Useful Information & News for Parents

Can You Share A Weekend With An International Student?

Monday, 08 March 2010 10:05

Would your family enjoy introducing someone from another country to the British way of life?

There are international students from all over the world at universities in the UK, who would love to spend a weekend sharing your family life. You could have fun introducing them to British food, customs, your local community and area and you would learn about their countries and culture too.

HOST is a national charity, backed by the Foreign Office, which has been linking students with volunteer hosts for many years. See www.hostuk.org or call David Patey, the voluntary organiser in Norfolk, on 01508 483838.

Lighter Nights Advice- Don’t Become an Easy Target

Monday, 01 March 2010 15:11

With the lighter nights approaching residents are being urged not to make it easy for potential burglars.

Officers are advising people to pay extra attention to home and vehicle security with the onset of the lighter evenings – often seen as an opportunist time for thieves.

PC Julie Swift from the Sprowston and Spixworth Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves.

“The lighter and warmer months can bring with them thieves on the look out for lapses in security – such as doors and windows left open or property left on display.

“People are advised to be aware and make use of simple crime prevention methods which deprive thieves of the opportunity to steal.”

Norfolk Constabulary offers the following advice to residents:

• Householders are reminded to keep windows and doors locked and secure at all times, whether they are inside or outside the home.
• Attention should be paid to the security of sheds and garages and to the property stored within.
• Parked cars – especially those left in remote areas such as beauty spots – should be left locked and secure with no property left on display.
• Satellite navigation devices, car audio equipment, cameras, handbags and laptops should be removed from the vehicle entirely.
• People should mark their belongings – this will make them less attractive to steal and make it more difficult for them to be sold on.  You can attend your local station where officers and volunteers will mark your property free of charge.
• Give a reminder to youngsters not to leave bicycles unattended on driveways whilst playing out with friends on light evenings.
• Be a good neighbour – If anyone is spotted acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police.

Householders are also advised to be alert to strangers loitering in their streets - if in doubt call the police.

Norfolk Safer Community Awards 2010

Monday, 01 March 2010 12:20

The search continues for nominations for the Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs) 2010.

Last year’s NOSCAs were an overwhelming success and it has returned for a third year.

There are three categories that members of public can vote for these include Community Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. Download the official information and nomination pack here.

So if you know someone exceptional who deserves to be thanked for their contribution to their local community please let us know by nominating them. The deadline for nominations Friday 23 April 2010. The winners and runners-up will be invited to a special awards evening taking place at Dunston Hall on Thursday 17 June 2010.

Please submit nominations to: Sally Smith, Business Support Officer, Communications & Public Affairs, Norfolk Constabulary, Jubilee House, Falconers Chase, Wymondham, NR18 0WX.

Individuals or teams can be nominated for awards that recognise their valuable contributions to a safer community. So take a look around at your community or your neighbourhood and acknowledge all the hard work that is going on. All prizes, trophies, catering and other arrangements are sponsored by local and regional organisations and from policing partners in the community.

Download the official information and nomination pack here>>

Police Advise Youngsters Caught for Criminal Damage in Old Catton

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 10:38

Five teenagers have admitted causing damage to properties in the Old Catton area.

Swift action was taken by police from the Sprowston and Spixworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) following a spate of damage which saw 18 offences committed between 4-11 February.

The offenders, aged between 15 and 16 years, caused damage to greenhouses, garden walls and fence panels to properties along Moore Avenue, Spixworth Road, Woodland Drive, Dixons Fold, Lancaster Close and Russell Avenue, all in the Old Catton area.

Officers identified the teens on Saturday 13 February, of which two were reprimanded, one was given a final warning, another received a conditional warning and one will attend youth court, after admitting the offences.

Sprowston and Spixworth SNT Sgt Peter Scott said: “We take criminal damage very seriously and residents should be reassured that we have taken direct action against the offenders and bring them to justice.

“Criminal damage is classed as a low level crime but causes distress and inconvenience to those affected. We’re committed to tackling neighbourhood issues such as this and I would encourage members of the community to support police action by reporting offences or suspicious behaviour to the team”.

