Latest news with #Whiston
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Daily Mail
More than 200 pupils are suspended from school in three weeks amid crackdown on behaviour - but parents claim the new measures are 'extreme'
A Catholic school in Merseyside has suspended more than 200 children in just three weeks after launching a dramatic clampdown on poor behaviour. St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy in Whiston, near Liverpool, has brought in a swathe of tough disciplinary policies as part of a drive to improve standards resulting in mass suspensions and isolations for offences ranging from refusing to hand over mobile phones to wearing make-up and nail varnish. The controversial measures are part of the school's plan to move beyond its current Ofsted rating of 'requires improvement'. But the sharp spike in punishments has triggered uproar among some parents, who have blasted the crackdown as 'extreme' and claimed it is damaging pupils' mental health. One father, who asked not to be named, said: 'I am finding the reasonings for the punishments to be minor and, in my opinion, not befitting of a day in isolation and/or suspension.' He added: 'In my opinion the school is not tackling the root cause and are not considering reasons for children or their behaviours on individual merit… it appears to be a new blanket policy and dishing out punishments.' The dad warned the new system was leaving children 'anxious and worried about going to school,' adding: 'Right now there are mass isolations, mass suspensions and mass numbers of pupils missing valuable time in the classroom, therefore affecting their learning.' It's understood that the school issued 99 suspensions in the first week of the new policy alone, followed by 67 in the second week and 36 in the third - a total of 202 in just 21 days. While the school has welcomed the downward trend as a sign pupils are beginning to respond, parents say the pace and scale of the clampdown is wreaking havoc on family life. Another parent, Sammy Rhead, said: 'They suspend for refusing to hand over bracelets, for refusing to hand over phones, having lashes on or makeup.' Mother-of-two, Lexi Sharp revealed: 'My daughter is getting suspended every day because I refuse to go to a meeting over nail varnish. That happened a week ago.' She added: 'I've worked with the school, but enough is enough. I even get detention messages for her while she's suspended. They told my daughter, 'when your mum does come in for a meeting, you will be in isolation'.' Debate has erupted on local Facebook groups, with some parents accusing the school of running it like an 'army camp'. One parent said: 'They actually don't let the children breathe. The phone calls I get are for silly things. They're not in the army. They have their own characters. Unless their behaviour is very disturbing, teachers should be able to deal with it.' But others supported the hardline approach, with one commenting: 'It's about time the schools clamped down. Some kids run riot.' The school, which is part of the Pope Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, has seen major leadership changes in recent years. Headteacher Lee Peachey and deputy head Anna Kenny mysteriously disappeared from their roles last year with no explanation ever given and both remain off-duty, though still listed on the school's website. In their place, acting headteacher Clare McKenna has been leading the latest reforms in collaboration with the Education Exchange – a national education network that advises on behaviour management. Ms McKenna defended the policy shift, insisting it was necessary to 'raise the bar' and instil a new culture of respect. She said: 'Since our recent Ofsted inspection… we have achieved a great deal, and progress has been made.' She added: 'We spent a great deal of time looking at how best we could overcome [hurdles], and in response we have… developed some additional targeted approaches. This has resulted in us raising the bar in terms of what we expect of all our pupils.' Despite the backlash, she insisted most pupils had responded positively: 'The school is even calmer and more focused – and the feedback we are getting from students is hugely positive.' Acknowledging the spike in suspensions, she said: 'There has been a significant drop (of about two-thirds) in things like short-term exclusions. We expect this trajectory to continue.' The school is also trying to recognise pupils meeting expectations: 'It is not just about sanctions,' said Ms McKenna. 'We are doing more to celebrate those students who are working hard and thriving.' She concluded: 'Ultimately, we all want the very best for our brilliant pupils. Behaviour is improving, children are happier and learning is more focused.'
