Latest news with #CareInspectorateWales
Wales Online
11-08-2025
- General
- Wales Online
The huge rise in children being home schooled in one part of Wales
The huge rise in children being home schooled in one part of Wales 'Sometimes parents don't understand the effect of children not being around other children or seen in school,' said one expert Stock image of schoolgirls (Image: PA) The number of parents schooling their children at home has surged in one Welsh county over recent years. Figures from Powys council show 409 youths are being home-schooled — up from 154 before the Covid pandemic. The issue came up as councillors discussed an assurance report into children's services, which followed up on a scathing Care Inspectorate Wales report from 2017 which revealed missed opportunities to safeguard children, poor risk assessment and serious performance issues. The new report was much more positive, finding the department had an "experienced and stable leadership team". Powys isn't the only council seeing a rise. But it did draw attention to one of the 'challenges' faced by Powys social workers since the pandemic — the increasing number of families home-educating their children. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newslette. Report writer Stephen Walker, a social services director at Leeds council, told Powys council's health and care scrutiny committee that it was 'not about' the rights or wrongs of children being educated at home. The issue, he said, is whether children's services are in a position to provide help if needed. Mr Walker added: 'There are national issues because we have no right to access, as children's services, to see children being educated at home.' He said some parents may have been 'persuaded' to take their child out of school because of difficult behaviour. This could be because they are 'reducing the overall achievement' of a school and educating them at home is "better" than for the child to be excluded, which would go on their official school record. Mr Walker went on: 'Sometimes parents don't understand the effect of children not being around other children or seen in school.' Article continues below Committee chairwoman, Conservative councillor Amanda Jenner said: "I think this is something we need to think about and potentially pick up with the education scrutiny committee as this ties in with the fact that school attendance since Covid-19 is a lot lower." The home-schooling figure of 409 is up from around 300 in June 2023, and 154 before the coronavirus pandemic.
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Meet the Prestatyn woman who has been awarded an MBE
Vicky Poole was named in the King's Birthday Honours list and has been appointed an MBE for Public Service to Social Care. Ms Poole, who retired last year, had been deputy chief inspector for Care Inspectorate Wales and had worked for the care body and Welsh Government since 2014. Vicky Poole (Image: Vicky Poole) She said being nominated was a 'real surprise' but wished to dedicate the award to social care having worked 'all her life' in the sector. "It's a real honour, I kind of feel it's about social care and I'm glad to celebrate social care as opposed to me personally,' Vicky told the Journal. 'That was the reason I accepted it really – I made sure the award said social care in it because I've worked all my life in social care.' Vicky began her career as a live-in volunteer with palliative and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder in South Yorkshire. She went on to complete mental health nurse training before moving into social care. READ MORE: Rhyl officer who delivered baby on first solo shift retires Seren Gobaith hospital in Rhyl praised by politicians A resident of North Wales since 1990, Vicky held local, regional and national roles in social care before retiring as deputy chief inspector for Care Inspectorate Wales in October. Ms Poole was nominated by her old boss and hadn't known about his recommendation until a letter came through to tell her she had received an MBE. She said: 'When the letter came, it was a real surprise. 'It was my boss who nominated me although I didn't know he had. 'It's good to be recognised. 'I was pleased to accept the honour of an MBE in the hope of contributing in a small way to raising the profile of social care, and of Care Inspectorate Wales - who work so hard to promote high quality social care and childcare.'
Powys County Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Staff at 'homely' Powys daycare celebrate perfect inspection
A Powys children's day care was labelled 'warm, caring and homely' in a perfect inspection report. Staff at Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr, a Welsh-medium early-years setting in Rhayader, are 'absolutely delighted' after receiving the highest rating of 'Excellent' across all areas in a recent joint inspection by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). The day care was praised for its outstanding provision in well-being, learning, care and development, teaching, environment, and leadership. Inspectors were so impressed Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr has been invited to share its best practices nationally through case studies on its outdoor learning and community partnerships. In their report, CIW Inspectors said: 'Nearly all children feel happy and very safe at the setting and know that every practitioner respects them. 'They have a very strong sense of belonging and a strong voice and feel confident expressing how they wish to use the environment 'Practitioners ensure that children's health and well-being are a priority. They are very conscientious and effective when planning a good variety of activities which have a positive impact on children's development. Inspectors noted that children at the setting were happy, confident, and thriving, with excellent opportunities to explore, play, and learn both indoors and in the setting's exceptional outdoor environment. The report also commended the team's nurturing approach, strong community links, and commitment to promoting Welsh culture and language. Inspectors also praised the work of the leadership at the daycare and said: 'The leader leads the setting very effectively, and child welfare is at the heart of every aspect of work. She has a clear vision for the setting and shares it effectively with practitioners, parents and the community. 'The setting's statement of purpose provides an accurate picture of the service provided. The leader has high expectations for herself, the practitioners and the children, ensuring that everyone is given the necessary support to realise their potential.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Claire Evans, Responsible Individual at Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr, praised the work of the entire staff. She said: 'We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the inspection. This report is a testament to the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our staff, the support of our families, and the joy and curiosity of our children. 'We are especially proud that our commitment to Welsh language, community values, and child-led learning has been recognised so strongly. We look forward to continuing to grow and inspire.'
