licence is important because it means that everyone is safe,” said Fiona Clark, Operations Manager. “The parents are reassured that this is a professional establishment and not the kind of place where a child could be exploited.” “Children employed here as volunteers really benefit from the work that they do”, added Fiona. “Many of them have shown such a good work ethic that we’ve funded their coaching qualifications and some of them are now full-time paid coaches, so it’s a great arrangement for everyone.” n
n The rules apply until a young person reaches the official school-leaving age.
“Having the permits is really important for employers, and they also give parents peace of mind”
Find out more For full information and guidance for employers, parents/carers and young people, including types of work allowed and permitted working hours, visit www.bathnes. gov.uk/holidayjobs
Permits put limits on working hours
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 13
What’s on your plate?
A hot nutritious meal every day can improve academic performance
A hot school meal has many health benefits and they are free for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. What’s not to like? Q. Why should we encourage children to have a hot meal at school every day?
A. Research has shown that children who eat a healthy school meal at lunchtime have improved behaviour, attendance and academic performance. Children were also more likely to eat vegetables at lunchtime instead of less healthy food such as crisps and chocolate. The Children’s Food Trust suggests only 1% of packed lunches meet the nutritional standards that school meals do. School meals are a great way for children to develop good eating habits and to learn about the social side of eating with their friends. They can help fussy eaters too! Many parents and carers tell us that school meals have helped children try foods in schools that they refuse at home.
per child if they choose to take up the offer plus the time and money it takes to make a packed lunch. This amount is based on 190 days at £2 per meal (as at April 2015).
there’s a pre-ordering system, where you and your child choose which meals you want for the coming week. Your child’s school will be able to help you with this.
Q. How do I pay for school
Q. What if my child’s school
A. Every school has a different system – in many primary schools you’ll go in to pay the school office on a daily, weekly, monthly or termly basis, or your school may allow you to pay online. You might find that
A. The catering service works with many schools that do not have kitchen facilities on site. There are 36 production kitchens across the authority who prepare meals freshly on site and transport them.
meals for my older children?
does not have a kitchen?
Q. Will your child be in
Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 in September?
A. Did you know that since September 2014 the Government has been funding Schools in England to provide every child in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 a free hot nutritious school meal every day? That’s right: families could save £380 per year 14 | Connect | Summer 2015
School meals help children learn about the social side of eating
www.bathnes.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
About the meals School meals have changed over the years; menus are compiled to offer children an imaginative range of interesting dishes and are planned and prepared to a high standard meeting the nutritional needs of children in line with the Government’s national standards for school food.
Roast Chicken, Stuffing & Gravy Stuffed Peppers (V) Cabbage & Carrots Roast & Boiled Potatoes Fruit Cookie ,Organic Yoghurt, Fruit Pot, Fresh Milk
Have a look at the sample menu (left) to see the types of meals available.
Macaroni Cheese (V) Quorn Balls in Fresh Tomato Sauce (V) Sweetcorn, Green Beans, Salad & Coleslaw Rice Fruit Shortbread , Organic Yoghurt, Fruit Pot, Fresh Milk Chicken Pie & Gravy Vegetarian Sausages (V) Broccoli & Cauliflower Mashed Potato Fruit Jelly or Cheese and Crackers Organic Yoghurt, Fruit Pot, Fresh Milk
Meals are prepared using fresh local ingredients including organic items such as flour and milk. ‘Freedom Food’ (FF) accredited chicken and pork are used and all fish products meet ‘Marine Stewardship Council’ (MSC) standards.
The Schools Meals Service is committed to the Soil Association’s ‘Food for Life’ initiative and menus have achieved the ‘Bronze Catering Mark’ standard. Contact the Catering Service by emailing Louise_bizley@bathnes.gov.uk for further details
Additional funding for your child’s school Your school may also ask you if you are in receipt of certain benefits. This is because, if you are and you register for Free School Meals, your registration will attract additional funding for your child’s school. This particular funding is called Pupil Premium and the amounts are £1,320 per Primary pupil and £935 per Secondary pupil for the financial year 2015-16. You should register even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and receiving a free school meal anyway. You can register if: You have children who attend a school in Bath and North East Somerset (except for Oldfield Academy – please register directly with the school) and you receive qualifying benefits. To find out more, please contact the Free School Meals team. Contacting them is easy! n Call: 01225 394317 – Monday to Friday
Q. What if my child has a special dietary requirement?
A. For parents and carers whose child may have a specific food allergy, intolerance or cultural need please speak directly to your child’s school. The school will then be able to liaise directly with the catering service to ensure that your child’s dietary requirements are met and they are able to enjoy a healthy, nutritious school meal along with their classmates. Q. Who supplies school meals? A. Bath and North East Somerset has a
central council catering service (see panel and sample menu above) which supplies 60 infant, junior and primary schools across the authority. The School Meals Service takes pride in knowing that pupils are enjoying a tasty, balanced hot meal at lunchtime and that they are supporting children to establish
good healthy eating habits from an early age. The price of a school meal in B&NES has been held at £2.00 since 2010 to support families. Keeping within that cost, children have the opportunity to choose a main course and a choice of salad or vegetables, as well as a choice of pudding, fresh fruit or organic yoghurt. Bread, milk or water is also offered daily. n
Find out more For more information, visit www.bathnes. gov.uk/services/ schools-collegesand-learning/school-meals-andcatering/free-school-meals. To share your experiences of school meals in B&NES, go to our facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/ My-School-Lunch-Bathnes
n E-mail: freeschoolmeals@ bathnes.gov.uk
You can he lp
gain vital fu nding
Registration is easy
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 15
Local Councillors
Your new councillors Here are your newly elected Councillors in full
L
ocal Councillors are elected by the community to decide how the council should carry out its various activities. Each one represents public interest as well as individuals living within the ward in which he or she has been elected to serve a term of office. They have regular contact with the general public through Council meetings, telephone calls or surgeries. Following the recent Local Government Elections see below who your new Councillor is and how to get in contact. n
Bathwick
Charles Gerrish n Conservative Party T: 0117 986 8426 E: charles_gerrish@bathnes.gov.uk
Steve Jeffries n Conservative Party T: 0780 1186282 E: steve_jeffries@bathnes.gov.uk
