Monthly Archives: September 2024

News

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK pivotal to Turner Twins’ electric paramotor world record attempt

Professional adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner are relying on TOUGHBOOK rugged devices during their historic world altitude record attempt for a tandem electric paramotor in the French Alps.

The Turner Twins’ attempt to break the world altitude record in a tandem electric paramotor has begun, with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged devices playing a critical role. Test flights in the UK will be followed by the record attempt, currently scheduled for the end of September over Val D’Isere in the French Alps.

In an attempted world-first using an electric tandem paramotor, professional adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner will be looking to reach an estimated altitude of 10,000ft during their record attempt. The current record for a solo electric paramotor is 14,790ft, held by Nathan Finneman, whilst the current tandem altitude record for a petrol paramotor was set by Ant Green and Eliot Nochet in April 2015, reaching an altitude of 16,620ft.

TOUGHBOOK exceeds expectations on ruggedness, performance, and connectivity

During the world record attempt, The Turner Twins will be utilising Panasonic’s ultra-rugged TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook and TOUGHBOOK G2 2-in-1 detachable tablet. The devices will be used to access critical weather data and 3D geographic modelling in real-time, ensuring precise planning and execution at every take off-site, both during the test flights, and the actual world record attempt.

The Turner Twins need not worry about exposing their devices to immediate temperature changes or accidental knocks and drops. Both the TOUGHBOOK 40 and G2 are engineered from the ground up to be used in remote locations, providing limitless performance in the harshest of environments. Both can comfortably operate in temperatures between -29°C and +63°C, are independently tested to military standards for ruggedness[1], and can survive drops, knocks and vibrations without any compromise on performance. The 40 is the first TOUGHBOOK to be fully IP66-rated for water and dust ingress.

For accessing weather data and 3D modelling of the launch sites, the Turner Twins can take advantage of market-leading performance using the latest Intel® processor range. The G2 also features Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics technology, enabling superior graphic performance in the field, viewable through the sunlight-viewable, glove-enabled touchscreen. Both feature up to 12 hours of battery life on a single battery, helping Ross and Hugo stay productive when running the most demanding applications, either at the project’s base or at the launch sites.

Both devices enable Hugo and Ross to stay connected, regardless of their location, on the ground or in the skies. The TOUGHBOOK 40 and G2 feature leading GPS technology, and optional 4G and 5G connectivity[2]. The latest TOUGHBOOK 40 is one of the first rugged notebooks to feature the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200 specification, increasing connectivity speeds (up to 5.8 Gbps and greater than 2x compared to Wi-Fi 6E), whilst delivering ultra-low latency.

Rachael Pugh, European Partner Marketing & Enablement, for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, said: “Our market-leading rugged TOUGHBOOK devices suit this project perfectly; Panasonic shares Hugo and Ross’ shared passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, embracing pioneering technology within their paramotors, with a drive towards society’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. There’s truly no limit to what our TOUGHBOOK devices can achieve in the field; this will enable the Turner Twins to explore the art of the possible and reach their 10,000ft target. Everyone at Panasonic is rooting for Hugo and Ross in their upcoming world record attempt.”

Hugo and Ross Turner, said: “It’s brilliant to have the support of Panasonic to help us develop and test some pioneering technology, and help test their products in an environment which they were built for.”

The Turner Twins will also receive support from fellow project partners including Breitling, Waterbear and Extreme International.

 