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Six Rotherham sites to be bought for anti-flood measures
A £15m scheme to buy land and build anti-flood infrastructure in two Rotherham villages is to be considered by the project could see reservoirs, wetlands and flow control systems created on parcels of land around Whiston and Laughton was last affected by flooding in October 2023, while Laughton Common suffered severe damage during the 2019 members will vote on July 7 to approve the acquisition of five plots of land near Whiston Brook and one plot near Eel Mires Dike in Laughton Common. Once approved, construction on the Whiston Brook scheme could begin later this year, with completion expected in 2026, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Eel Mires Dike scheme is also progressing, with more land deals due to follow, a report Lynda Marshall, cabinet spokesperson for street scene and green spaces, said they were committed to taking "decisive" action."By securing the necessary land to progress these vital flood alleviation schemes, we are demonstrating our commitment to delivering long-term, effective solutions."These projects are a crucial part of our wider strategy to build better public spaces and resilience against future flooding events," she added. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
New York Post
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Umpire's heated reply caught on hot mic after getting ripped by Mets: ‘I'm not a magician'
MLB umpires are not perfect. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was reminded of that in humorous fashion by umpire Chad Whitson. During the ninth inning of Thursday afternoon's Mets win over the Nationals, the game was getting close as closer Edwin Diaz initially struggled to get Washington hitters out, which included issuing a walk to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to load the bases with nobody out. Advertisement Mendoza did not like the final ball call and decided to say something to Whitson. 3 MLB Umpire Chad Whitson yelling at manager Carlos Mendoza. SNY While viewers could not hear what Mendoza said, Whiston's words were picked up by SNY's microphones. Advertisement 'I can't make 'em up!' Whiston shouted. 'I'm not a magician!' 3 New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza reacts in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 5, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images Whiston might have been right, as the pitch did look a little below the strike zone. Advertisement Even after a short hiccup, Diaz was able to shut down the Nationals and complete the series sweep in a 4-3 victory. According to the Umpire Scorecards account on X, Whitson might have unintentionally called his game in favor of the Mets. The report card said his 'overall favor' gave the Mets 1.29 runs. Advertisement While magic cannot make balls into strikes, there might still be some magical energy in the Mets' clubhouse. The team is on a roll, having won six straight games heading into Friday's game against the Rays. During this run, the Mets have had a complete game shutout thrown by David Peterson, an on-fire Brandon Nimmo, Juan Soto and Jeff McNeil, and some great defensive plays from Tyrone Taylor. 3 David Peterson moments after throwing a shutout earlier this week. Getty Images The red-hot Mets open a three-game series against the Rays on Friday night at Citi Field.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free 'Be an Instrument for Change' concert marks 10 years of reentry support in Johnson County
Ten years ago, a simple phrase, 'inside out,' became a lifeline for former inmates in Johnson County. The local nonprofit, Inside Out Reentry Community, works with individuals to develop reentry plans after prison that promote healing, restored relationships, and sustained success. To celebrate 10 years of guidance, Inside Out is hosting a free community concert, 'Be an Instrument for Change' from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at Chauncey Swan Park. The concert will be headlined by local favorite, the Beaker Brothers Band, serving as both a celebration and a fundraiser. More: Work is underway to divide Johnson County into districts under a new state law. What to know: Inside Out's roots date back to 2014 when the First Baptist Church of Iowa City used a grant to support two citizens returning to Iowa City. Inside Out became a separate entity by 2015, offering full reentry services. 'It's a bit of a play on words, as it refers to people coming from the inside of prisons/jails to the outside world and also to the need for all of us humans to grow and change from the inside out throughout our lives,' said Dorothy Whiston, an early Inside Out organizer and current board member, in a news release. 'Putting 'community' in the name was to emphasize that we're all returnees, volunteers, staff, and the public.' Inside Out served 300 people in 2014, with four full-time employees and nearly 60 volunteers. 'We were surprised at how the demand for services emerged as quickly and spontaneously as it did,' Whiston said. 