Brian Simmons n Conservative Party T: 0117 909 6596 E: brian_simmons@bathnes.gov.uk
Chew Valley North
Abbey
Peter Turner n Conservative Party T: 01225 331215 E: peter_turner@bathnes.gov.uk
Bathavon North Alison Millar n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 851095 E: alison_millar@bathnes.gov.uk Martin Veal n Conservative Party T: 0797 6858 285 E: martin_veal@bathnes.gov.uk Geoff Ward n Conservative Party T: 01225 858651 E: geoff_ward@bathnes.gov.uk
Bathavon south Neil Butters n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 832256 E: neil_butters@bathnes.gov.uk
Bathavon WEST David Veale n Conservative Party T: 01761 452073 E: david_veale@bathnes.gov.uk
16 | Connect | Summer 2015
Keynsham south
Liz Richardson n Conservative Party T: 01761 490009 E: liz_richardson@bathnes.gov.uk
Alan Hale n Conservative Party T: 0117 983 7923 E: alan_hale@bathnes.gov.uk
Chew Valley SOUTH
Lisa O’Brien n Conservative Party T: 01173 777051 E: lisa_o’brien@bathnes.gov.uk
Vic Pritchard n Conservative Party T: 01275 333159 E: vic_pritchard@bathnes.gov.uk
Clutton Jonathan Carr n Green Party T: 01225 344852 E: jonathan_carr@bathnes.gov.uk
Keynsham north
Matt Cochrane n Conservative Party T: 01225 436411 E: matt_cochrane@bathnes.gov.uk
Karen Warrington n Conservative Party T: 0786 7518439 E: karen_warrington@bathnes.gov.uk
Combe Down Cherry Beath n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 832850 E: cherry_beath@bathnes.gov.uk Bob Goodman n Conservative Party T: 01225 590914 E: bob_goodman@bathnes.gov.uk
Farmborough Sally Davis n Conservative Party T: 01761 472356 E: sally_davis@bathnes.gov.uk
kingsmead Andrew Furse n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 483218 E: andrew_furse@bathnes.gov.uk Chris Pearce n Conservative Party T: 01225 464100 E: chris_pearce@bathnes.gov.uk
Lambridge Rob Appleyard n Liberal Democrats T: 07527 577186 E: rob_appleyard@bathnes.gov.uk Lin Patterson n Green Party T: 01225 311163 E: lin_patterson@bathnes.gov.uk
Lansdown
High Littleton
Patrick Anketell-Jones n Conservative Party T: 01225 334533 E: patrick_anketell-jones@bathnes.gov.uk
Les Kew n Conservative Party T: 01761 452649 E: les_kew@bathnes.gov.uk
Anthony Clarke n Conservative Party T: 01225 743215 E: anthony_clarke@bathnes.gov.uk
Keynsham East
Lyncombe
Marie Longstaff n Conservative Party T:07720 319434 E: marie_brewer@bathnes.gov.uk
Michael Norton n Conservative Party T: 0742 3730713 E: michael_norton@bathnes.gov.uk
Bryan Organ n Conservative Party T: 0117 986 3346 E: bryan_organ@bathnes.gov.uk
Mark Shelford n Conservative Party T: 0746 9800253 E: mark_shelford@bathnes.gov.uk
www.bathnes.gov.uk
Mendip Tim Warren n Conservative Party T: 01761 490013 E: tim_warren@bathnes.gov.uk
Midsomer Norton North Michael Evans n Conservative Party T: 01761 235996 E: michael_evans@bathnes.gov.uk Barry Macrae n Conservative Party T: 07710 590882 E: barry_macrae@bathnes.gov.uk
Midsomer Norton Redfield
Peasedown Sarah Bevan n No politics, just Peasedown T: 01761 420 141 E: sarah_bevan@bathnes.gov.uk
Lisa Brett n Liberal Democrats T: 07787314094 E: lisa_brett@bathnes.gov.uk
Karen Walker n No politics, just Peasedown T: 01761 300685 E: karen_walker@bathnes.gov.uk
Fiona Darey n Conservative Party T: 01225 481922 E: fiona_darey@bathnes.gov.uk
Publow and Whitchurch Paul May n Conservative Party T: 01761 452223 E: paul_may@bathnes.gov.uk
Radstock
Paul Myers n Conservative Party T: 07530 042627 E: paul_myers@bathnes.gov.uk
Christopher Dando n Labour Party T: 01761 432918 E: christopher_dando@bathnes.gov.uk
Chris Watt n Conservative Party T: 01761 408165 E: chris.watt@cognisantresearch.com
Deirdre Horstmann n Conservative Party T: 01761 470795 E: deirdre_horstmann@bathnes.gov.uk
Newbridge
Saltford
Donal Hassett n Conservative Party T: 01225 336672 E: donal_hassett@bathnes.gov.uk
Emma Dixon n Conservative Party T: 01225 340588 E: emma_dixon@bathnes.gov.uk
Caroline Roberts n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 336366 E: caroline_roberts@bathnes.gov.uk
Francine Haeberling n Conservative Party T: 01225 872199 E: francine_haeberling@bathnes.gov.uk
Odd Down
Southdown
Steve Hedges n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 358622 E: steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk
Paul Crossley n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 312487 E: paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk
Nigel Roberts n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 336366 E: nigel_roberts@bathnes.gov.uk
Dine Romero n Liberal Democrats T: 0790 0276 613 E: dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk
Oldfield Shaun McGall n Liberal Democrats T: 01761 472228 E: shaun_mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Will Sandry n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 314793 E: will_sandry@bathnes.gov.uk
Paulton John Bull n Labour Party T: 01225 835100 E: john_bull@bathnes.gov.uk Liz Hardman n Labour Party T: 01761 412758 E: liz_hardman@bathnes.gov.uk
Walcot
Timsbury Douglas Deacon n Independent T: 01761 479086 E: douglas_deacon@bathnes.gov.uk
Westfield Eleanor Jackson n Labour Party T: 01761 438968 E: eleanor_jackson@bathnes.gov.uk Robin Moss n Labour Party T: 01761 432224 E: robin_moss@bathnes.gov.uk
Westmoreland Colin Blackburn n Independent T: 01225 351163 E: colin_blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk June Player n Independent T: 01225 341904 E: june_player@bathnes.gov.uk
Weston Colin Barrett n Conservative Party T: 01225 421987 E: colin_barrett@bathnes.gov.uk Matthew Davies n Conservative Party T: 01225 442929 E: matthew_davies@bathnes.gov.uk
Widcombe Jasper Becker n Conservative Party T: 01225 428525 E: jasper_becker@bathnes.gov.uk Ian Gilchrist n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 334775 E: ian_gilchrist@bathnes.gov.uk
Twerton Tim Ball n Liberal Democrats T: 01225 400834 E: tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Joe Rayment n Labour Party T: 01225 477494 E: joe_rayment@bathnes.gov.uk
Find out more For more information on your Local Councillors and also how the Council’s decision making processes work then please go to www.bathnes. gov.uk/services/your-counciland-democracy
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 17
Are you acting as an unpaid carer ? If you look after someone who can’t manage, you may be eligible for help
D
o you look after a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled, has mental health or substance misuse/alcohol problems and can’t cope on their own? You may see this as ‘just something you do’ as that person’s partner, friend, relative or neighbour. In fact, you are an ‘unpaid carer’. Across Bath and North East Somerset, an estimated 20,000 residents provide unpaid care or support. Anyone can become a carer – young people, adults and parents of children with disabilities or additional needs. Caring for someone covers a number of different things, such as helping with their washing, dressing or eating, taking them to regular appointments or keeping them company
when they are feeling lonely or anxious. Does this sound like you? Since April 2015 the Care Act has brought in changes. These mean you could get support and/or advice to help you look after yourself so you can carry on caring.
The right help for you
As a carer you have the right to have an assessment. If the person you care for lives within Bath and North East Somerset we can help you find the right support. A carer’s assessment will help you think about the ways that caring affects your life. It also looks at anything you would like to change to be able to continue to do things that are important to you and your family. Your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing will be at the heart of this
assessment. The person you are caring for doesn’t need to be getting support from the Council for you to be eligible.