[1] Tested by an independent third party lab following MIL-STD-810H

[2] With eSIM support

Property Rentals

National association of property buyers respond to section 21 changes

Proposed Government changes to ban “no-fault evictions” aren’t the silver bullet Ministers hope they will be, according to a leading property association.
The Government looks set to fast-track legislation to ban so-called ‘no-fault evictions’, Section 21’s – enacting legislation that was first suggested by the previous Government in early 2023.
But the National Association of Property Buyers say the new policy is unlikely to make life better for tenants.
Commenting on behalf of the NAPB, Jonathan Rolande said:
 “There is no doubt that some renters live in fear of a Section 21 arriving one morning giving them two months’ notice to leave. But anyone hoping for a silver bullet to solve housing issues is in for disappointment.
“Firstly, the Section 21 could only have been used to end a tenancy after a fixed period. In other words, two month notice could only be given on Month 10 to end a 12 month agreement. Uncertainty comes for tenants on a periodic ‘rolling’ tenancy where the notice could have arrived at any time. But it is a two way street. Tenants also had flexibility in a periodic tenancy, not being tied into a six or twelve month agreement.
“I’d ask how many landlords used Section 21 to evict good tenants when they are not selling the property? I’m not sure anyone has the data but I suspect the number is low. Why would they? Yes, if they are selling the property it is likely to be more valuable and easier to sell vacant but under the new regs, they will still be able to use a Section 8 to get it empty and sold.
Ditto bad payers and anti-social tenants.
“So this is unlikely to prevent many evictions.  Add in the fact that more former rental homes are on the market – 18% of all available stock used to be rented versus 8% in 2010 – and we can deduce that many landlords are leaving the sector.
“My guess is that a high proportion are doing so to beat the legislation. That’s good news for buyers – because we will see more available homes. But it is very bad for renters who will struggle to find a home at all, and what is available is at near all-time high rent.
“Increasing rents beyond market value looks set to be outlawed too. Whilst there were already rules around this – tenants had a right of arbitration – very few used it and faced with an increase decided to either pay it or leave. There will be issues around proving one way or another what is fair, especially in a market where seemingly, the sky’s the limit.
‘In-tenancy’ rent increases written into agreements could be banned. These were not standard in most cases and of course when used, at least gave some certainty to tenants as opposed to an unknown increase at an unknown date in the future. I do not see that the ban will affect many people due to the lack of common use.”
News

First female RAF fast jet pilot, Dr Jo Salter MBE, joins champions speakers

Britain’s first female fighter jet pilot is taking her career to new heights – by signing with the country’s leading speaking agency.
In an exciting new partnership Dr Jo Salter MBE will be working with Champions Speakers.
Jo was once voted among the 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World in a recent BBC poll.
Announcing the collaboration,  Jack Hayes, the director of Champions Speakers said:  “It is with great pride that we can announce Jo has signed with Champions Speakers. The agreement will see us representing Jo, and we are looking forward to building upon the reputation she has gained in the military and the world of business and enhance her public profile even further.
“Having learnt what it means to have determination, perform under pressure and be resilient, Jo is the perfect speaker for a range of events. Whether she is delivering a speech or facilitating a workshop, Jo uses storytelling and humour to inspire personal development, shift mindsets and overcome challenges in corporate audiences.”
Jo, 56 born in Bournemouth, is a trailblazer, and as Britain’s first female fast jet pilot she flew the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft with Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron.  This marked a significant milestone in military aviation as it paved the way for future female pilots.
On the ground, Jo has been able to break ceilings in the world of business too. She was appointed as Director of People & Organisation at global consultancy PwC, where she worked with a team of 10,000 people based in 138 countries, integrating her expertise in digital capabilities, data analytics and employee performance.
In 2021, she was appointed Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PwC and played a pivotal role in building the award-winning flagship programme, Leaders Solving for Tomorrow, enabling senior leaders across multiple international clients to develop their transformative leadership capabilities.
Her remarkable background in aviation and her achievements in business have earned her global recognition, which has included being voted one of the Top 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World by both the BBC and Harpers & Queen magazine, and in 2024, Jo was officially selected as one of the UK’s top Motivational Speakers
Jo received an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University in 2022 and began imparting valuable business insights that she gained during her career as a lecturer with the Open University.
In the same year, she became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to aviation and was appointed by HRH Prince William.
She was also personally invited to the premiere of the movie Top Gun: Maverick by the actor Tom Cruise who hailed her as an inspiration.
She is also a qualified electronics engineer and an advocate for women and girls in STEM.
Commenting on joining Champions Speakers, Jo said: “I’m really delighted to be joining Champions Speakers and excited to share my experiences from both aviation and business with audiences around the world. My goal is to inspire individuals to push beyond their limits, embrace challenges and realise their full potential so they can achieve excellence in their chosen field.”
Health & Care

