Central Beds Council ducked out of conceding recently that our upper schools under-perform when measured against the new English Baccalaureate standard.
At the latest six-monthly meeting of Central Beds Council with town and parish councils, delegates were encouraged to leave on the tables any questions that they were unable to raise and have answered during the conference. I can understand why this question found its way to the bottom of the pile on the night, but I'm glad it was asked and that Central Beds will be addressing the issue.
"Q: The outcomes achieved by our Upper Schools in CBC – published today – are not encouraging. Does CBC accept that there is a problem? If so, what is being done, what should be done?
A: The Local Authority is always striving to improve performance in all of our schools.
This year we carried out some focused work with some of our Upper Schools, as well as schools in other phases. We are pleased that there is evidence of real improvement this year in the results achieved by our Upper Schools.
Overall results in Central Bedfordshire were above the national average in 2010 and increased by 4.5% using the commonly used measure of the proportion achieving five or more GCSE grades at C or above, including English and mathematics. Nine out of the ten schools improved their performance. Some by as much as 10 or 11%. We feel sure that this improvement trend can continue this year, although it will be difficult for schools to increase at quite the same rate.
This year the Government has introduced a new measure of performance. This is called the English Baccalaureate. It measures the proportion of students who achieve English, maths, two sciences, a language and a humanities subject (history and geography). Schools have been evaluated using this indicator even though the measure was not planned two years ago when the students started their courses. It is therefore too early to evaluate performance against this indicator, although we will be working with our schools to continue to improve performance further against all indicators.
To see the full report from the conference, visit: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors/parish/default.aspx
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Saturday, 26 February 2011
End pendulum politics: vote Yes to AV on 5 May
We'll have a once in a generation chance to improve our voting system on 5 May, when I urge you to vote yes to the Alternative Vote (AV) system for national elections.
For those of us who've had enough of the years of pendulum politics that the current first past the post system (FPTP) gives us, AV is a vast improvement. Not as good as full proportional representation in my view, but it's the best that the Liberal Democrats could squeeze out of the Tories in the coalition government and certainly better than the zippo, carry-on-with-the old-ways that would have been served up had the Tories got enough votes at the last election to rule alone.
AV is simple: it just means swapping the ‘X’ on your ballot paper for numbers. You can rate the candidates how you see fit and vote for as many or as few candidates as you like. If you only want to support one candidate, you can: just mark an ‘X’ as you did before. AV gives you the freedom to vote sincerely for any number of candidates you feel are up to the job.
With First Past the Post ('FPTP'), you get just one choice. And that has meant that most MPs – 2 out of 3 of those elected in 2010 - get to parliament with less than half of voters on their side.
What will it mean for our MP? We will still have one MP in our area, but they will have to speak for the majority of our community. They will have to work harder and try to represent more of their constituents’ interests. And they won’t be able to take the people for granted any more. Too many MPs have got used to ‘jobs for life’ in the safe seats the current system has created. AV gives these complacent MPs a wake up call.
To see a video of people saying why they will vote for AV, visit: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/people-say-yes
To sign up to the petition letter urging the Advertising Standards Authority to stop the anti AV campaign's misleading advertising, visit: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/demandmore-demandbetter
For those of us who've had enough of the years of pendulum politics that the current first past the post system (FPTP) gives us, AV is a vast improvement. Not as good as full proportional representation in my view, but it's the best that the Liberal Democrats could squeeze out of the Tories in the coalition government and certainly better than the zippo, carry-on-with-the old-ways that would have been served up had the Tories got enough votes at the last election to rule alone.
AV is simple: it just means swapping the ‘X’ on your ballot paper for numbers. You can rate the candidates how you see fit and vote for as many or as few candidates as you like. If you only want to support one candidate, you can: just mark an ‘X’ as you did before. AV gives you the freedom to vote sincerely for any number of candidates you feel are up to the job.
With First Past the Post ('FPTP'), you get just one choice. And that has meant that most MPs – 2 out of 3 of those elected in 2010 - get to parliament with less than half of voters on their side.
What will it mean for our MP? We will still have one MP in our area, but they will have to speak for the majority of our community. They will have to work harder and try to represent more of their constituents’ interests. And they won’t be able to take the people for granted any more. Too many MPs have got used to ‘jobs for life’ in the safe seats the current system has created. AV gives these complacent MPs a wake up call.
To see a video of people saying why they will vote for AV, visit: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/people-say-yes
To sign up to the petition letter urging the Advertising Standards Authority to stop the anti AV campaign's misleading advertising, visit: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/demandmore-demandbetter
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Central Beds' bus service changes from 28 March
On 28 March, 28 bus routes will be changed in some way, mostly curtailed as part of the cost savings exercise.