How do I get help?
Contact the Carers’ Centre, which supports the carers of people living in Bath & North East Somerset. Call free on 0800 0388 885 or visit www.banescarerscentre.org.uk n
Find out more For more information, please visit www.bathnes.gov. uk/mycaremysupport
Taking it personally Sirona’s staff have put forward six key areas they are targeting over the coming years
W
hat made a difference was staff went out of their way to find out what we needed as a family”. These words came from a mum talking about our pediatric audiology service and for me this is what Sirona is all about. We are committed to focusing on individuals, families and communities so everything we do adds real value and makes a difference. The refreshed Health and Wellbeing Strategy for B&NES reminded us of the huge disparity in life expectancy between our communities; an eight-year difference within one mile of each other; the equivalent of a bus journey. We take personally our responsibility to contribute to improving health and wellbeing and our staff have recently put forward six key areas they want to see us targeting over the coming years. 1. Focus on individuals, families and communities: we want individuals to be partners in their care, help them to achieve their goals and to connect with their communities; 2. Prevention and early intervention: helping people to make healthy lifestyle choice and intervening early to help avoid a crisis for an individual; 3. Further integrate our services: to lessen the number of times people need to tell their story or the number of people they need to see to get the service they need;
4. Add social value: reinvesting in our
communities by buying local, supporting charities and other social enterprises and helping people into employment or supporting them to contribute in other ways to the areas in which they live and work; 5. Working with others: recognising that there are many other organisations delivering care and support and ensuring that we all work together to achieve the best for our communities; 6. Develop and grow: ensuring that Sirona is amongst the top performing organisations providing excellence and leading edge practice in everything we do. Over the coming months we will be working to test out what these mean in practice and what steps we need to be taking to make them a reality. We will stay close to the work currently ongoing under the Your Care Your Way initiative being run by our colleagues at B&NES CCG so that we are ready to respond to the key messages arising from this work. We know our success will be judged by the experiences of those that use our services so listening to what you have to say is crucial to us. On the back page of this pullout we are looking for young people and parents to tell us how best to stay in contact – please take a moment to log in and complete the short survey. Your comments will help us to make a difference. n
Janet Rowse, Sirona’s Chief Executive
“We take personally our responsibility to contribute to improving health and well-being” Janet Rowse, Chief Executive, Sirona
Celebrating achievement We are celebrating the outstanding achievements, hard work and dedication shown by our staff with our annual Sirona Awards for Excellence and we are askig for your help. Is there a member of Sirona staff or a team who has gone that extra mile to make a real difference for you or a loved one? The ‘I Think You Deserve It’ award is presented to a member of staff or team put forward by the community we serve
with all nominations given to the judging panel which includes our chairman Simon Knighton and chief executive Janet Rowse. We need you to tell us about the individual or team you are nominating and most importantly the reason why you are making the nomination. There are lots of ways you can nominate via the website www.sironacic.org.uk, email staffawards@sironacic.org.uk or write to Sirona Awards
for Excellence 2015, St Martin’s Hospital, Clara Cross Lane, Bath, BA2 5RP. The closing date is July 31 2015. The awards ceremony takes place on October 1.
Taking It Personally www.bathnes.gov.uk | 19
Keep on running The Active Ageing Team celebrates its first birthday by joining in the Bath Skyline Park Run
A
specialist Health Vistor team set up by Sirona to help the elderly stay out of hospital celebrated its first birthday by joining in the Bath Skyline Park Run. The eight-strong Active Ageing Team were joined by staff across Sirona for the run which also saw them dishing out drinks, fruit and cake at the end of the 5k run. The team offers all 80-85-yearolds, who are not currently having health or social care and are registered with a GP in Bath and North East Somerset, an MOT. People within the age group are offered an
appointment at a location of their choice; if someone needs help of whatever sort the team will work with them to find the help which is needed The team on race day whether it’s with shopping, finding local groups or their experience of dementia within their managing a new condition. families. It was brilliant that Viv Hollis, who heads up the team, we were able to create these links within the said: “It was a fantastic way to community. “Our role is to support older celebrate our first birthday. people in their homes; we hope to keep them We were able to talk to so safe, well and enjoying life.” many people who were The team is made up of health visitors, either runners or specialist public health nurses and support their supporters workers who liaise with other Sirona staff to as well as enhance the integrated services which can be listen to offered to an individual. n
A fond farewell
Current users of the Carrswood Day Service in Bath say their goodbyes and thankyous to the association
A
n association which has funded extra facilities for adults with learning disabilities using Carrswood Day Service in Bath has been wound up. Carrswood Association was formed in the 1980s and held many fundraising events as well as meeting regularly with the centre’s management team but, with fewer people getting involved, it was decided to close as a formal group. The assets held by the Association are now invested within the Sirona Foundation, a registered charity. The Foundation is linked to Sirona care & health, a not-for-profit social enterprise providing specialist community health and social care across Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. This money is ring fenced for the sole use of Carrswood staff and its users. Chris Payne, association chairman, presented the
Taking It Personally 20 | Connect | Summer 2015
Current users of the service say farew ell
monies to Julie Sharma, Foundation Trustee, at a special tea party at Carrswood Day Centre in Twerton. He says: “The Association was for everybody who used Carrswood – as well as organising events we were a forum for parents to ask questions and find out more about services available for their children.
“Our biggest purchases have been two minibuses which, thanks to the Sirona Foundation, will be staying with Carrswood.” The Association also made a donation to Bath Senior Gateway Club from its remaining assets. Current users of the service made a thank you banner for the team as well as presenting flowers. n
A change for the better Positive lifestyle choices make a difference to lives
Healthier food choices are essential
W
hen Andrea’s son Dominic* helped himself to broccoli and spinach, she knew he had turned a corner in wanting to make changes to his own lifestyle. At 12, Dominic, who is autistic, was overweight and Andrea was keen to find a way to help him make the changes. Via Sirona’s School Nursing Service she was put in touch with Claire Riggs, a health improvement specialist with Sirona, who runs the SHINE project. Claire said: “SHINE stands for Self, Help, Independence, Nutrition and Exercise and is a free 12-week programme supporting young people aged 10 to 17 to make lifestyle changes and help increase their confidence and self-esteem. “SHINE helps young people to set goals to make healthier food and drink choices and helps them to increase their confidence and self-esteem.” Andrea said: “The programme gives lifestyle messages which are coming from a third person and not Mum and Dad; it’s trying new things and with other young people all the same age. “The first session parents are there too but after that it’s just the young people who have two two hour sessions a week. The difference has been fantastic. Dominic eats more vegetables because he understands why he needs to eat more of them. He has accepted he has to increase his vegetable intake and he is fitter than he’s ever been; he understands the benefits of exercise and is cycling more than he’s ever done.
“The good thing about the programme is that it continues with maintenance sessions after the first three months so they continue going for an hour a week for a further three months; the regular sessions means they get used to exercising every week.”