The free 5 minute online test which could save your life

A leading bone specialist has devised a free five-minute quiz which he says ‘could save countless lives’.
Dr Taher Mahmud’s test also allows people to check how likely they are to develop osteoporosis.
And it provides tips on how their current lifestyle might be impacting their bone and joint health.
Dr Mahmud, from the London Osteoporosis Clinic, says people need to take a “proactive approach” to preventing diseases like osteoporosis by identifying their level of risk.
And by knowing the risks and taking measures to improve bone health, Dr Mahmud says they can safeguard their future.
His free five-minute quiz – which  can be accessed here – is available to people to complete right away.
It quizzes participants about their height, weight, lifestyle and current medication – and signposts how these factors can impact bone health.
At the end of the quiz participants receive advice on suggested next steps.
Dr Mahmud said: “There are many different factors which affect a person’s likelihood of developing a disease like osteoporosis,” he says.
“That’s why I recommend everyone take five minutes out of their day to complete this quiz from the Global Osteoporosis Foundation.
“This quiz isn’t just a tool; it’s a step towards empowerment, offering personalized information and guidance based on your answers.
“Remember, taking care of your bones today is an investment in your health tomorrow. And it needn’t be complicated: understanding what affects our bones is the first step towards a healthier life free from dangerous conditions like osteoporosis.”
In England and Wales, around 180,000 of the fractures presenting each year are the result of osteoporosis and common fractures in older people can lead to severely impacted quality of life.
Around 75,000 people are admitted to hospital each year with a hip fracture, a number which is expected to increase as the population ages.
“And the mortality rate for hip fractures is high, with about 10% of people dying within a month and about one third dying within a year.
But by taking steps to improve bone health, Dr Mahmud says the risks of developing osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures, can be lessened.
“Understanding and caring for our bones can be something we overlook in the pursuit of other health challenges such as lowering cholesterol or controlling blood pressure,” says Dr Mahmud.
“But our bones are essential to our health, particularly as we age. From helping with stability and movement, to making blood cells and storing vital minerals, healthy bones are a foundation of a more active, healthier old age.”
“But, conditions affecting our bones, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, often go unnoticed until it’s too late, with many diagnoses being made after someone has presented at hospital with a fracture.”
One of the most significant threats to bone health is osteoporosis. This condition, characterised by weakened bones, can lead to debilitating fractures and, unfortunately, in severe cases, premature death.
“Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, making prevention and early intervention crucial,” Dr Mahmud explains.
“We advocate a proactive approach to bone health. This includes a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, and lifestyle choices like avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. These steps are vital in building and maintaining strong bones.”
Shropshire

Fine art team secures notable silver and jewellery for October 9 auction

Designer African silver, a limited edition silver model of a snow leopard and diamond jewellery together worth around £30,000 have been secured by leading Shropshire fine art auctioneers for an auction next month.

Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, associate director and silver and jewellery specialist at Halls Fine Art in Shrewsbury, has been assembling the company’s fine art, antiques, silver and jewellery auction on October 9.

Three silver acacia trees in graduated sizes by African designer Patrick Mavros, who designs luxury pieces, are included amongst the star lots.

The Ludlow owner purchased them as three separate pieces but has used them as an impressive table centrepiece. Leaves from the three pieces can be removed to reveal candle holders.

Maryanne has decided to sell them in three lots, the largest of which is valued at up to £6,000 while the two smaller ones are expected to fetch up to £3,000 each.

The owner has also consigned five silver animal models by Patrick Mavros, which include an elephant and four giraffes, each valued at between £400 and £1,200.

By coincidence, a Shrewsbury seller has also consigned seven Patrick Mavros silver miniature animal models, valued at £100 to £150 each, which will be sold in Halls Fine Art’s silver, jewellery and watches auction tomorrow (Wednesday).

Other valuable lots consigned to the October 9 auction include a silver model of a snow leopard, one of nine made by Mappin and Webb, valued at between £4,000 and £6,000 from a Wolverhampton area seller.

From the same seller is a silver centrepiece modelled as a swan valued at up to £4,000. Other silver items consigned include a pair of sauce tureens at up to £3,000 and a German canteen of cutlery at up to £1,500, both from Shrewsbury owners.

The jewellery section includes a South African solid gold collarette at up to £3,000 from the Ludlow owner and a diamond tennis bracelet and necklace from a Rutland seller valued at up to £4,000 each.

“It has been a busy summer for the fine art team who have spent a lot of time on the road visiting clients and attending valuation events across Shropshire, Wales, the West Midlands and Cheshire,” said Maryanne.

“We also have a busy programme of auctions and valuation events planned between now and the end of the year and we are grateful for the support we are receiving from new and existing valued clients.”

Closing date for consignments for the October 9 auction is Friday thus week. Contact the fine art team on Tel: 01743 450700.

