Latest news with #LindaTock
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New facility will 'offer lifeline to SEND pupils'
A facility has opened to help support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Based at Francis Askew Primary School in Hull, it will be used by Rise Academy and will accommodate up to 25 pupils aged 11 to 16, according to the city council. The Constellation Trust, which runs the academy, said the facility was set to transform opportunities for some of the region's most vulnerable learners. According to the city council, the site would enable the school to meet the growing demand for SEND places in the area and "offer a lifeline to children who have struggled to thrive in mainstream settings". The site, which includes four classrooms, a science room, sensory room, parents' room and an extended dining area, would allow staff to better understand those that have had a difficult start and to help them flourish, the school added. The project is an expansion of Rising Stars, part of Rise Academy, primarily for students with cognition, learning, speech, language and communication needs. They may also have sensory, or other physical impairments or disabilities. Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children's services at the council, said: "Witnessing the children in this environment and how much it is benefitting them is fantastic to see. "The enthusiasm and passion from both staff and students shone throughout our visit." Philip Mountain Wade, project lead and executive head of alternative curriculum for the trust, said the council's investment had allowed them to focus on designing a learning environment that would nurture emotional wellbeing, build resilience and unlock potential. Dr Cathy Taylor, CEO of the trust, added: "This is not just about a building, it's about creating a place where children can find safety, rebuild confidence and feel hope for the future." The project, which refurbished and repurposed a disused area of an existing building, was backed by the council's Children, Young People and Family Services' High Needs fund. Work began in December 2024 and was completed in spring. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Hospital launches animated video for SEND children Special school plans extension to boost places Hull City Council
BBC News
19-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Appeal for more foster carers in Hull
A woman from Hull said becoming a foster carer was "one of the best things I've ever done".Pam Wilkinson, who has been a foster carer for 14 years, said: "It's changed me for the better. I've learnt so much about patience, resilience, and joy."Ms Wilkinson, 64, is supporting a Hull City Council appeal for more foster carers to take in children in care. Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "If you ever thought about fostering, now is the time to act. Let's raise the roof for children who deserve to stay in the city they know and love." Ms Wilkinson said: "I've always had a busy home. It just felt right to open it up to children who need a bit of love and stability."Every child that's come through our door has left a little mark on my heart. I absolutely love it. It's not just about giving them a home, it's about giving them hope."The council said there were 747 children in care in Hull, but an extra 150 foster families were needed. The authority said it offered five additional days of paid leave per year to staff who foster, as well as flexibility to support a child without sacrificing their career progression. Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with children, renters and homeowners. "Fostering is at the very heart of the fabric of Hull. It's about local people stepping up for local children," Tock said.
BBC News
20-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Hull food website aims to help young people in city eat healthier
Young people in Hull have created a website to help their peers access information about nutrition and improve their Young Mayor and Youth Representatives is a group of volunteers, aged between 11 and 17 years old, who meet weekly to discuss policies and services that are important to them. They devised the Food & Solutions website after they carried out research, which found "young people in Hull face many barriers when it comes to accessing quality food and finding community support", Hull City Council Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "The new resource they have created... will provide valuable information to young people and their families that might need food support." The website includes facts and tips about nutrition, affordable recipes "tried and tested" by the youngsters, along with details of local organisations that people can approach for help and Emily and Isabel said they hoped the initiative would have "a positive impact on many people" and help to support young people's health and website was funded with a grant from the Smile Foundation, which was matched by the authority's Leader's to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