Get with the programme
The programme offers a range of activities from Street Surfing (a mix between skate-boarding and snowboarding) to Fencing, Climbing to Tae Kwon Do, Trampolining and Cooking. Claire said: “From taking part in SHINE 85% of young people have increased their self -esteem and confidence and 75% of young people have reduced their levels of anxiety by the end of the 12 weeks.* *Please note -names have been changed.
Find out more To sign up or find out more about SHINE or for free advice and support about stopping smoking, losing weight, getting more physically active or increasing your cooking skills contact the Healthy Lifestyle Service on 01225 831852 or e-mail Healthylifestyleservice@sironacic.org.uk
Community matters Health visitors across Bath and North East Somerset are now working from local Children’s Centres in a bid to improve access for parents. The move will put health visitors at the heart of local communities which is one of Sirona’s key objectives. Health Visitors will remain linked to GP Surgeries but now the specially trained staff will also be joining up with existing children’s centres to ensure services link together. This will mean that support which local families with young children need is available in their own community and will link to centres in Odd Down, Moorfields, Twerton, and Weston in Bath as well as in the city centre plus in Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Peasedown St John, Keynsham and Chew Magna. Parents see a health visitor from before their baby is born through until their child goes to school. Penny Hazelwood, Sirona’s head of health visiting, said: “This will help health visitors to get to know the local community and work with other groups and agencies close to where children and families live. “They will still offer home visits, group support and drop in sessions such as the Baby Feeding Hubs which offer information and support to parents on all aspects of infant feeding as well as health and development reviews.” Sheila Willoughby, team lead for health visiting, said: “Working locally in partnership with parents and Children’s Centres should enable children to reach their full potential.” Letters have been sent to all parents of children under one to tell them about the changes and make sure they know who their Health Visiting team is and how to contact them. Health visitors will contact families to offer health and development reviews as usual. If you do not know who your Health Visiting team is then please contact 01225 831794 or you can pay a visit to www.sirona-cic.org.uk
Taking It Personally www.bathnes.gov.uk | 21
www.bathnes.gov.uk/private fostering The Council has a legal duty to ensure privately fostered children are protected
Private fostering Are you looking after someone else’s child? Is someone else looking after your child? Do you know of children who live with people who are not their parents? Here’s what you need to know about private fostering
S
ome parents arrange for their children to live with another family. It may be for a few days, it may be longer. If it is 28 days or more, it is known as private fostering and the people the child lives with are known as private foster carers. The law says the local authority must be notified of these arrangements. In Bath and North East Somerset, children, parents and private foster carers can get help from B&NES Children, Young People and Family Services. We don’t know how many private fostering arrangements there are in Bath & North East Somerset, but the British Association for Adoption and Fostering estimates there could be between 15,000 and 20,000 children being privately fostered across the UK.
Private foster placements take many forms, these include:
n Children living with a friend’s family because of separation or divorce n Children who have been sent to the UK to be educated n Children who have come seeking asylum with adults they are not related to n Young people living with a boyfriend or girlfriend’s family n Children whose parent’s anti-social work hours make it difficult to look after them n Children who have been brought to the UK to be adopted, prior to the notice to apply to adopt is given n Children who have been trafficked and brought to work in the UK.
What is a private foster care arrangement?
Private fostering is when a parent arranges for their child to live with and be cared for by someone who is not: n A parent n A close relative n Someone with parental responsibility These arrangements have to last for a total of 28 days or longer. Under private fostering arrangements, the law defines a child as someone who is under 16 or, if they are disabled, under 18.
Do you know of any children who are privately fostered?
The Children Acts 1989 and 2004 introduced legislation to safeguard children who are privately fostered. As a result, local authorities should be notified about all private fostering arrangements. The law says that although private fostering arrangements are private, we have a legal duty to make sure that children who are privately fostered are protected. Once we have been told of the arrangement, we have to: n Visit the home where the child lives and carry out some checks n Make regular visits to make sure that the child is safe and well cared for n Make sure advice is available to carers n Say whether or not we find the arrangements acceptable. We can help… n Children who live with another family n Private foster carers n Parents whose children are being privately fostered.
We can also give advice and make sure that they are getting the help, support and benefits they need.
Your help is needed
Many people don’t realise that they must notify their local authority about private foster arrangements, but it’s important for private foster carers to inform us of these arrangements so we can make sure the children involved are being safeguarded. We don’t wish to stop people from making arrangements that suit them. The vast majority of private foster carers are doing an excellent job. We just need to know about the arrangement so we can check that children are safe and are being properly cared for. Here’s how you can help – if you know about a private fostering arrangement or know someone who is planning to make one, please encourage them to call us. A social worker will be able to give them advice and will arrange for someone to visit. Together we can make sure all the children in our area are safe and getting all the support they need. n
Find out more
For more information on fostering, visit www.bathnes.gov. uk/privatefostering, or call 01225 396313 or email childcare_duty@ bathnes.gov.uk
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 23
waste
Cans & plastic Cardboard
Textiles Food
Glass
Paper
The right way to recycle Here are our tips on how to become an even better recycler
M
any of you are now recycling more than ever and using your recycling collections fully – thank you for recycling nearly half of your rubbish in 2014-15. But we know we could recycle even more.
✔ Plastic pots – such as yoghurt and cream pots (but no black plastic) ✔ Plastic tubs and trays – such as fruit
Why must I sort my green box?
✘ No black plastic such as food trays & bags ✘ No plastic film such as cling film, bags,
n It helps make sure we only pick up the
right things that we can recycle.
n It helps us move our trucks more quickly
and so reduces traffic congestion.
n It helps our crews stay safer as they do
not need to spend so long sorting through boxes at the roadside.
What happens on the truck?
Our vehicles have separate compartments for the different materials we collect from you. Our crews make sure they put the right materials in the right compartments. This means we collect better quality recycling which makes it more valuable.
What plastic items can I recycle in my green box?
We know plastic items cause the most confusion – we can recycle any of the following except if they are made from black plastic: Plastic bottles – such as water, milk, shampoo, detergent, cosmetic (but no black plastic)
✔
24 | Connect | Summer 2015
punnets, margarine and ice cream pots (but no black plastic)
Things we can’t recycle:
bubble wrap, cellophane and bread bags
✘ No polystyrene ✘ No crisp packets ✘ No pet food pouches ✘ No hard non-packaging plastic such as toys,
plant pots, washing up bowls, and CD cases
✘ No plastic containers used to contain medicine or garden chemicals.
If we find items we can’t recycle, we will leave them behind in your box with a note to explain why. You will then need to put these items in your rubbish. To check what you can currently recycle please see our website www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices
How can I sort my box?
Using plastic bags to help sort the material in your box can be useful, but in October the government will introduce a 5p charge on single use plastic carrier bags. To avoid using plastic bags we suggest you have two green boxes – one for mixed cans and plastic and the other for paper, glass
bottles and jars and anything else you can currently recycle. If you use a lid you can stack your boxes and use less space. To order another free green box or a new lid for your existing box, please contact councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk Remember we can take plastics, all cans and foil mixed together because the metals are separated by magnets. Please remember to put cardboard in your blue bag not green box. Please cut large cardboard boxes down and squash them, so they fit in your blue bag (no bigger than 45cm square).