'Once we caught our breath from the initial high demand, it became clear we needed to become our own entity.' Inside Out has expanded its services since the beginning, aided by a move to South Capitol St. near the Johnson County Treasurer's building. What started as helping establish reentry plans evolved into personalized services, from mentoring and peer support programs to financial literacy workshops, direct assistance, and job hunting. Inside Out opened its own reentry home in 2023, which houses up to six low-income men for up to two years. More: Iowa's Big Grove Brewery is headed south, revealing plans for Kansas City taproom Inside Out does public advocacy work, educating residents about the challenges the formerly incarcerated face via community events, like reentry simulations and the annual art exhibition, 'Art from the Inside Out.' 'Be an Instrument for Change' is one of the many scheduled fundraising and community events Inside Out is planning to celebrate its milestone. The organization also accepts online donations. 'We are very lucky,' said executive director Michelle Heinz in a news release. 'The Johnson County community is very generous in their support for our mission and our members… and I'm always amazed at how willing people are to open their hearts to help some of the most needy.' Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_ This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Inside Out Reentry celebrates 10 years in Iowa City with free concert
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street and Emmerdale boss QUITS after 30 years as ITV soaps set for huge shake-up after cash crisis
CORONATION Street and Emmerdale boss John Whiston has quit ITV after nearly 30 years. The channel veteran has overseen epic live episodes and helped shape storylines that have pulled in millions of viewers. 2 A Corrie and Emmerdale chief has stepped down at ITV 2 John's influence is all over the cobbles Credit: X In a statement, Whiston said: 'I've always said I've got the best job in TV. I used to say it privately in case ITV stopped paying me. "It has been nothing short of an honour, as well as a blast, to work on the Soaps this last decade or so. We've had joy, we've had fun and we've had seasons in the Sun. "We've also had misery and mayhem. We've had motorway crashes, tram crashes and floods. We've had stories which have squeezed your heart till tears came out of your eyes. "And we've covered pretty much anything and everything that people have to face in their own lives and we've done that with care and humanity. READ MORE ON CORRIE "And all that is down to the 600 or so people - the writers, crew, cast and editorial – who have kept the show on air and at an incredible quality day in day out. And it's them who have made my job ridiculously easy. Just don't tell ITV." Replacing him will be Iain MacLeod as Creative Director and Matt Cleary as Chief Operating Officer. John continued: "With fantastic stories in place for the move to five episodes a week next January, and a never-before-seen mega mash-up between the two shows, the future for our ITV Soaps is set fair. "So it's the right time to leave and for me just to say thank you… to colleagues, to ITV and to our loyal, appreciative audience.' Most read in Soaps Tributes for the highly-respected TV man came from the very top of the station. Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: "John has been a stalwart of ITV, the North, and the soaps for a very long time. His fingerprints are all over Coronation Street and Emmerdale and they are all the better for it. Corrie character quits Weatherifled as he makes major decision after shock accusation "Every twist and turn of the plotlines have had input from John and he will be sorely missed by all that have worked with him. ITV and I have been very fortunate to work with such a wonderful man. We wish him well in the next episode of his life.' Whiston began his career at the BBC and earlier in his career helped BBC2 rival BBC1 for viewing figures after introducing theme nights. He also launched hugely successful shows like Vic & Bob's Shooting Stars and Lee & Herring's Fist of Fun. A move to Manchester saw him commission and produce iconic shows that are still much-loved to this day. Among them was Red Dwarf, The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family. He switched to rival ITV in 1999 as Director of Programmes at Yorkshire TV, immediately making an impact on the likes of Emmerdale, Heartbeat and A Touch of Frost. His stellar eye for a good drama showed no sign of abating with At Home with the Braithwaites, Fat Friends and Lost For Words among his successes. Whiston followed this by taking over ITV's drama stable including programmes like Poirot, Marple, Prime Suspect, Vera, Lewis, the Oscar-winning feature film, The Queen and Coronation Street. He was promoted to Director of ITV Productions in 2005, a role he held for five years before finishing as Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North.