Two of these relate to the Barton-le-Clay ward:
79 (Centrebus): Luton, Barton Le Clay, Shillington, Meppershall, Shefford, Upper Gravenhurst
Revised timetable. Service via Hexton and Pegsdon withdrawn.
223 (Red Rose): Luton, Upper Sundon, Chalton, Toddington, Harlington, Westoning
This evening service is to be withdrawn.
For the full picture, visit the Council's website at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/winter-weather/bus-service-changes.aspx
Will this affect you, your life, your loved ones? I'd like to hear from you, tel: 0300 300 8550 or by e-mail janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Two of these relate to the Barton-le-Clay ward:
79 (Centrebus): Luton, Barton Le Clay, Shillington, Meppershall, Shefford, Upper Gravenhurst
Revised timetable. Service via Hexton and Pegsdon withdrawn.
223 (Red Rose): Luton, Upper Sundon, Chalton, Toddington, Harlington, Westoning
This evening service is to be withdrawn.
For the full picture, visit the Council's website at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/winter-weather/bus-service-changes.aspx
Will this affect you, your life, your loved ones? I'd like to hear from you, tel: 0300 300 8550 or by e-mail janet.nunn@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Rovers' Riders: a BMX skatepark for Barton-le-Clay?
What does Barton-le-Clay (and surrounding villages come to that) offer our teenage young people? The hills are great for picnics, walking and cycling in good weather but not for our many short, dark winter days.
The Youth Club is closed, but do young people want anything organised for them?
Would drama facilities be most in demand (think Glee Club?) or a BMX skatepark? or perhaps just an outdoor youth shelter for friends to hang out without disturbing anyone or having to spend money?
Please let me know what you think by completing the on-line survey by 28 February at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W3BSDW7
You can also offer to help out with the project, whatever your skills.
Many thanks for your time and support.
The Youth Club is closed, but do young people want anything organised for them?
Would drama facilities be most in demand (think Glee Club?) or a BMX skatepark? or perhaps just an outdoor youth shelter for friends to hang out without disturbing anyone or having to spend money?
Please let me know what you think by completing the on-line survey by 28 February at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W3BSDW7
You can also offer to help out with the project, whatever your skills.
Many thanks for your time and support.
Friday, 28 January 2011
What fate for Maulden Woods?
Forestry Commission land for sale: comment by 21 April
Government's rural affairs department, Defra opened a consultation yesterday about the future ownership and management of the public forest estate in England – land managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. A copy of the consultation document is available through the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/index.htm) and the Forestry Commission website (www.forestry.gov.uk/england-pfe-consultation)
It sets out the rationale for a move away from the Government owning and managing significant areas of woodlands in England and the principles which will guide the Government in deciding the way forward. The consultation proposes a mixed model approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate to create a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals.
They invite views on the mixed model approach, the criteria for deciding which parts of the estate fit within each model, the principles guiding each model, the safeguards for providing public benefits, and alternative approaches. They also invite views on the implications for the future role of the Forestry Commission in England.
Ministers have previously announced that a further 40,000 hectares would be sold over the four years period 2011/12 to 2014/15. The sales criteria for the 2011/12 period are also published now. More information on these sales can be found at:
www.forestry.gov.uk/england-woodlandsales
This consultation will be of interest to individuals, communities, businesses and others working or using the public forest estate. It will also be of interest to potential investors and the partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
It has been prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 21st April 2011 and includes:
* Consultation letter (PDF 120 KB)
* Consultation document (PDF 380 KB)
* List of consultees (PDF 30 KB)
* Map (PDF 2.7 MB, large file size)
* Impact Assessment (PDF 1 MB)
* Equality Impact Assessment (PDF 300 KB)
* Sales criteria (PDF 200 KB)
How to respond
Name: Public Forest Estate - Consultation co-ordinator
Address: Forestry Commission England, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1EJ
Email: publicconsultation@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
This is a joint Forestry Commission/Defra consultation and responses can either be submitted online or by post.
If you need this publication in an alternative format, for example in large print or in another language, please contact
The Diversity Team
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstophine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
Telephone: 0131 314 6575
Email: diversity@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Government's rural affairs department, Defra opened a consultation yesterday about the future ownership and management of the public forest estate in England – land managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. A copy of the consultation document is available through the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/index.htm) and the Forestry Commission website (www.forestry.gov.uk/england-pfe-consultation)
It sets out the rationale for a move away from the Government owning and managing significant areas of woodlands in England and the principles which will guide the Government in deciding the way forward. The consultation proposes a mixed model approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate to create a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals.
They invite views on the mixed model approach, the criteria for deciding which parts of the estate fit within each model, the principles guiding each model, the safeguards for providing public benefits, and alternative approaches. They also invite views on the implications for the future role of the Forestry Commission in England.