What happens to my recycling? Your recycling is taken to the Kier depot in Keynsham for more sorting and then each material is bulked up. All the materials we collect are recycled as far as possible into valuable products in the UK such as fleeces, compost bins, new glass bottles and jars and new cardboard packaging. n
Open Day
If you want to see this in action book a tour at the depot on our Open Day on Saturday 12 September. Email Council Connect councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or ring 01225 39 40 41 to book your free place.
www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices News round up
Volunteers in Keynsham help keep their area tidy
Big tidy up days
Do you want to clear up somewhere in your local area? We are supporting Keep Britain Tidy’s Big Tidy Up Days and are encouraging individuals and community groups to get involved in helping to keep your area free from litter. The Big Tidy Up Days are great opportunities for communities to come together and help clean up their own neighbourhoods. We can lend out gloves, bags, tabards and litter pickers, as well as providing advice, safety tips and collections for these events. The first of these events took place in March as part of a ‘national spring
clean’, backed by the Government, that aims to spruce up the country’s high streets, residential and business areas, villages and parks. If you are interested in organising a tidy up, then please send an email to cleanup_events@bathnes.gov.uk or phone Council Connect on 01225 394041. You can list your event on both the Council and the Keep Britain Tidy website. For more information on the Keep Britain Tidy campaign please visit www.keepbritaintidy.org Help to reduce street litter by: n Putting out your recycling and rubbish in the correct containers on your collection day and at the right time n Using the street litter and recycling bins when out and about n Reporting over-full litter bins or fly tipping to Council Connect www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit
Keynsham furniture sale
Saturday 26 September 2015 10 am – 12 noon Next door to Keynsham Recycling Centre, Pixash Lane, Keynsham Good quality second-hand furniture on sale at bargain prices. All furniture has been brought to our Recycling Centres by residents. All items must be paid for in cash and taken away during the sale.
Electricals recycling days
We have been awarded funding from the Retailers Distributor Takeback Scheme to run eight recycling collection events for small electricals. These will be held in some of our blocks of flats where residents don’t have a green box recycling collection. Residents bringing an item to recycle will be able to enter a free prize draw to win £50.
What do you think about your Neighbourhood Environmental Services? Please complete this survey online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/NESsurvey2015 or complete below and return to us by 5pm, 8 July 2015. Please post to Bath & North East Somerset Council, Waste Services, Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JG (remember to add a stamp) or drop off your addressed envelope at one of our One Stop Shops.
1. Please tell us how satisfied you are with each of the following services.
Let us know what you think about our services
Please put a tick in ONE box on each row.
Extremely satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Extremely unsatisfied
Not applicable
Recycling collection Rubbish collection Recycling Centres Street Cleaning Parks and open spaces
2. Please rate your agreement with the following statement ‘Staff working in the following services are polite, courteous and treat all their customers fairly’? Please put a tick in ONE box on each row.
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Not applicable
Recycling collection Rubbish collection Recycling Centres Street Cleaning Parks and open spaces
3. Do you have any other comments you would like to make about the services listed above?
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 25
waste
Feed me and win! Every time you put your food out for recycling you could win a £50 voucher to spend at a shop of your choice. Food recycling is so important that the Council has teamed up with the other West of England local authorities to bring you this scheme, which has been funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government’s £5 million Recycling Reward Scheme. Starting from July through to March 2016, one winner from each authority area will be chosen at random every week to be rewarded for putting their food recycling out for collection. So all you have to do is use the food recycling service – the more often you use it, the more chances you have to win. Recycling your food has real value. It is taken to an anaerobic digestion plant near Warminster where the gases produced get made into electricity and heat, making it a great source of renewable energy. The processed food is then made into fertiliser. Food recycling is a good way to keep your food out of the general rubbish. You can wrap it in a compostable liner or parcel it up in newspaper (like fish and chips), and the lockable lid on the
Council’s food recycling container helps prevent birds and animals getting to it. To take part, all you need to do is use your food recycling collection. We can supply a small kitchen caddy to help you collect the food in your kitchen, which you can line with newspaper or a compostable liner. You hen w r e h can put in any uneaten vouc recycle cooked or uncooked you r food food such as meat and you bones, vegetable peelings, teabags and food that has gone past its use by date (please remove any packaging first). We also supply a larger lockable food bin that you can transfer your wrapped food into ready for collection. Make sure you put it out by 7am on your collection day, and that it’s clearly marked with your house name or number so we can Use your food recycling identify it. bin and you could win £50
win! £50
If you need to order a food recycling bin and/or a kitchen caddy please contact Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk
You can find more information on food recycling and this reward scheme on our website www.bathnes.gov.uk/feedmeandwin 26 | Connect | Summer 2015
www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices
Make the most of your food Food recycling is important, but it’s much better not to waste food in the first place. The Love Food Hate Waste campaign shows you how
I
t’s so important to recycle our food but did you know that more than half of the food we throw away is food that could have been eaten? Every year families in the UK each waste £700 by throwing away food, mainly because we’ve made too much or we don’t eat it in time. When you throw away food you are not just wasting the food, but also the resources, such as energy, fuel, time and water that went into growing, harvesting, storing, transporting and cooking the food. Then it produces methane if buried in landfill sites. The good news is that by taking some simple steps, we can reduce the amount of food and money we waste. This is better for the environment and our pockets. The national Love Food Hate Waste campaign has been helping people do just this, and between 2007 to 2012 the amount of food that we wasted in the UK dropped by 1 million tonnes. Here are some quick and easy ways to make the most of your food.
It pays to plan
Before you go shopping, check what foods you already have at home, make a shopping list and stick to it so you’re less likely to buy foods you might not use.
Know your dates
‘Use by’ dates are used for food safety. Foods with a ‘use by’ date should not be eaten after that date. ‘Best before’ refers to quality. Foods should be safe to eat after their ‘best before’ dates but they may no longer be at their best.
Get to know your freezer
You don’t have to freeze food on the day you buy it as long as you freeze it before the ‘use by’ date. See www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to find out which foods you can and can’t store in the freezer. You can freeze most types of food, including milk, bread, yogurt, meats and cheese. You can also freeze fruits, which can then be used in baking and smoothies once defrosted.
Savvy storage
Did you know foods such as apples and carrots last longer when you store them in the fridge in their original packaging? But that bread will go stale quicker? Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to find out more about the best way to store your food.
Perfect portions
Make sure you use the right portions. For example, one portion of uncooked rice is equivalent to ¼ of an average-sized adult mug. If you do cook too much, you can freeze your leftovers or eat them the following day
Store in the fridge using the original packaging
(if fully reheated). The Love Food Hate Waste campaign website has some great recipes for most of your leftover foods. n
Love Food Hate Waste Love Food Hate Waste raises awareness of the need to reduce food waste and help us take action. It shows that by doing some practical everyday things in the home we can all waste less food, which will ultimately benefit our purses and the environment too. Go to
www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
to find out more ways to avoid wasting food.
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 27
Let’s plan community services together your care, your way is a review of community health and care services being carried out by the Council and NHS BaNES Clinical Commissioning Group working together.
Community services are health and care services that are delivered in a person’s home or in a nearby local care setting. The Council and the CCG commission over 400 different community services for local people which are provided by a number of different organisations.
