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Westlea children sing for Young Voices
Members of the acclaimed Westlea Primary School choir joined a mass gathering of over 2,000 children to sing BLAYLOCKS
in front of a sell out crowd at London’s O2 Arena on 28 January. SWINDON’S FAMILY
The programme also included travelling and performing. ever done.” SHOE SHOP
Est. 1920
the African Children’s Choir which Singer Zoe Buckingham said: “We Craig Gregory was the solitary boy
performed at last year’s Diamond rehearsed the songs and learnt the in the Westlea group. “I like to sing a STOCKISTS OF ALL
Jubilee Concert for the Queen, and actions in school then there was a lot, it made no difference being in a LEADING BRANDS
former Britain’s Got Talent runner-up rehearsal with all the other schools choir that was all girls,” he said. NEW SPRING RANGES
Connie Talbot. on the day, it was amazing.” One the way home the children
Only children from years 4, 5 and Brianne Buckingham added: “Sing- were treated to a tour of London NOW ARRIVING
6 were invited as it was a long day of ing in the O2 was the best thing I’ve sights from their coach and were given BLAYLOCKS
the morning off school the next day.
Choirmistress Sarah Sumner said: Bath Road Corner
“The children contributed to a fantas- Old Town
tic performance. It was a tremendous Tel: 534271
experience for all of them.”

Swindon
Home & Away Scheme

Improving Outcomes for Disabled Children

More Carers Needed!
More carers needed to open up their homes Home & Away is our family-based scheme
designed to support parents of children
We are doing a big push to spread awareness of the Home & Away Scheme, with disabilities by providing children Overnight Short Breaks for
in advance of an information evening at the end of the month, writes Cheryl with the opportunity to enjoy different Children with Disabilities
experiences and develop new friendships.
Keller at the Swindon Council Family Placement Team.
For more information please contact Swindon’s Family
The scheme supports children with once a month for two nights. She Placement Team on 01793 465700 or visit the website
disabilities to live at home with their enjoys watching Saturday Kitchen at www.swindon.gov.uk/homeandaway
own family by providing regular away and the Grand Prix, as well as helping
breaks with a Home & Away foster feed the animals. As a professional
carer, in the carer’s home, usually one who works five days a week it is nice
Ask Peter B
Ask Peter B
weekend a month. to know my family is doing something Ask Peter B
According to government statistics so valuable for another family and
there are 3,690 disabled children enjoying it.” Advice for small businesses
living in Swindon. Home & Away To start off new foster carers pro- from Peter Bromiley ACA
carers give parents a much needed vide care for just a few hours a day Technical Director
rest from caring for their child and and then move into overnight stays. AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon.
an opportunity for the child to gain Regular support is ongoing and carers Q: Is it right that I can claim expenses for doing business
independence, build new relation- are allocated their own Linkworkers. admin at home?
ships and widen their horizons. Carers do not need to have experi- Business owners can claim the expense of using their home as an
Disabilities can range from learn- ence working with disabilities as a office, (as a business expense). It is based on the portion of
ing difficulties and autism to physical comprehensive training programme mortgage interest, rent, council tax, water, fuel etc. used when
impairments. We are particularly in is available. All Home & Away Carers working on the business at home.
need of carers who can look after receive an allowance. There are 2 ways to calculate this:
children on the autistic spectrum and Why not find out more at our next 1. A business owner spending small amounts of time, for
also children who use wheelchairs. information evening on Tuesday 26 instance, invoicing or doing minimal work relating to the
Foster carer Donna says being a March, 6.30pm. Please give us a call on business, can claim £4 per week without calculating the actual
short break carer fits well with her 01793 465700 or mail: familyplace- home expenses used.
working week. “Sarah comes to us [email protected] 2. If the owner spends, say, a few hours daily – on the business,
they can calculate the actual home expenses based on hours
LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week: 4 to 10 March spent for business use, space etc.
Foster carers come from all kinds of backgrounds: the only common de- If you want to use method 2, HMRC provide examples online,
nominator is that they are people who are committed to helping children but they are complicated. I would recommend you get your
accountant to do the calculation.
and young people by offering to share their homes and their lives for a

period of time. 01793 818400 : www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
Swindon Borough Council is looking for foster carers and adopters from the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities to provide temporary,
permanent, Home & Away or emergency care. Supported lodgings for 16 to
21 year olds are also sought.
For details call 01793 465700 or mail: fosteringswindon.org.uk
www.lgbtadoptfosterweek.org.uk
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