Ministers have previously announced that a further 40,000 hectares would be sold over the four years period 2011/12 to 2014/15. The sales criteria for the 2011/12 period are also published now. More information on these sales can be found at:
www.forestry.gov.uk/england-woodlandsales
This consultation will be of interest to individuals, communities, businesses and others working or using the public forest estate. It will also be of interest to potential investors and the partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
It has been prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 21st April 2011 and includes:
* Consultation letter (PDF 120 KB)
* Consultation document (PDF 380 KB)
* List of consultees (PDF 30 KB)
* Map (PDF 2.7 MB, large file size)
* Impact Assessment (PDF 1 MB)
* Equality Impact Assessment (PDF 300 KB)
* Sales criteria (PDF 200 KB)
How to respond
Name: Public Forest Estate - Consultation co-ordinator
Address: Forestry Commission England, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1EJ
Email: publicconsultation@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
This is a joint Forestry Commission/Defra consultation and responses can either be submitted online or by post.
If you need this publication in an alternative format, for example in large print or in another language, please contact
The Diversity Team
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstophine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
Telephone: 0131 314 6575
Email: diversity@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Help the police prioritise the pennies
Bedfordshire Police Authority needs to know what you think so that they can set the right priorities and invest in services that are important to you. By completing their 10-15 minute survey you are helping with this.
You may be aware that many areas of the public sector are being asked to make significant savings. Bedfordshire Police Authority will see its budget of £104m reduced by £19 million over the next four years. Most of the savings need to be found in the first two years, £6.3m in 2011/12 and an additional reduction of £5.6m in 2012/13.
Please click on link to an online survey that will take 10-15 minutes
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3P8SCX6
Unfortunately they only wrote out on 11 January and the completion date for the survey was Monday 24th January 2011, but I have been assured that the results will feed into a seminar of Police Authority Members at the end of January and a Police Authority Meeting in late February. Also, any comments left after February will still be of value as the Police Authority will start work on budget issues for 2012/13 in April.
Any residents who would like to complete the survey but do not have access to the internet can obtain a paper copy from Sam, see below. Police Authority Members will also be attending some of the ‘Let’s Talk Together’ meetings that are taking place across Central Bedfordshire every quarter.
Sam Orcheston-Findlay
Community Engagement Officer
Bedfordshire Police Authority
Woburn Road
Kempston
Bedfordshire
01234 842208
You may be aware that many areas of the public sector are being asked to make significant savings. Bedfordshire Police Authority will see its budget of £104m reduced by £19 million over the next four years. Most of the savings need to be found in the first two years, £6.3m in 2011/12 and an additional reduction of £5.6m in 2012/13.
Please click on link to an online survey that will take 10-15 minutes
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3P8SCX6
Unfortunately they only wrote out on 11 January and the completion date for the survey was Monday 24th January 2011, but I have been assured that the results will feed into a seminar of Police Authority Members at the end of January and a Police Authority Meeting in late February. Also, any comments left after February will still be of value as the Police Authority will start work on budget issues for 2012/13 in April.
Any residents who would like to complete the survey but do not have access to the internet can obtain a paper copy from Sam, see below. Police Authority Members will also be attending some of the ‘Let’s Talk Together’ meetings that are taking place across Central Bedfordshire every quarter.
Sam Orcheston-Findlay
Community Engagement Officer
Bedfordshire Police Authority
Woburn Road
Kempston
Bedfordshire
01234 842208
Books on wheels: are you being served?
Both Streatley and now Sundon Parish Councils have asked for support in saving their mobile libraries; neither have said how many people rely on this service, only that some people do and the alternatives of getting into Barton-le-Clay or Luton are not feasible for those people.
The outgoing chair of Streatley PC, Geoffrey Farr, spoke at their last meeting of his willingness to be a voluntary driver for a new initiative being set up there a la Big Society to drive people to local places for such things as medical appointments. I suspect the need to visit a library would be eligible for such trips if the mobile library is axed.
I'm trying to find out how much the mobile library is used in the various areas in Central Beds and how vital it is to the lives of those who use it; how much it costs and whether one person runs each van or if it is over-staffed?
Some people with longer experience of local politics than me say it is the seasoned middle-brow campaigners who fight for such things, not those who use the service. I'm all ears to hear your views about what you value.
The outgoing chair of Streatley PC, Geoffrey Farr, spoke at their last meeting of his willingness to be a voluntary driver for a new initiative being set up there a la Big Society to drive people to local places for such things as medical appointments. I suspect the need to visit a library would be eligible for such trips if the mobile library is axed.
I'm trying to find out how much the mobile library is used in the various areas in Central Beds and how vital it is to the lives of those who use it; how much it costs and whether one person runs each van or if it is over-staffed?
Some people with longer experience of local politics than me say it is the seasoned middle-brow campaigners who fight for such things, not those who use the service. I'm all ears to hear your views about what you value.
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