Page 16 - link magazine

Community News

The Spirit of Swindon: Fuel poverty and just about managing – or not.

By Tom Wilkes on behalf of Spirit live near someone who is cutting
of Swindon back on their light or heating in
At the beginning of last year, how order to make ends meet. Many
many of us were convinced that older people are anxious about the
the UK would vote to leave the size of their gas or electricity bill.
EU and Donald Trump would be Not everyone will be willing to
elected as the new President of the talk about their fears or how they
USA? The odds may not have been are ‘just about managing’ – or not
high yet both events happened and – but the one thing you could do
highlighted deep divisions in the this month is find someone who is
two nations. One in ten households in Swindon experience fuel poverty experiencing fuel poverty and listen
Although a number of factors to their story. If you already know
are agreed to have been at work combined with our remarkable next door, for over 20 years. The someone you could contact their
in both countries, one which has community spirit and networks central heating in her house only supplier to get advice or support
regularly featured in commentaries mean Swindon is well placed to gets turned on when visitors come, on their behalf. Alternatively you
is inequality – the sense that the address inequality issues in our the rest of the time she wears could organise an activity at your
gap between the rich and the poor own town and give a lead to others. lots of layers and blankets to keep workplace to raise awareness of fuel
has been increasing. While some are Last, but not least, that instead of warm in winter or goes to bed early. poverty and encourage colleagues
enjoying greater opportunity and wringing our hands or saying the When the electricity runs out she to visit neighbours. You may have
prosperity, more and more people issues are too complex, each one will often live in the dark. She was much more imaginative ideas. Let
feel they have been left behind or of us can decide we have a part looking for other work but it has us know what they are by emailing
left out. Increasing numbers are to play and do one thing that can proved hard to find a job which fits [email protected] with
finding it hard to make ends meet. make a difference. It may be for an around child care for her daughter. ‘Spirit of Swindon’ as the subject.
‘The system’ is not working. individual or family or it could be for The Government publishes Our borough council has produced
Last month, in the first article for a workforce. Both matter! figures for ‘Fuel Poverty’ which are a very clear way of visualising some
Spirit of Swindon we pointed out Recently we have been hearing supplied by Local Authorities. In of the issues linked to inequality and
four things: First, that economic about ‘JAMs’ – those who are ‘just 2013 Swindon estimated that out going deeper into the statistics at
inequality is bad for everyone – the about managing’. The line between of 93,120 households, 9,115 could swindonjsna.co.uk/pictures
most affluent as well as the least. managing and not managing any be assessed as ‘Fuel Poor’. This is Spirit of Swindon has emerged
Second, the UK is one of the most longer can be thin. Spirit of Swindon 9.8% of households; a little better from a gathering of people who want
economically unequal developed was told the story of a mother with than the national figure of 10.6% to raise consciousness of the impact
countries, significantly more so than a teenage daughter who works in but worrying. Given that one in 10 of economic inequality and help
otherwise similar nations. Third, school as a ‘dinner lady’ and has households in our town experience Swindon offer a lead to other towns
the strength of our economic base cared for her own mother, who lives fuel poverty it is very likely you may and cities in the UK.
Nyland school rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and
praised for improvements in pupils’ progress Your child

Nyland School in Swindon has we do. This means that we can matters
been rated as ‘a good school’ by support pupils to understand their
Ofsted following an inspection in emotional needs which helps to Advice from Panda Childcare
November. build their capacity to learn in a Sending your child to preschool or
The school was rated ‘good’ in positive way.” nursery for the first time can be
all areas: quality of teaching and The school already offers both exciting and unsettling for
learning, effectiveness of leadership swimming, horse riding and runs parent and child.
and management, personal Design and Technology projects, Preparing your child for the
development and outcomes for such as building equipment for the change and having answers to
pupils. playground. In the future, it plans questions like who will be looking keyworker who will develop a
Ofsted praised the school’s to introduce cycling, forest schools after my child, what happens if special relationship with the child
ambitions for its pupils, its focus and sailing. These ambitions were they cry or become ill, do I need to and their family, providing security
on improving their life chances acknowledged by the inspectors provide food, drink, nappies, wipes, as a caring and familiar person who
and the introduction of a new who commented that all pupils, wellie boots, spare clothes and how will plan activities that meet your
curriculum that has enhanced regardless of their starting point, your child’s needs will be met can child’s interests and development
progress. Ofsted also commented are making good progress. help alleviate stress. needs, and will answer any worries
on the experienced staff who help Ofsted also said that the school’s Visits to the setting are important or concerns you may have.
pupils to enjoy learning. governance was strong and that as they allow for the child to get Be prepared to stay with your
Nyland School is part of The the WHF ensures staff are held to used to their new surroundings and child on their first visit and for
White Horse Federation (WHF) account, as well as supported and the people who will be caring for a short while on their second.
multi-academy trust and supports rewarded for their work. them. A good facility understands Knowing when to leave your child
children with emotional, social and Tammy added: “The leadership that every child settles over a is equally important as is returning
behavioural difficulties. team at the school have many different period of time and reacts on time.
Its principal, Tammy van der years of experience and provide differently to being left. When you leave make your
Meulen, has only been in post for a a clear vision and strong support Some children need a small goodbye short as prolonging this
couple of months but has already to our staff, so morale is high. familiar object from home to make can cause your child to become
introduced positive changes. The WHF strengthens us further them feel more secure. When you more anxious. Reassure them that
She said: “Since I started as as we know we are part of one visit with your child you will have you will be back at a set time after
principal at Nyland, we have large support structure that the opportunity to meet the staff they have had fun playing with
focused on transforming our helps us share expertise and and see who your child relates their new friends and return when
curriculum to include a high nurtures personal and professional to. This person may become their you say.
emotional quotient in everything development.”
16 swindonlink.com n January 2017

SE January 2017 Master Pages.indd 16 16/12/2016 10:06