http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/ en lorraine.fitzpatrick@nottscc.gov.uk Copyright 2011 2011-04-18T12:33:03+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/new-structure-and-staffing-of-pps/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/new-structure-and-staffing-of-pps/#When:12:33:03Z Following our recent restructuring we are now operating a somewhat reduced staff team. We will continue to offer a daily telephone helpline and support parents at meetings and with preparation of paperwork as far as is possible. Our volunteer Independent Parental Supporters continue to provide a great deal of face-to-face support, and we also have volunteers who work within the office to provide administrative support. We greatly appreciate the commitment and dedication of both of these teams of volunteers, some of whom deliver many hours of support for the service each month. Service staff team now comprises : Edwina Cosgrove : Parent Partnership Officer, 37 hours per week (full-time) Responsibility for co-ordinating and managing the team and overall responsibility for volunteers 5 Advice and Information Officers : Wendy Storrs, 37 hours per week Kimberly Martin, 37 hours per week Ruth Iveson, 25 hours per week Helene Torr, 25 hours per week Noreen Sheikh, 25 hours per week Each works across the general service areas (helpline, face-to-face support, training events for parents etc), but also has a specific area of responsibility taking into account their particular expertise. Administrator/casework co-ordinator : will be one 37 hour post. Currently Lorraine Fitzpatrick and Kate Brock provide this support for the team, but following the outcome of the Business Support Review there will be only one post. As yet it is not known who will take up this post. 2011-04-18T12:33:03+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/school-term-holidays-2012-13-consultation/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/school-term-holidays-2012-13-consultation/#When:16:29:52Z From Monday 14 March 2011, the LA will be consulting upon proposals to agree the school term dates and holiday pattern for the school year 2012/13 for Nottinghamshire community and voluntary controlled schools. The LA are inviting comments on the suggested dates / pattern until the close of the consultation period on Friday 15 April 2011. For further details of the consultation and how to respond, please visit the Council’s website at:  http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooltermconsultation  2011-03-17T16:29:52+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/short-breaks-for-disabled-children-continuity-plans-2011/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/short-breaks-for-disabled-children-continuity-plans-2011/#When:10:03:10Z As you may know Nottinghamshire County Council, along with other local authorities, from 1st April 2011 have a new duty to provide short breaks for disabled children and young people. Work is taking place to plan the overall provision, eligibility and access to short break services within the new budget. Due to the complexity of the work required, a short term plan to provide continuity of short break services between 1st April 2011 and 30th September 2011 has been agreed as follows: The main short break services provided by the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme will continue for a further 6 months from 1st April 2011. Please note that due to organisational adjustments, changes to services previously received by families locally may occur. The 100hrs scheme will continue as one of the main services: From 1st April to 30th September 2011, the budget available will provide a maximum of 70 hours from existing service providers for those children who continue to be eligible. As the budget position changes on 31st March 2011, any hours unused from the period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 cannot be added on to the 70hrs as of 1st April 2011. No further referrals will be taken at this time as the Brokerage Officers continue to work through the waiting list. Before 1st October 2011 more details will be published; in relation to the short breaks provision, access to services and the eligibility criteria. 2011-02-22T10:03:10+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/elms-play-area-now-open/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/elms-play-area-now-open/#When:16:36:31Z In addition to excellent facilities for toddlers and teens, the park includes a “Vitality” Outdoor Gym and a unique “Inclusive Roundabout” which is accessible. Please feel free to come along to the Elms Park Playing Fields on Loughborough Road, Ruddington. (Post code NG11 6NX for Sat Nav users). 2011-02-18T16:36:31+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/parentline-plus-becomes-familylives-as-of-the-21st-january-2011/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/parentline-plus-becomes-familylives-as-of-the-21st-january-2011/#When:10:49:34Z Parentline Plus becomes Familylives as of the 21st January 2011.  As well as launching a new logo and website, they have also published a new report on Family lives which highlights the realities of family life in Britain today. It is a report from Families for Families.  If you would like to read the full report it can be found here.   2011-02-10T10:49:34+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/the-importance-of-teaching-the-schools-white-paper-2010/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/the-importance-of-teaching-the-schools-white-paper-2010/#When:15:39:25Z The Department for Education (DfE) recently published ‘ The Importance of Teaching – The Schools White Paper 2010’, outlining a proposed programme of significant reform in the education system. The DfE has also published an accompanying document, entitled ‘The Case for Change’, outlining the case for the changes in the Schools White Paper. Follow this link for further information. 2010-12-22T15:39:25+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/dfe-reports-on-extended-services-and-disadvantaged-children/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/dfe-reports-on-extended-services-and-disadvantaged-children/#When:15:36:53Z The DfE has recently published a report, evaluating and exploring efforts to target funding to engage disadvantaged children and young people in activities provided through school extended services. Follow this link for further information and downloads. 2010-12-22T15:36:53+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/csef-launches-online-anti-bullying-resources/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/csef-launches-online-anti-bullying-resources/#When:15:17:16Z The Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF) has recently launched a range of web-based anti-bullying resources, through their CSEF Online initiative. Follow this link for further information. 2010-12-22T15:17:16+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/ace-publishes-revised-tackling-bullying-and-getting-extra-help-guides/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/ace-publishes-revised-tackling-bullying-and-getting-extra-help-guides/#When:15:12:04Z ACE has recently published new editions of ‘Getting Extra Help’ and ‘Tackling Bullying’, two titles from the ‘My Child In School’ series of practical guides, aimed primarily at parents and carers, and those working with them. The booklets have been completely revised and updated to include information on the latest law and guidance in their respective areas. Follow this link for further information. 2010-12-22T15:12:04+00:00 http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/space-inclusive-are-delighted-to-announce-an-after-school-club/ http://www.ppsnotts.org.uk/news/space-inclusive-are-delighted-to-announce-an-after-school-club/#When:10:32:48Z Following the success of the summer project, Space Inclusive are delighted to announce an after school club for young people aged 9-18 with learning difficulties. The project will take place on Monday evenings at St Anns North Children’s Centre from 4.30pm – 6.30pm and will cost £4. They intend to begin the project in December. To register your interest, please contact: Space Inclusive, 21 Western Avenue, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts, NG17 7FT or email space.inclusive@gmail.com  2010-11-03T10:32:48+00:00