Driving at Work, Driving Tech, Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

Dennis Eagle Adopt Integrated Driver Safety And Management Solution From Surecam

Dennis Eagle, a global leader in the design and manufacture of refuse collection vehicles, has installed advanced dashcams on 112 vans as part of a video-enabled driver protection solution. The fleet and video telematics system from SureCam has been integrated with Peoplesafe’s lone worker service to achieve the highest level of safety both in and outside the vehicle for its team of service engineers.

 

“Our main priority is the welfare of our service engineers when they are working remotely and at high-risk locations,” explains Dave Nicholls, Service Operations Manager at Dennis Eagle. “By bringing together our vehicle camera, tracking, driver behaviour and lone worker protection requirements into an integrated technology solution, we can safeguard our team, while achieving a host of secondary efficiency, productivity and cost improvements.”

 

Dennis Eagle undertook an initial trial at two sites for 28 service engineers to measure the effectiveness of the integrated telematics solution. The company has since rolled out the technology to 112 vans, made-up of maintenance and breakdown response vehicles, that operate nationwide from a network of 18 sites. Each Depot Manager receives video upload alerts of collisions, near misses and harsh driving events, with scheduled reports providing an overview of driver behaviour performance. Meanwhile, the operations team is using location-based data to better coordinate and respond to customer maintenance needs.

The integration with Peoplesafe’s lone worker service provides drivers with a quick and easy way to request assistance. When an alert is raised, controllers at the alarm receiving centre (ARC) can access audio communication and incident data, along with supporting video footage captured from the dashcams. The added audio and visual insight ensures that Dennis Eagle can proactively manage any emergency situation, taking the most appropriate action, with immediate access to emergency services if required.

 

“We have been using vehicle tracking and lone worker technologies for a number of years, but we have now recognised the huge potential of an all-in-one, video-enabled solution to enhance driver protection and management. The support we have received from SureCam has been first rate, which has made the entire process from trial through to full roll-out simple and stress free. We are now focusing on embedding the solution into our operation, so we can make the most of the genuine opportunities it provides,” adds Nicholls.

 

Sam Footer, Partnership Director at SureCam commented: “We have created a video-enabled telematics ecosystem, underpinned by our industry-leading dashcam solutions, that brings together complementary products and systems to streamline fleet management while mitigating the impact of vehicle and driver risk. Dennis Eagle is the latest fleet operator to take advantage of this comprehensive range of integrated technologies, working closely with us and Peoplesafe to overcome the safety and operational challenges they face.”

Electric Vehicles, News

New Study Reveals The Most Commonly Stolen Electric Vehicles (EVs)

A new study from automotive data company HPI shows that only 0.1% of the nation’s EVs were stolen last year, compared to 0.2% of all vehicles.

A new study has examined over 864,000 EVs and found that the Kia E-Niro Electric Estate is the most stolen. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Hatchback is the second most stolen vehicle, followed by the Kia EV6 Electric Estate,  Kia Niro EV Estate, Hyundai Ioniq and Citroen E-Space Tourer. The results were weighted on the number of vehicles stolen per 100,000. The Volkswagen Golf Electric and Jaguar I-Pace also make the top 10.

Researchers also identified the UK’s most active regions for car thefts.

Outside Greater London, the West Midlands is the region experiencing the most EV thefts, with 104. Third is the East of England (59 thefts), the North West (56), the South East (43), Yorkshire and the Humber (39), and the East Midlands (26).

Jon Clay, identification director at HPI, said: “It’s good news that the volume of national EV thefts is less than one per cent of EVs currently on the road as it shows that manufacturers are one step ahead of the thieves and scammers. However, it’s important not to become complacent, as thieves constantly develop new ways to get around the latest safety features and security innovations.  As EVs steadily increase on UK roads, drivers must take the necessary measures to ensure their car is as secure as possible.  As used EVs come down in price and appeal to more drivers, the prospect of owning an EV is becoming more widely accessible.

“A standard HPI Check helps motorists quickly establish if a car has been stolen or if there are discrepancies, such as accident data or mileage tampering. By building up a comprehensive vehicle history, any discrepancies are highlighted, arming car buyers with the information and confidence they need before purchase.”

 

Many EVs offer advanced features like digital keys, embedded cameras with a sentry mode, and sophisticated telematics that connect the car to its owner’s smartphone, making it more difficult for a burglar to obtain entry to an EV.

When buying a used car, a HPI Check and a vehicle valuation are recommended. HPI Checks reveal some shocking statistics that can affect a car’s value: one in three cars has a hidden history, and one in three cars on sale still has outstanding finance.