South Wales Argus
10-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Capel Grange care home residents celebrate VE Day in style
In honour of the 80th anniversary, they painted flags, decorated cakes, and adorned bedroom windows with red, white, and blue. The home was full of lively decorations, party food, and entertainment. Richard Beavis provided live music, singing old-time favourites. Family and friends joined in the celebrations. Some shared memories of the original VE Day, 80 years ago. Tracy Maggs, life enrichment co-ordinator for Capel Grange care home, said: "What an amazing celebration for a remarkable day." "We had so much fun: dancing, singing, plenty of delicious food, and live entertainment." "Massive shout out to all the staff involved, the kitchen for the amazing food, Leighton and Laura for all the decorations, and everyone else who made it happen." She added: "Life doesn't stop just because you're in a nursing home; it's a new life, a new beginning." The care home is in Pillgwenlly, Newport, and is run by Linc Cymru Housing Association. It provides accommodation for up to 72 people, including some with dementia, and was rated 'good' by Care Inspectorate Wales after its most recent inspection in March. (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs) (Image: Tracy Maggs)
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Just one person lives in a Welsh care home but locals say it's caused them 'absolute hell'
Just one person lives in a Welsh care home but locals say it's caused them 'absolute hell' The building has been used as a care home since January of 2023 but residents claimed there had been 're-occurring police, fire brigade and ambulance visits to the property' An aerial view of Brynmenyn, where the care home is located (Image: google maps ) Contentious plans to change a former residential property in Bridgend into a small care home for one resident have been approved despite concerns from local residents. The retrospective plans were brought before the council for a decision in April of 2025, for the change of use of a large detached property based at Bryngarw Mill in Brynmenyn, Bridgend. At the meeting members were told about the plans which were strongly opposed by residents, for a six-bedroom property to be used as a care home for a single supervised person. The report said the building had already been used as a care home since January, 2023, with what was described as a three to one ratio needed between care staff and the cared for person - though it was noted that, with visiting care professionals, there could sometimes be as many as five people at the site. Speaking in opposition to the plans, Councillor Tim Thomas of St Bride's Minor and Ynysawdre said a number of residents had reached out to him after disputes over parking and traffic on the "tight and narrow" access street, where up to twelve vehicles could reportedly leave and arrive during staff change-overs. Others said they had been blocked in in their drives, and had concerns over anti-social behaviour after what was described as "re-occurring police, fire brigade and ambulance visits to property". Article continues below One resident who spoke at the meeting said the application had greatly affected the lives and wellbeing of others on the street, describing the situation over the last few years as being "absolute hell". He added that, along with disputes over a private road and turning point, there had also been threats of violence from both staff and residents at the property. Bridgend County Borough Council's civic offices (Image: LDRS ) However, a representative speaking on behalf of the applicant said there would be no harm to the amenities of nearby residents in terms of privacy, ease of access, noise or disturbance. And they said there was no evidence to suggest that a care home of this scale would result in increased levels of crime. Council officers at the meeting said they had recommended the plans as they did not exceed the level of activity that would be expected from a family dwelling. Article continues below And they stressed that factors to be considered when making planning decisions must be planning matters. They also highlighted that the property was registered with Care Inspectorate Wales, with the management and operation of the home continually assessed as a result. Councillors later approved the plans after a vote, with requests that the chair of the committee write to Care Inspectorate Wales to make sure planning permission was in place for any new applications in the area before licences were given. For the latest Bridgend news sign up to our newsletter here.