Police are asking residents to report crime, in an emergency call 999 in a non emergency call 0845 456 4567, for positive action can be taken to make the area a safer place to live.

Let's Have A Picnic

Monday, 22 February 2010 10:09

It may be cold and snowy now but just think of sitting on a warm May afternoon enjoying a family picnic as part of the National Family Week events this coming May. Sprowston will be hosting a fun-packed flagship picnic as part of the national celebrations, so make a date in your diary now.

Criminal Damage Offenders to Be Targeted - Spixworth and Old Catton

Monday, 22 February 2010 15:01

Police in Spixworth and Old Catton are asking residents to be vigilant following a spate of criminal damage.

Residents have reported 12 separate incidents since Friday 5 February, where offenders have caused damage to properties along Moore Avenue, Spixworth Road, Woodland Drive, Dixons Fold, Lancaster Close and Russell Avenue.

The offender/s caused damage to greenhouses, garden walls and fence panels.

Residents should be reassured that their Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is taking necessary steps to disrupt, identify and arrest the offender/s.

Residents will see officers carrying out extra high visibility patrols and house to house enquiries.

Sgt Peter Scott, of the Sprowston and Spixworth SNT said “These appear to be mindless acts of criminal damage with no obvious motivation.  

“We are taking every action to stop the offender/s committing further damage and will take positive action when the offender/s is caught.

“I would urge anybody who has any knowledge of the offenders to come forward so that we can start making things right”.

Residents are being asked to increase their security measures and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

Anyone with information should contact Sgt Peter Scott or PC Keith Lambert at Sprowston Police Station on 0845 4564567 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.

To report an emergency always call 999.

Help With Carpentry and Plumbing Work Experience Needed on Wednesdays

Monday, 22 February 2010 13:26

We currently have two boys looking for work experience on Wednesdays. Tom is hoping to do some carpentry to complement his NVQ Level One Woodwork and Liam needs some plumbing as part of his Construction Young Apprenticeship. If you can help or know someone who can, please call me on Norwich 481857 (direct line) for more information. Thank you.

John Reeve
Head of Vocational Education

Bus Passes - Important Notice

Wednesday, 10 February 2010 10:50

As parents will be aware all students who use the School Bus Service have been issued with a County Council Bus Pass. Student are not able to use the bus service without this pass. The County Bus drivers will refuse admittance to any student who does not have a bus pass.

In incidents where a student does not have a pass it will be the responsibility of their parent to arrange alternative transport to school until such time as they find or replace the bus pass

Give Your Views on Future Schools in Norfolk

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 08:56

The Big Conversation – stimulating the thinking!

You may be aware that there are proposals for new housing in your area. Norfolk County Council are working with their partners to consider the implications for schools and other Children’s Services.

We know from the work that we are doing with the schools in the Primary Capital Programme and the Building Schools for the Future programme, that 21st century schools will be very different places from the models with which we are familiar.

The council would like to share with you some of the exciting ideas and influences that will shape the way children and young people are likely to learn in the future so that pupils, parents/carers and members of the community can have an informed voice in the development and design of local facilities.

Niorfolk County Council have arranged meetings in each of the main growth areas:

• Wymondham
  Robert Kett Junior School
  3 March at 6 pm
• Easton/Costessey
  Easton College
  11 March at 6 pm
• Long Stratton
  St Mary’s Junior School
  17 March at 6 pm
• North Norwich/Thorpe
  Norwich Professional Development Centre
  24 March at 6 pm
• South Norwich/Hethersett
  City of Norwich School
  25 March at 6 pm

We look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings.

Your Voice, Your Decision

Monday, 08 February 2010 08:48

On the 18th January 2010, we hosted Broadland District Council’s decision making meeting in the main hall for their project; ‘Your Voice, Your Decision’. We had a good turnout from the local community who got to listen to 6 presentations from local groups / organisations all hoping to secure funding for their project which identified at least one of the three themes which were: 1) Preventing youth homelessness. 2) Things to do and places to go. 3) Changing perceptions of young people. Of the six projects that were presented on the night, 5 secured the funding they needed.