Stockton News March / April 2010
Page 23
Our golden girls Two promising local sprinters returned victorious from the North East Indoor Athletics Championships at Gateshead, in January. 15-year-old Ellie Mullen and Rachel Highfield, 13, both members of Middlesbrough AC (Mandale) and Tees Active Sports Academy, stormed to victory in the 60 metres. Ellie, a pupil at Northfield School Marsh House site, is coached by Cyril Banks and said: “It was great to win the Under 17 title although it’s been difficult to prepare for the championships as the recent
Ellie Mullen
snow and ice made training at Clairville stadium impossible. Fortunately I’ve maintained my general fitness by training at the Activ8 gyms.” Rachel, from St Patrick’s RC school Thornaby, set a new personal best of 7.99 seconds and received the competition’s Best Performance Award. Also coached by Cyril, her superb form continued at the Northern Athletics Indoor Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Narrowly pipped in the 60m to gain silver, she gained revenge over Kate Wasyliw of Halifax in the 200m, winning gold in 26.06 seconds.
conditions training has been difficult but I’ve been fortunate enough to have a couple of sessions indoors at Gateshead, where Richard Kilty gave me some great tips. The wins are great but there’s a lot of hard work to put in before the outdoor season.” To find out more about Tees Active Sports Academy, call Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772 or visit www.teesactive.co.uk
Rachel said: “Due to the weather
Rachel Highfield
Changes to free early learning In September, free early years provision for 3 and 4 year olds in school nurseries and private childcare settings is set to increase from 12.5 hours to 15 hours a week and can be delivered more flexibly. The 15 hours can be taken over a minimum of three and a maximum of five days per week between core hours of 8am – 6pm for a maximum of 8 hours in any one day, from the term following the child’s third birthday. It is up to you where you use your child’s free entitlement, either at a school or a private childcare provider and you may be able to choose which days. You can split the 15 hours between two providers if you need to. This is subject to ‘reasonable’ parental demand and whether the provider can accommodate your choice. If your child is already attending a maintained school nursery or private childcare setting speak to them about what they can offer. For more information contact the Families Information Service on (01642) 527225 or email fis@stockton.gov.uk
Calling young people: Stockton Parent Support is looking for young disabled people aged 13 and over to join their Youth Disability Forum. If you would like to have your say on services in the Borough please contact Amanda Vince on (01642) 878137 or email Stocktonps@ yahoo.co.uk