Phase One: What’s happened so far? Phase One ran from January to April 2015 and included over 30 engagement events across Bath and North East Somerset. We spoke to over 500 people face-to-face and over 800 people visited our website: www.yourcareyourway.org
Your feedback helped us to identify nine key issues that we need to address to ensure that community services support everyone to live happier, healthier and more independent lives (see right)
Phase Two: What’s going to happen next? Your feedback will now be used to design new ways of providing health and care services in your community. Over the next few months we will take a look at every aspect of community services from health visitors to end
of life care to see how we can use your ideas ` to make things better. We expect to publish our detailed plans in September. We can’t wait to hear what you think.
What did you tell us about community health and care services? Provide more joined up care
Consider the whole person
Focus on prevention
Reduce social isolation
Build community capacity
Guide people through the system
Value the workforce and volunteers
Share information more effectively
Embrace new technology
Get Involved
n Do you agree with the feedback so far? n Do you think we’re missing something important? n Would you like us to come and talk to your group? There’s still plenty of time to have your say on community health and care services so please get in touch: your care, your way, St Martin’s Hospital, Clara Cross Lane, Bath, BA2 5RP Email: yourcare@bathnes.gov.uk Call: 01225 396512 Twitter: #ycywbanes
Find out more at www.yourcareyourway.org
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 29
By the community for the community
The Dial a Ride schemes operate in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton
Community Transport schemes help solve mobility problems for residents who are unable to use conventional public transport
N
ot everyone who lives in the countryside and rural villages has a car, or finds it easy to use public transport. Some older people and those with disabilities who neither drive nor are able to walk to the nearest bus stop can find their lives significantly restricted by a lack of transport. They not only struggle to visit the GP and keep outpatient appointments, but also to simply go shopping, visit friends and enjoy everyday living.
Community transport services play an essential role in helping vulnerable people to be independent. They also enable rural communities to remain vibrant neighbourhoods where residents of all ages can live life to the full. Bath and North East Somerset has a strong network of community transport schemes. They fall into three categories:
Wellow Community Bus Several thousand passengers use the service the Wellow Community Bus every year. In operation since 2010, it takes around 25 local children to and from secondary schools in Bath. Villagers also use the service for commuting or shopping trips. Wellow Community
Community transport benefits the whole community
30 | Connect | Summer 2015
n Community owned and operated minibuses that transport elderly, disabled and disadvantaged people to lunch and social clubs, as well as being available to churches and youth groups. n The Dial a Ride schemes operate in Bath, Keynsham & Midsomer Norton, and provide a service for people who are unable to use conventional public transport.
Bus is funded by a grant from B&NES plus sponsorship from local businesses, and run by a local committee of volunteers. The service has recently been awarded funding from the Department of Transport to buy a new minibus, which should be in service later this year.
www.wellowparish.info/Group&Societies/Wellow Community Minibus.htm
www.bathnes.gov.uk/transport
Volunteers: the backbone of community transport There would be no community transport schemes without the hundreds of volunteers who give time and energy to keep their local services on the road. And as passenger numbers grow, every community transport scheme is looking for more volunteers. Volunteer drivers get full training, based on the MiDAS scheme from the Community Transport Association. Neil Brackstone has been a volunteer driver for Bath Community Transport for over ten years. He says: “For me it’s a chance to get out of the office and do something that helps the local community. In the summer season I’m a regular visitor to Weston Super Mare, but also get out and about to a number of the local attractions. We provide a lifeline to a number of groups by providing low cost transport to people that may not be able to use public transport. I certainly get to meet a number of interesting people”.
Many schemes also need kind and caring volunteers to get to know the individuals who use the services, and provide support in different ways. Age UK Bath & North East Somerset uses professional drivers but relies on volunteers to help elderly people at its day centres in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. Maureen Birch (herself in her 70s) has just celebrated an impressive 10 years of volunteering at the Bath day centre. She says: “I just love it. You meet such nice people. We have a lot of laughs and I get as back as much as I give. It is also an important service - for some people, it’s is the only day of the week they get out of the house.” There are also plenty of ways to get involved with your local community transport service behind the scenes. Volunteers are also needed for fundraising, taking bookings, marketing and publicity and committee membership and management.
“Shared transport facilities reduce congestion and carbon emmissions” n Car schemes, where volunteers use their own cars to drive people to medical appointments, shopping and social events.
Overcoming health inequality is a key objective for the local authority so it is keen to encourage and support community transport schemes. Andy Strong, Public Transport Manager for Bath & North East Somerset says: “According to the Commission for Rural Communities, social
isolation can be as big a risk to health as smoking, so the Council actively supports community transport services and is keen to see them thrive. For example, we helped to secure Department of Transport funding for the Wellow Community Bus and the St Philips and St James Community Bus, based in Odd Down. The Department of Transport has also recently given us £60,000 to investigate local solutions to the problems of transport across the rural communities of the Chew Valley.” In addition, the Council runs also a networking group where everyone involved at the
Volunteering can be rewarding
grass roots of community travel can share ideas and improve ways in which they work together. Says Andy Strong: “The more we can join up community transport services, the more effective they can be.” Community transport benefits the whole community. By enabling older people to stay in their homes and providing transport for school-age children or youth groups, it helps maintain the generational mix in rural areas. Additionally, shared transport facilities also reduce traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions, making our countryside a more pleasant place for everyone to enjoy. n
Get involved! If you would like to get involved, check the website for more details www.bathnes.gov.uk/ services/parking-and-travel/ community-transport/list-schemes
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 31
Keeping adults safe in Bath & North East Somerset
A week-long programme of events highlights the issue of adult abuse
B
ath and North East Somerset is raising awareness of adult abuse in a week-long programme of events starting on Monday 15 June 2015. Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week (15–22 June) will help people understand what adult abuse is, and how they can help stop it.
What’s on and where?
Monday 15 June Visit the stall at Radco supermarket in Radstock. This is run in conjunction with Swallows service for people with a Learning Disability and the Trading Standards Team who will highlight the issues around doorstep crime. This stall will be replicated in the Southgate shopping area in Bath. Come for afternoon tea at Oriel Hall in Larkhall on Wednesday, 17 June. Carers and service users of Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust in Bath and North East Somerset will have the
32 | Connect | Summer 2015
keep each other keep safe. The week will culminate in a half-day awareness event at Fry’s Club in Keynsham, where the revised Adult Safeguarding Policy for Bath and North East Somerset will be launched. Training events are happening across the area, focussing on financial abuse and domestic abuse; these will be facilitated by Sirona Care & Health. n opportunity to meet members of the Adult Safeguarding Team. Visitors and staff can talk to members of the RUH Safeguarding Adults team about the work they do within the hospital. Come to the Lansdown Restaurant at the hospital between 10am and 2pm. Thursday 18 June Users of the Mobile Library Service will be able to find out how to recognise the signs of abuse for the vulnerable adults in our community and what we can all do to help
Call for help
If you are concerned about abuse, whether it’s happening to you or someone you know, do not ignore it: ring Sirona Care and Health on 01225 396000. Callers do not have to give their names, but teams may need to act on the information given and contact other relevant services.
