Co-Op serves up new store in Southport following ₤650,000 investment

THE Co-Op served up a new food store, in Southport, on 5 April 2018, following a ₤650,000 investment that has created 15 jobs. The new store, located on Cambridge Road, Churchtown.  The new shop has:- an in store bakery, fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas, award winning wines and essentials.

The store will also bring a funding boost to local good causes; including:- Southport Lifeboat, Southport Soup Kitchen and The Library in the Gardens; through its Membership scheme. Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own brand products and services, with the Co-Op donating a further 1% to local good causes.

The Co-Op plans to open 100 new stores UK wide in 2018. And earlier this year announced a ₤50m price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including:- fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.

There will be offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its launch. And, students in Churchtown holding a NUS extra card also receive a 10% discount off their groceries, at the Co-Op to support them during their studies.

Helen Faichney, Co-Op Store Manager, said:- "We are delighted to have the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Churchtown, and we are really looking forward to serving the local community. Our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub, a real asset for the community."

Zoe Holden, Co-Op Area Manager, said:- "The Co-Op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. We are investing in our people, stores, products and prices and have the ambition for our stores to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering our great quality products when and where shoppers need them. We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-Op. Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life."

Further information about the benefits of Co-Op membership and, its local Community Fund; which is re-open for applications until 8 April 2018; is available by visiting: CoOp.Co.UK/Membership.

Ormskirk School scoops 'SEN School of the Year' at national awards!

PONTVILLE School in Ormskirk, Lancashire, has won 'SEN School / Group of the Year Award' at an awards ceremony in London for its continued commitment to developing its pupils' communication skills. The 2018 'Shine a Light Awards,' run by learning company Pearson in partnership with The Communication Trust, were hosted by stand up comedian, actor and TV writer, Adam Hess.

The 2018 'Shine a Light Awards' is a national awards scheme that celebrates innovative work and excellent practice in supporting children and young people's communication development. There were 10 awards in total, with winners and highly commended finalists chosen by a panel of experts from the sector.

Communication underpins everything at Pontville, from the 1st 12 weeks of a pupil's journey, when detailed assessments are made, to the pupil's very last day at the School. Bespoke approaches to speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) include a siblings group, home communication programmes, and parent/pupil target reviews.

Pontville School is part of the Witherslack Group and benefits from sharing clinical services and Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT) from across 15 provisions throughout England. New staff members undertake a 6 week training course delivered by clinical services teams, and all staff receive regular top up training from SaLT. The SaLTs themselves are also supported to undertake higher level professional qualifications.

Tackling each  ½  term individually, Pontville's own SaLT team and PSHE coordinator collaborate to create a School wide plan for communications. The plan is then incorporated across all subject areas. Alongside this, pupils attend weekly SaLT sessions with the therapist, and practice a range of communication skills in a special timetabled lesson with their teachers. The results are fantastic, with pupils achieving a range of qualifications to prepare them for further education, charity work, and / or employment.

Justine Sims, Headteacher at Pontville School, said:- "I am delighted that Pontville School has won the SEND School / Group of the Year Award. This award recognises the fantastic teamwork and expertise of our education, clinical and care staff who demonstrate great dedication and their expertise ensures that students thrive and flourish. Speech and language is embedded throughout every element of the School and we ensure that the needs of our children and young people are at the heart of our work. Our pupils, staff and families have been rooting for us to win so we are thrilled!"

Stand-up comedian and actor, Adam Hess, host of the 2018 Shine a Light Awards, said:- "The dedication of Pontville School is outstanding. As a child, I struggled greatly with dyslexia and an immense fear of public speaking, if it wasn't for the support I received when I was younger I wouldn't be in the position I am today. It is fantastic to know that other children and young people are being given the support they need to learn, thrive and achieve their goals. Pontville School should be very proud of its award."

Sharon Hague, Senior Vice President, Schools, Pearson, said:- "Our warmest congratulations to to Pontville School. Through our innovative clinical assessments, Pearson is committed to supporting those working to help people overcome challenges in speech and language. For 6 years we have run these awards as we believe it is so important to recognise and celebrate the incredible, but often unsung, work being done across the country to change the lives of children and young people by helping them to develop their communications skills."

Octavia Holland, Director of The Communication Trust, said:- "Congratulations to Pontville School and everyone who triumphed at the 2018 Shine a Light Awards. They have shown what can be achieved when expertise, enthusiasm and dedication is given to children and young people who struggle to communicate. These awards highlight the very best practice that is taking place in settings across the country."

The 'Shine a Light Awards' have grown in popularity since their launch during the 'National Year of Communication' in 2011 (known as the 'Hello' campaign). To date, the awards have celebrated the work of over 120 teams and a wide range of individuals, including young people with severe and complex speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

For further information about the 'Shine a Light' winners and highly commended finalists, visit:- ShineALightAwards.Co.UK and follow us on Twitter #awards_SAL.