Tag Archives: special needs

‘Please think carefully before shutting this excellent respite home with its lovely carers’

Friday, August 24, 2012

Derby Telegraph

A CONSULTATION is taking place presently regarding the proposed closure of Ashlea Hostel, in Coronation Avenue, Alvaston. This building is currently used for respite care by more than 75 people with learning disabilities.

There are a large number of carers who are desperately worried about the possible loss of Ashlea and are especially anxious about losing the professional and highly dedicated staff who work there. We are aware that users of the service are to receive personal budgets but for many the facility provided at Ashlea is what they would choose for their short breaks. Most of those with severe learning disabilities do not accept change easily and would therefore find it difficult to adjust to a different service. Those with profound disabilities need a building-based service to cater for their very special needs.

  1. Emma Richards has profound and multiple disabilities and  enjoys staying overnight at Ashlea Hostel, in Alvaston, left.

    Emma Richards has profound and multiple disabilities and enjoys staying overnight at Ashlea Hostel, in Alvaston, left.

It is generally accepted that the Ashlea building has limitations as originally it was not designed for people requiring such high levels of support. However, inside it is always clean, fresh and well organised and the staff are friendly, welcoming, caring and helpful. There is a real homely atmosphere and Michelle Stevenson, the unit manager, and her staff have made some outstanding improvements.

You see they all have a real love for the job they do and this is what makes the difference. They really care about those who stay at Ashlea and this consistently shines through. The patience, kindness and level of care shown by the staff is clear for all to see. They have received training to a high standard and are very professional in their care of service users who present a diversity of learning and physical disabilities.

‘Meet the Truckers’ event builds excitement before weekend convoy

Visitors to the Forum were kings of the road on Saturday when they had the chance to meet the people behind the wheels of the East Coast Truckers.

Lucy Wright Monday, August 20, 2012
10:45 AM

 

 

Trucks parade along the A47 at Blofield for the East Coast Truckers 2011 convoy to Pleasurewood Hills. Photo by Simon FinlayTrucks parade along the A47 at Blofield for the East Coast Truckers 2011 convoy to Pleasurewood Hills. Photo by Simon Finlay

Trucks lined up outside the Forum from 10am until 4pm on Saturday and people could sit in the cab, talk to the drivers and listen to live music.

Special needs budgets to be controlled by parents

The plans aim to create a more integrated and less bureaucratic system for children with special needs

By Sean Coughlan BBC News education correspondent

Parents are to be given more financial control over support for children with special educational needs, in a major shake-up of the system in England.

The government says it wants to push ahead with proposals announced last year that parents should have a “personal budget” for their children.

The changes could also see fewer children in the special needs category.

Children’s minister Sarah Teather said the current system was “outdated and not fit for purpose”.

The government is setting out its response to last year’s green paper on special educational needs – which warned that too many parents felt frustrated with having to “battle” against the system.