Happy 10th birthday 1 Big Database!
T
he year 2005 saw the launch of the 1 Big Database website, a partnership project between the Family Information Services teams at Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council, working with local company Focus. Ten years later the site continues to be the leading online resource for parents and families in Bath & North East Somerset. Childcare providers, swimming pools, toddler groups, dance classes, you name it, it can be found on the 1 Big Database – more than 5,000 organisations are listed, as are hundreds of events and activities that take place each month. Almost 50,000 visitors use 1 Big Database each year. Changing with the times Throughout its 10-year life 1 Big Database has evolved with trends and in line with
how people use the internet. Features such as interactive maps, postcode searching and links with social media have been introduced. And later this year, 10 years after first ‘going live’, a new 1 Big Database website will be available. Not only will the new site have an updated design, it will be optimised for display on smartphones and tablets, and there will also be a new ‘favourites’ facility; there will be public transport information for travelling to events and providers, even more accurate location-based searches and a blog for the latest news and articles. So remember, if it’s family information that you’re searching for, 1 Big Database is your one-stop solution. It has been for ten years and will continue to be for many years to come! n
www.1bigdatabase.com
Find out more The Family Information Service (FIS) Information Team will answer your enquiries about a range of family-related issues, childcare, parenting support, benefits, schools and much, much more. Contact FIS: Tel: 01225 395343 Email: fis@bathnes.gov.uk Text: 07980 998 906 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ bathnesfis
SEND Partnership Service want to hear from you!
Longer term volunteering opportunities available Who are we?
The SEND Partnership Service (SPS) provides the impartial and confidential Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Information, Advice and Support Service for Bath and North East Somerset.
What are we looking for?
We need volunteers (who are able to commit to at least six months) to support families by helping children and young people with SEND (up to the age of 25) and their parents contribute to the processes around Education, Health and Care Plans (which have replaced statements of SEN).
What we offer
SPS will provide full training, on-going support and will reimburse reasonable expenses. References and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate are required. n
Are you interested in volunteering?
For further information and an application pack contact SPS Helpline on 01225 394382 or e-mail send_partnershipservice@bathnes.gov.uk www.bathnes.gov.uk | 33
Two Services from your Council’s
Public Protection Team
To find a local business approved by trading standards visit:
www.buywithconfidence
Services Directory Do you need some information about a Council-run service? Help is at hand with this useful guide... To be put through to someone who can help, call the Council switchboard on 01225 477000 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk for further information
Council Connect n Bus Passes n Dog Warden Service n Fly Tipping n Garden Waste n Grass Cutting n Graffiti Removal nG ritting of Roads (except motorways)
n Libraries n Parks and Open Spaces nP avements and Road n n n n n n n
Maintenance Planning Enquiries Public Toilets Public Transport Recycling and Waste Road Faults and Potholes Road Safety Street Lighting
For all of the above services, contact Council Connect:
Twitter: @ccbathnes Telephone: 01225 394041 Email: councilconnect@ bathnes.gov.uk Text: 07797 806545 Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 (except Wednesdays 09.30 to 18.00). Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. At other times, for emergencies or dangerous incidents only, please phone 01225 477477.
34 | Connect | Summer 2015
Aa n Adoption and Fostering Placements, recruitment of adopters and support services. The team also provides counselling for adopted adults and support in accessing birth records. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adoption T: 01225 394949 Google Search: Bathnes Fostering
Bb n Benefits: Housing and Council Tax Support Visit a One Stop Shop in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton, or alternatively, contact a Benefits Officer by phone or email. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/benefits T: 01225 477777 Google Search: Bathnes Benefits n Birth Registration Register a birth, which occurred in the district, at the Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DT. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/births T: 01225 477234 Google Search: Bathnes Births n Building Control Contact Building Control for help and advice about the building regulation process and any proposed building projects you have. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/buildingcontrol T: 01225 477517 Google Search: Bathnes Building Control
Cc n Cemeteries and Crematoriums Find out about Council-administered cemeteries when organising a funeral. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/cemeteries T: 01225 396020 Google Search: Bathnes Cemeteries n Children’s Centre Information Service The Service holds up-to-date information about all Ofsted-registered childcare, as well as information about working with children and family support. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis T: 01225 395343 Google Search: Bathnes Fis n Community Meals Service This service provides hot meals to those who have difficulty cooking for themselves.
W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/mealsonwheels T: 01225 394350 Google Search: Bathnes Community Meals n Council Tax Enquiries For account queries about your Council Tax bill, ranging from online payments to exemptions. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/counciltax T: 01225 477777 Google Search: Bathnes Council Tax n Curo Curo is the largest provider of affordable housing in the area and offers a range of high-quality care and support services. Contact us using the details below. W: www.curo-group.co.uk T: 01225 366000 T: 01225 366111 (repairs) T: 0300 123 2468 (anti-social behaviour) E: hello@curo-group.co.uk (enquiries) E: repairs@curo-group.co.uk (repairs)
Dd n Death Registration Register a death, which has occurred in our district, at the Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or at The Hollies High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/deaths T: 01225 477234 Google Search: Bathnes Deaths n Disabled Car Users (Blue Badges) The UK-wide Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bluebadges T: 01225 477133 or 01225 477134 Google Search: Bathnes Blue Badges n Discovery Card Discovery Card holders receive discounts or free entry for numerous attractions in the area. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/discoverycard T: 01225 477737 Google Search: Bathnes Discovery Card
Ee n Electoral Registration and Elections For queries on voting rights or other election matters. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/elections T: 01225 477333 Google Search: Bathnes Electoral Registration
Ff n Family Information Service The Service holds up-to-date information about all Ofsted-registered childcare, as well as information about working with children and family support. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis T: 01225 395343 Google Search: Bathnes Fis n Fire Service, Avon Get updates on the latest news and incidents in your area and view the work we do within the community. W: www.avonfire.gov.uk T: 0117 9262061 (non-emergency)
Directory Two Services from your Council’s
Public Protection Team Hh n Housing Services Support and advice for all of your housing issues. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/housing T: 01225 396296 Google Search: Bathnes Housing
Jj n Jobs with the Council Up-to-date information about job vacancies, equal opportunities, employment and training initiatives. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/jobs T: 01225 396409 (24 hours) Google Search: Bathnes Jobs
Ll n Leisure Centres Bath Leisure Centre, North Parade Rd, Bath BA2 4ET W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/leisure T: 01225 486905 Google Search: Bathnes Leisure and Sport Culverhay Sports Centre, Rush Hill, Bath BA2 2QL T: 01225 486902 (office hours) T: 01225 480882 (after 5pm) Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street, Keynsham BS31 1HE T: 01225 395164 South Wansdyke Sports Centre, Rackvernal Rd, Midsomer Norton BA3 2UG T: 01761 415522 n Licensing Offers a range of information regarding licensing, including alcohol, cinemas and taxis. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/licensing T: 01225 477531 Google Search: Bathnes Licensing
Mm n MOT Testing We offer vehicle MOTs to members of the public and trade for cars, taxis and some coaches. Book today! W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath_mot T: 01225 477314 Google Search: Bathnes MOT Testing n Museums and Art Galleries Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/museums T: 01225 477789 Google Search: Bathnes Museums Roman Baths and Pump Room T: 01225 477785 Victoria Art Gallery (closed Mondays) T: 01225 477233 Bath’s Historic Buildings (venue hire) T: 01225 477786 or 01225 477782
