Gateacre School is on the up!

PUPILS and staff at Gateacre School are celebrating after a rapid increase in standards led the Department for Education to withdraw its plan for it to become an Academy. The Secondary School, which has 1,000 young people on roll, was placed in special measures 2 years ago by Ofsted, which meant it was at risk of a Multi Academy Trust taking it over. In 2017, following the appointment of a new head, the School achieved some of its best results in recent history for GCSE and A Level/Vocational exams, with the latter being among the top 10% in the country.  In October 2017, it was taken out of special measures and the 6th Form provision was graded as 'good.' And earlier this month, the School was written to by Vicky Beer, the Regional Schools Commissioner, who confirmed the Academy Order is being revoked, meaning it will remain a community School.

Head Jason Roberts said:- "A huge amount of hard work has gone into making substantial changes in the School over the last 2 years and for that I would like to thank staff, Governors, pupils and parents for their support and commitment. Although we are all immensely proud of the progress we have made we still need to focus relentlessly on improving attendance and getting our exam grades above the national average.  It is absolutely vital that we all work together to give our pupils the very best start in life so that they are able to achieve their potential and make a success of their lives."

Councillor Barbara Murray, Cabinet member for education, added:- "Congratulations to everyone at Gateacre School for the huge turnaround over the last couple of years. It is testament to the commitment of everyone involved that Ofsted have been so impressed by the progress that has been made to lift the School out of special measures and remove the Academy Order. It is great news that a period of uncertainty is now over and they can now concentrate on delivering the best education for their pupils."

Manchester Airport returns for a 2nd year to support Liverpool Pride Festival 2018

LIVERPOOL Pride Festival returns in July 2018 for its 9th consecutive year, and organisers are delighted to announce the return of a big name organisation.

The Region's established annual celebration of all things LGBT+ will again take place across 2 days, Saturday, 28 July and Sunday, 29 July 2018.

The festival will be free to attend, and the location will be announced shortly.

Manchester Airport comes on board for a 2nd consecutive year to sponsor the Liverpool Pride Festival 2018.

The UK's 3rd largest airport has signed up to be a sponsor for the next 3 years, and will have its very own San Francisco Cabaret Stage and VIP Boston Bar at this year's Liverpool Pride.

Patrick Alexander, Manchester Airport's Head of Marketing, said:- "We are delighted to be back for a 2nd year supporting Liverpool Pride and even more thrilled to be signed up for 3 further years. We sponsor Pride festivals across the UK and look forward to returning to showcase the great work undertaken by Manchester Airport, as many of our passengers come from Merseyside. We're looking forward to working closely with the Liverpool Pride team on what I am sure will be a world class event."

Liverpool Pride Festival organisers are also delighted to announce that Radio City and DIVA magazine are this year's Media Partners.

Liverpool Pride has grown to become 1 of the City's major annual events, in 2017 a record 8,000 people joined the march and over 50,000 festival goers enjoyed 2 days of entertainment to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Andi Herring, Co-Chair of Liverpool Pride said:- "Liverpool Pride Festival 2017 was truly superb, but it wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and partners. So we are delighted that Manchester Airport has returned for a second consecutive year. Their input last year was fantastic in so many ways; plus we're extremely excited and encouraged that its has pledged to support the event for a further 3 years. This is a huge boost for Liverpool Pride and our LGBT+ communities."

This year's theme was announced recently as #AllTogetherNow, which encompasses every branch of the LGBT+ and wider communities coming together no matter what their ethni City, gender, sexuality, belief or however they define themselves in celebration of equality and diversity.

The Liverpool Pride Festival 2018 marks a decade since the death of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer, who tragically lost his life, on 2 August 2008.

The festival was specifically created in 2010 in Michael's memory as a way to celebrate his life and to empower the LGBT+ communities, and each year the festival coincides with the anniversary of Michael's death. The festival continues to remind the community to stand up for LGBTQ+ culture and equality through a City wide celebration where everyone is welcome.

Liverpool Pride's #AllTogetherNow theme will also complement a City wide season of events and performances to mark #Liverpool2018; marking 10 years since the City was named European Capital Of Culture 2008.

Keep up to date with Liverpool Pride's new announcements at:- LiverpoolPride.Co.UK  as well as on Facebook and on Twitter.

Local NHS trust holds annual equality and diversity event

NORTH West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held their annual equality and diversity event, on Monday, 21 May 2018, at Leigh Sports Village. The EDS2 event was based on the national Equality Delivery System, which was commissioned by the national Equality and Diversity Council in 2010 to help NHS organisations improve the services they provide for local communities; considering health inequalities and providing better working environments free of discrimination.

The day was an opportunity for the Trust to share evidence relating to equality and diversity activity across the organisation with its key stakeholders, learn from good practice and receive feedback. The day was attended by voluntary sector organisations representing different parts of the community across:- Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan.

The day started with a presentation from Gail Briers, Chief Nurse and Director of Operational Clinical Services at the Trust. Gail spoke about the importance of considering equality and diversity at the highest level within the organisation and throughout all decision making processes. This was followed by the attendees discussing real life service user and staff case studies from across the Trust relating to equality and diversity.

A member of staff from the Trust called Danni spoke about her experiences of transitioning from male to female, whilst working for the Trust. Danni said she felt fully supported by her manager and her colleagues throughout. Danni illustrated her story through her music:- 'Danni's Song.'

Jan Snoddon, Interim Director of Integrated Governance at the Trust said:- "It was great to see so many real life service user and staff case studies being illustrated, demonstrating good practice relating to equality and diversity.  We will now be pulling together the self assessment and ratings by the attendees to share on our Trust website and create a plan of actions to focus on in 2018/19."