News

Realise what’s possible with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK at the Emergency Services Show 2024

Panasonic’s customisable rugged TOUGHBOOK solutions, including the latest 33 and G2 devices, will be demonstrated at the UK’s premier emergency services event.

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK team will be descending on Birmingham’s NEC on 18th-19th September for the annual Emergency Services Show. The UK’s leading blue-light event, the Emergency Services Show is the ideal opportunity for blue-light decision makers to discuss their most pressing mobile challenges with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK representatives and technical experts, as well as trialing the latest mobile computing technologies.

Market-leading rugged mobile computing solutions

Panasonic will be demonstrating its full line up of mobile rugged solutions for the emergency services sector in Birmingham, including the TOUGHBOOK 55mk3, G2mk2, and 33mk3.

The 33mk3 and G2mk2 deliver market-leading ruggedness, battery life, customisation, connectivity and performance that provide the modern emergency services worker with a balanced solution. Both utilise the Intel® Core™ (Alder Lake) i5 processor, with Intel vPro® Technology, helping to run the most demanding applications.

The 33mk3 also benefits from enhanced graphics performance, crucial for emergency services workers using it as a detachable Mobile Data Terminal (MDT). This is particularly useful for access information such as mapping and point-of-interest data, operating guidance, and building plans, in and out of emergency services vehicles.

The military-grade ruggedness and IP65*-rated water and dust capabilities of the G2mk2 and 33mk3 allow users to continue working in any environment, without any fear of drops, knocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures affecting productivity.

Both the TOUGHBOOK 33mk3 and G2mk2 will be Airwave-certified and approved for use on the Emergency Services Network (ESN), offering seamless Wi-Fi, 4G, ESN and TETRA connectivity. This enables remote emergency services workers to effortlessly connect to control rooms and back-office systems, regardless of location.

The importance of strong technology partnerships

Cultivating increasingly strong partnerships with new and existing critical technology partners, such as Telent, Centerprise, and Terrafix – and more – is a key focus for the TOUGHBOOK team at the Emergency Services Show.

Working with these partners, Panasonic has been undertaking a nationwide technology refresh for the Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) in 2024, helping to increase efficiency and enhance patient safety across all Ambulance Service Trusts in England and Wales. This is achieved through the installation of best-of-breed rugged mobile devices in all rapid response and dual crewed ambulances.

Will Holmes, Business Manager (Public Sector), Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, said: “There’s a real family feeling at the Emergency Services Show. The full spectrum of industry decision makers across all areas of emergency services come together for some valuable face-time on the issues and challenges they are trying to solve – whether they are primarily focused on IT, operations, communications, or fleet management. We’re looking forward to sharing how our upgraded TOUGHBOOK devices have helped to consolidate our position as the leading rugged tablet and notebook provider for emergency services.”

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK team will be on stand 5/C174 at the NEC. To learn more about Panasonic’s emergency services expertise, please click here: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/toughbook/emergency-services-specialist

For more information on the ARP programme, please click here: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/case-studies/england-and-wales-nhs-trusts-ambulance-radio-programme

 

News, Property, Retirement

Transitioning to retirement living whilst still working saves money and improves social networks

As more people extend their careers beyond statutory retirement age, the trend of moving into a retirement community while still enjoying working is on the rise, according to My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental brand. This can significantly ease the transition into retirement, helping people both financially and socially.

New analysis from Rest Less[i] reveals that the number of people aged 60 and older who are self-employed reached a record of almost 1 million in 2023, an increase of more than a third (33%) in the past decade. This data, drawn from the Office for National Statistics also shows that 23% of the UK’s total self-employed workforce is now aged 60 and over.

Other analysis by Rest Less showed a rise in the number of over-70s in employment with the cost of living highlighted as one of the reasons behind this trend[ii].

 

Joanne Couch, Managing Director at My Future Living, said, “With people living longer and healthier lives, more are choosing to work into their 60s, 70s and even 80s – out of choice or necessity. But this doesn’t rule out living in a retirement community.

“Making the move while still employed can make the transition into retirement smoother. It enables individuals to downsize, reduce living costs, and enjoy the social benefits of a supportive community, all while maintaining their careers. By the time they decide to fully retire, they’re already settled and ready to enjoy this new chapter of life.”

 

One couple who have done just that is Paul Jones, a 68-year-old retired landscape gardener and his wife Lindsey, a 63-year-old part-time nurse, who moved from their home in Exeter to a one-bedroom retirement apartment at Hometor House in Exmouth, bringing significant financial benefits and a chance to settle into a sociable community.

