Ofsted praise 'lifeline' children's facility

A short break service for children with complex needs and disabilities, within Liverpool, described as a:- 'lifeline' by parents, has been praised in its recent inspection by Ofsted.

Children who attend Prescot Drive in Kensington have access to a range of specialist equipment to meet their needs, and take part in a number of activities.

Ofsted visited the centre; which takes up to 7 young people at a time; in March, to undertake the inspection. They rated the home as:- 'good,' and the report has just been published.

They concluded that children develop:- "warm and trusting relationships with the staff who are attentive and skilled in understanding what children are expressing."

Inspectors praised the home for being:- "maintained to an excellent standard" with "decor and good quality furniture which create a homely and relaxed environment."

They were impressed that the cultural identity of the children is promoted, including:- bespoke gift packages given to families in observance of Eid, and a library of resources to help them understand their own cultural needs.

The Manager and Deputy Manager of the home were singled out by Inspectors for praise, with staff also speaking warmly about them.

The report states:- "Together, they have brought strong leadership to the home and they lead by example. They are ambitious for children, and strive to achieve the best outcomes for all."

Parents who provided feedback for Ofsted Inspectors were also complimentary. 1 parent told inspectors:- "It is like home from home for my child. He loves coming." Another said it was a:- "lifeline" for them.

The positive work of staff to understand the triggers for children's behaviour when they become distressed or upset was highlighted by Ofsted.

A parent said:- "Staff are great at providing us with strategies to help solve particular problems."

A professional said:- "Staff go above and beyond to ensure that families are supported, especially during difficult times."

Safeguarding practice, medication processes and recruitment procedures were found to be safe and effective, and staff training, including a detailed induction and mandatory training, was also praised.

The full report can be read here:- Ofsted.Gov.UK.

Cabinet Member for Children's Social Services, Cllr Liz Parsons, said:- "Prescot Drive provides a vital service for the parents of children with complex needs and disabilities and I am over the moon that the inspectors have recognised the incredible care that is provided. The staff should be extremely proud of themselves for their amazing work in supporting not just the young people, but also their parents and carers."

Head of Service for Children's Services, Stuart Williams, added:- "I'm really pleased with this Ofsted report, which reflects the brilliant team we have at Prescot Drive. It cannot be underestimated the difference their work makes to the lives of all of those who use the facility, providing young people with brilliant care, and giving advice and assistance to their families."
 

Eurovision may have left the City, but Liverpool's European communities are here to stay

WHILE the majority of visitors have returned home following the most successful Eurovision Song Contest ever, for those who have made Liverpool their home, the party has only just begun.

The inaugural Liverpool European Festival; the brainchild of Founder and Director of Merseyside Polonia Gosia McKane; is hoped to keep the Eurovision spirit alive, not just for a few more weeks but for many years to come.

Part of EuroStreet; Culture Liverpool's community programme supported with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Spirit of 2012 and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund; it is hoped the Liverpool European Festival will become an annual event as part of the legacy of Eurovision 2023.

Bringing together different European communities in the City including:- Irish, Nordic, Greek, Italian, German, Austrian, Polish, Romanian, French, Albanian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Swiss and Roma, the festival is a celebration of dance, film and heritage.

Following a launch event on:- nine May, Europe Day 2023, the festival kicks off on:- Sunday, 4 June 2023, with a European Dance Spectacular and Parade. Featuring:- Irish Ceili, Greek Kalamatianos and Polish Krakowiak to name but a few, the parade promises to be a feast for the eyes, ears and soul.

The Masters of European Cinema series of events is an opportunity to learn about the European contribution to cinematography from the 1st film projection by the Lumière brothers, on:- 28 December 1895, to avant garde European film movements including:- German Expressionism, Italian Neorealism and French, Czechoslovak and Romanian New Wave.

6 European films will be shown on Thursdays and Fridays in the 1st 3 weeks of June, at the University of Liverpool. The series kicks off on 1 June with François Truffaut French film:- '400 Blows' and Fritz Lang's German film:- 'M.' The following week, viewers can watch Federico Fellini's Italian film:- '8½' and Krzysztof Kieślowski's Polish film:- 'Camera Buff.' The series concludes on:- 15 June and 16 June 2023, with Milos Forman's Czechoslovakian film:- 'The Fireman's Ball' and Roy Andersson's Swedish Film:- 'Songs from the 2nd Floor.'

Throughout the festival, Liverpool European Communities are opening their doors for people to come and find out more about their heritage with a series of open days, heritage walks, poetry events and exhibitions. Take a trip back to the 19th century to find out more about Little Italy; follow stories of The Great Famine and the dramatic journeys of Irish migrants; visit historical places connected with Polish migration; and learn about the most recent Ukrainian resettlement in the City.

The festival culminates in a special celebration event on 23 June; the Anniversary of the EU Referendum.

For full details of the festival, visit:- LiverpoolEuropeanFestival.Com and to stay up to date on the festival, join the mailing list and follow Liverpool European Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Gosia McKane, Founder and Director of Merseyside Polonia, said:- "From lively folk dances and avant-garde movies to inspiring stories of migrants who have become part of Liverpool and are shaping the City for generations to come, European cultural heritage is colourful, rich and diverse. It's a link that connects us with the past to help us build a better future and understanding of 1 another. It's a beautiful symbol of stability in the ever-changing modern world, that we all need so much, especially now. While Eurovision united us through music, the Liverpool European Festival will connect us through dance, films and history. The festival will culminate with a celebration on the Anniversary of the EU Referendum to show the City, the country and the continent, that we are still here and flourishing."

The outgoing Lord Mayor of Liverpool Roy Gladden added:- "It's marvellous to see people with confidence come together and act as one, sharing the best they have with the rest of the community. I am proud that Liverpool has become a home to some many different European communities, from the oldest community in Liverpool, which is Irish, through to the youngest, which is Ukrainian. We are all European and with that strong representation I truly believe that Liverpool European Festival will become a part of our City's culture calendar every year."

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:- "It was wonderful to see Liverpool being the destination bringing Europe together as Eurovision 2023 took place, and we're thrilled to see that continue in this fantastic City with the Liverpool European Festival. We are delighted that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are supporting the inaugural Festival to take place and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that Liverpool's many diverse communities hold."