Nn n NHS Service, BANES Find out how to register with your local GP or NHS dentist, plus information on other key services. W: www.bathandnortheastsomersetccg.nhs.uk T: 01225 831800 E: BSCCG.information@nhs.net
To find out more about the hygiene standards in your favourite restaurants, takeaways and food shops visit:
food.gov.uk/ratings
Pp n Parking Services For parking queries, Park & Ride, clamping, fines, permits, Blue Badges, Pay & Display, enforcement of restrictions. Visit the website to download maps. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/parking T: 01225 477133 Google Search: Bathnes Parking n Pest Control The Council offers a comprehensive pest-control service for residents and businesses. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/pests T: 01225 396007 Google Search: Bathnes Pests n Police Service, Avon and Somerset Stay informed about what is happening in your area, with regular news updates, as well as useful information about crime reduction. W: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk T: 101 (non-emergencies)
Rr n Record Office The office holds a wealth of information and archives. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/records T: 01225 477421 (closed Mondays) Google Search: Bathnes Records
Ss n School Admissions We deal with applications and can advise about your right of appeal, as well as home-to-school transport. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/admissions T: 01225 394312 Google Search: Bathnes Schools n Sirona Care & Health Providing community health and adult social services in Bath and North East Somerset. For detailed information on the services we offer, as well as online contact forms, visit our website. W: www.sirona-cic.org.uk T: 01225 831400 n Social Services Visit the Health and Social Care pages on the website for information and advice. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adultcare T: 01225 477000 T: 01454 615165 (out of hours emergencies about adults or children) T: 0808 800 4444 (emergency housing advice, contact the Shelter England 24-hour freephone advice line) Google Search: Bathnes Social Services
Tt n Taxi and Private Hire Cars – Complaints If you have a complaint regarding any licensed vehicle, contact the Council Licensing Enforcement Officer. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/taxis T: 01225 477689 Google Search: Bathnes Taxi Complaints
n Trading Standards The Council is responsible for enforcing a range of consumer legislation including misleading advertisements and counterfeit trademarks. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/trading T: 01225 396753 Google Search: Bathnes Trading n Travel Information (Traveline) Traveline provides timetables and journey planners for bus, coach and rail services in the South West. W: www.travelinesw.com T: 0871 200 2233 (7am to 10pm - Calls cost 10p per minute from landlines) Google Search: Southwest Traveline
Yy n Youth Connect Working with young people aged 11-25 years. W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/youthconnect T: 01225 396980 E: youth_service@bathnes.gov.uk Google Search: Bathnes Youth Connect
How to... Make the most Pay the Council… The Council’s ‘pay for it’ online service is a speedy, simple and secure way to pay for bills and charges, and it is available 24 hours a day. In just a few simple steps, you can make payments for Council Tax, Penalty Notices, Business Rates, Commercial Rents, Garden Waste renewal fees, and many other services. You will need your account number or invoice reference in order to make a payment. Once you have this, visit the website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/pay, click on the online payments link and follow the on-screen prompts. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can also pay by phone, or by visiting one of our local offices: Call 0845 372 3501 (24 hours a day) Visit the One Stop Shop in Bath, Riverside in Keynsham or The Hollies in Midsomer Norton.
www.bathnes.gov.uk | 35
Meet the...
Virtual School Team Michael Gorman is Head of the Virtual School for Children in Care in Bath and North East Somerset. Here the former history teacher tells us about the rewards of this challenging role and why teamwork is so important Premium allocation – a sum of money that provides additional support. A lot of our time is spent going to PEP meetings to discuss an individual child and making sure there is a shared understanding of that child’s needs and a focussed plan in place to support them.
How long have you been doing this kind of work?
Top facts... There are more than 160 children and young people in care in Bath and North East Somerset. The post of Virtual School Head became statutory for all local authorities in March 2014 under the new Children and Families Act.
What is the Virtual School?
Our job is promote the education of children in care and that means making sure that each child goes to the most suitable school. We have to understand the child’s needs, look at the Ofsted rating for their school and make sure that the teachers, social workers and foster carers involved are communicating effectively.
How do these children’s needs differ from those of other children? Children are taken into care by the local authority for a variety of reasons, but they have often experienced neglect or abuse. They may have gaps in their education because of non-attendance or they may have changed schools. They may find it difficult to concentrate or to form trusting relationships, especially with adults, and some may find it difficult to play and form friendships with other children. So there are some very basic needs to be met.
How do you meet those needs day to day?
Every child who goes into care has to have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) and that sets out the child’s needs and what actions are to be taken by the team working with the child. Schools also get a Pupil
38 | Connect | Summer 2015
I’ve been in this post since September 2009. I started out as a history teacher and worked my way up through the system. I was a secondary school head for seven years and when this post came along, I took it. I’ve always been interested in how we cater for the most vulnerable children in our schools and these children are very vulnerable.
How does this job compare with working in the schools system?
It’s very different and both are equally rewarding. One of the motivating things about this job is that you have some real successes and they are very satisfying. Also it’s a privilege to be able to go into every kind of school and setting: within a week you could be in a primary school, a special school, a further education college, a secondary academy and an independent school, so it’s very interesting.
“You get to visit a lot of schools and work with some great professionals and great young people” Do you work very closely with other departments?
Yes, and that’s the other rewarding thing. Not only do you get to work with great young people, but you also work with great professionals in schools, Social Care, Special Educational Needs, Educational Psychology and NHS staff. It’s a wonderfully varied job.
How many are there on the team?
Four of us: myself; Lynne Whitfield, who co-ordinates support for educating children in
care from ages 2 to 12; Moyra Maxon, who deals with children in secondary and post-16 education; and our administrator Trish Rolfe. Lynne has done an excellent job for more than ten years and a lot of children have benefited from her work. Moyra joined us in January and she’s made a great start. I deal with some of the more complex cases. But we couldn’t achieve anything if we didn’t work as a team.
The Team received recognition for its work with Bath Spa University. Can you tell me about that? We’ve been working with them on a project called Attachment Aware Schools. Research suggests that children who have experienced neglect or abuse can find it difficult to form relationships. Their ability to learn is impeded, they have heightened anxiety and often exhibit impulsive behaviour. Teachers entering the profession aren’t trained in this area and can find it very difficult to manage some children with unmet attachment needs. The Attachment Aware Schools programme is designed to put that right.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The satisfaction of seeing these children and young people thrive and succeed in education. And the other thing is seeing the great work that our schools, social workers and foster carers do, particularly in Bath and North East Somerset. There is some excellent practice here and we should be proud of our local authority and just how professional and supportive our schools, social workers and foster carers are. n
Find out more For more information on the education of children in care, visit www. bathnes.gov.uk/services/ children-young-people-andfamilies/children-care/educationchildren-care. To contact the Virtual School, call 01225 396932 or email virtual_school@bathnes.gov.uk. To find out more about Attachment Aware Schools, visit www.attachment awareschools.com.