Facing spiralling rent and the ever-growing burden and cost of maintaining their Victorian house with its large garden, they realised something had to change. Paul explains: “The cost-of-living was pushing our rent up, and the house upkeep was getting too much. We decided it was time to downsize and find a home that was cheaper and easier to manage.

 

“Our new apartment is much cheaper to run. It’s highly insulated which means it scores high on energy efficiency. We have really noticed this in our bills, and keeping these as low as possible is important when you have retired.”

 

As Lindsey still works, Paul has embraced their new social life.  Paul said: “Being part of this community is great. We have tea parties and bingo nights and enjoyed a Christmas dinner dance. Also, we often go on the coach trips when Lindsey is off work. These activities helped us to settle into the community well.”

Paul and Lindsey have more time for themselves too as their smaller home is easier to manage. He said: “We have more time for walks, fishing, and riding my electric bike. And having people around for a cup of tea when Lindsey is at work is perfect.”

 

Paul and Lindsey rent on an assured ‘lifetime’ tenancy, so never have to move again providing they keep up with the terms of their tenancy agreement. Also, their annual rent increases are low and linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

The couple wholeheartedly recommend downsizing.  Paul concludes: “It’s worked brilliantly for us. We love our new life, the community, and the freedom it brings. Do not be afraid to downsize – the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Plan your move, let go of what you don’t need, and enjoy a worry-free life in a welcoming retirement community.”

 

For more information visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

 

About My Future Living:

My Future Living is the leading UK retirement rentals brand, a subsidiary of ReSI Property Management Ltd. Specialising in high-quality, age-exclusive assured tenancy rental properties in secure and welcoming later living communities across the UK, My Future Living makes retirement renting easy and affordable. With 2,190 apartments tailored exclusively for those aged 55 and above, situated in modern purpose-built retirement developments along the coast, in vibrant cities, or picturesque market towns, we offer homes to suit every lifestyle and preference.

For more information, please visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

—

[i] https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/aug/26/uk-has-record-991000-self-employed-workers-aged-60-or-over

[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/30/british-workers-work-into-70s-cost-of-living

News

College nursery has ‘Excellent’ start to academic year following revamp and award nomination

A COLLEGE nursery had an ‘Excellent’ start to the academic year with an outstanding inspection result.

The report by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Estyn deemed Toybox Children’s Nursery, based at Coleg Cambria Deeside, to be Excellent in three categories – Wellbeing, Care and Development, and Leadership and Management.

The news comes after the much-loved facility was a finalist in the Setting of the Year category at last year’s Early Years Wales Awards, and having revamped its outdoor play area, which features safety surfaces, fencing, wooden furniture and equipment.

With more than 90 children and 35 staff on-site, Toybox is one of the most popular nurseries in north east Wales.

Manager Ann Johnson said: “We are obviously delighted with the outcome and as always will strive to raise the bar even higher in the years ahead.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our amazing team, and to all the parents and carers who support us, none of this would have been possible without you.”

She added: “The challenge now is to maintain and build on the positive feedback, and recommendations, which will ensure an even happier, safer and inspirational environment for the children.”

Inspectors also found Toybox to be ‘Good’ in three categories – Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Environment – and the nursery has been invited by CIW and Estyn to prepare a case study on its work and commitment in forging close links and working in collaboration with parents and carers.

The report added: “Children of all ages communicate successfully in their own way and practitioners respond to them expertly. They have warm, close relationships with practitioners and receive a high level of support and comfort if needed, which helps them to feel safe and valued.

“Practitioners are kind, caring and supportive, and interact with children in a calm and gentle manner. They use positive behaviour management strategies, which are highly effective. This creates a positive, happy, calm and engaging atmosphere.

“Practitioners have a strong sense of purpose and understand their roles and responsibilities well. Leaders are extremely effective in their roles and have created an inclusive and welcoming environment, which ensures that children are nurtured and cared for well.

“The setting’s engagement with parents is outstanding. They hold regular play and stay sessions and parents are fully included in the organisation of the setting. Communication is excellent and, as a result, parents are well informed and feel included.”

For more information, visit Toybox Children’s Nursery website Toybox Nursery | Your Local Nursery (cambria.ac.uk) or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ToyboxNurseryDeeside.

Alternatively, call 01978 267159 or email toybox@cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more from Coleg Cambria.