submitting articles for this site

If you wish to have any news relating to services for children and their families published onto this site please forward items to PAVO via email: info@pavo.org.uk. Preferably send attachments in Word or publisher rather than pdf format.

If you wish to have further information about anything appearing here please do contact PAVO via the HelpDesk email: info@pavo.org.uk or phone: 0845 009 3288

If any of the links to documents, surveys or other websites don't work please do let us know and we will try again.

See our Sister Blog: PAVO Powys Play Partnership -http://powysplaypartnership.blogspot.co.uk/


Friday 30 May 2014

Children & Young People's Partnership Thematic Group Meetings

Involvement with the Children & Young People's Partnership:



If you wish to comment or provide any feedback please:

  • use the comment box directly
  • telephone or email PAVO directly (contact details above)
You will find an update of the previous meetings on the Blog Post of 21st May 2014.


The next round of CYPP meetings are due to be held next week:
If you wish to have any further details and would like to see copies of any papers and plans then please do contact us.

Infrastructure
Monday 2nd June 2014
Agenda Items:
Overview of Delivery Plan
14/15 Workplan
One Plan Programme Arrangements
Voices Project
Participation Governance
Welsh Language Group
Commissioning Toolkit
CYPPOG Workshop

FEEDBACK FROM 3rd SECTOR ORGANISATIONS PLEASE:
The updated One Powys Plan is available  HERE
Participation Governance:  Clearer lines of accountability have been discussed.  Services are encouraged to undertake an Action Plan which is reflects the National Participation Standards and any commissioned organisation is expected to complete an Action Plan.  What support does your organisation need to develop participation of children and young people and/or demonstrate how you are already doing so?
Proposed Standards for use of Welsh Language click here to see the recent consultation document.  What are the implications of Welsh Language for your 3rd sector organisation?
Commissioning Toolkit:  Any experiences of commissioning and tendering/procurement processes can be recorded and help to inform learning?
Issues raised by communities, groups, families, children and young people:  If you have identified any issues then please feed them into PAVO so that we take them forward in appropriate ways.


Family & Behaviour Support
Tuesday 3rd June 2014
Agenda Items:
Overview of Delivery Plan
Zebra Therapy
Flying Start: Progress Report, Capital Update, New Expansion
Youth Intervention Performance
Childcare Sufficiency Assessment
Workforce Development/Training
Incredible Years Operational Group Minutes

FEEDBACK FROM 3rd SECTOR ORGANISATIONS PLEASE:
Joint Assessment Family Framework (JAFF):  under the Delivery Plan JAFF has been reviewed and identified as in need to re-branding.  Any suggestions to make sure this is model of working is clear for children, young people, families, volunteers and staff?  Team Around the Family - TAF is frequently used in other areas across Wales but any suggestions welcome.  Look on the page:  "Support for Families - working with all agencies" for more information about JAFF.

Disability
Wednesday 4th June 2014
Agenda Items:
Equipment Review
Additional Learning Needs Review- Update from Schools Service
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Highlight Report
Integrated Disability Service Review by Sue Willan


Emotional Health & Wellbeing
Thursday 5th June 2014
Agenda Items:
Overview of Delivery Plan
Service Updates including

  • Xenzone (online counselling services)
  • Young Carers
  • IDVA - (prevention of domestic abuse)
  • APAUSE - (school based healthy relationships and sexual behaviour)
  • Play Therapy
Participation/Mental Health Update
Thematic Review of deaths of children and young people through probable suicide
CAMHS Presentations
Hearts & Minds Delivery Plan Updates
Neglect


FEEDBACK FROM 3rd SECTOR ORGANISATIONS PLEASE:

Review of deaths of children & young people through probable suicide:
Click here to see the report
1    Page 35,  Recommendation 14: Agencies delivering interventions which may prevent suicide or promote mental health and well being should ensure that they are evidence based and evaluated. 
What would be the implication of this be for 3rd Sector Organisations delivering mental health services to children and young people?

Introduction to Play Work 12th July Gregynog Hall Woods


Come and Play in the woods today
Introduction to Playwork
in Gregynog Hall Woods
on Saturday 12th July
from 9.30am to 4.30pm
This is a 6 hour taster (plus lunchtime) for workers, volunteers and those interested in further training in playwork (over the age of 16 years), including the Playwork Principles, the Playwork Curriculum, risk in play and play resources; and its free!
Note: course subject to alteration according to the learners experience, knowledge base, etc.
Have Fun, and learn at the same time

Friday 23 May 2014

2014 Play Conference, Managing Risk - Playing More

You are invited to attend the 2014 Play Conference
Wednesday 25th June 2014 10am – 2pm.
Managing Risk – Playing More

From this ....




To This ...


 Play and playing is such an important part of everyone’s lives – from birth, through childhood and adolescence, into adulthood and throughout later life. It can be informal and creative or structured and competitive. Play enables children, their peers, their families and the whole of society to interact in whatever form it may take.
Do you remember how you used to play?
It is proven that play is extremely beneficial to health and wellbeing as well as physical, mental and social development which is why play is an important consideration when planning the delivery of our services to the people and communities in Powys. It doesn’t have to cost much and can be enjoyed wherever and whenever.
Recent Welsh Government legislation has placed a Statutory Duty on all Local Authorities to provide ‘Sufficient Play Opportunities’ in their counties and to ensure that information is made available. Council services and their partners need to be an integral part of this.
The conference will look at how services can incorporate play into their service delivery plans by using simple techniques and methods which will benefit the residents and visitors of Powys. It will also address the subject of ‘Risk in Play’ – the myths, the issues, the barriers and the solutions.
Can you contribute and make a difference to play opportunities in Powys?
This conference is designed for Cabinet Members / Portfolio Holders, Strategic Directors, Heads of Service, Local Town & Community Councillors, Strategy & Policy Developers, Local Service Board Members, Housing Associations, Voluntary & Private Sector Groups, Officers from; Planning, Housing, Schools / Education, Children’s Services, Children & Young People’s Partnership, Leisure, Libraries, Arts, Museums, Dance & Drama, Outdoor Pursuits, Parks & Playgrounds, Highways, Adults Services, Tourism, Youth, Sports Development, Countryside, Catering, 5x60, Transport, Road Safety, Young Farmers, Youth Offending.
To book a place at the Play Conference click here or call 01597 822191.
The Key Speaker for this event is Ben Tawil, Lecturer in Playwork at Glyndwr University Wrexham.
The conference will be held at the International Pavilion, Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd. Please tell us if you have transport needs on the booking form.
The Play Conference in 2013 launched the Powys Play Pledge. For more information and to sign up to the pledge, visit http://powysplaypartnership.blogspot.co.uk/p/sign-up-and-leave-your-promise-here.html

PAVOs Response to Welsh Government's Consultation on the Statutory Guidance on Securing Sufficient Play Opportunities

Please see below draft PAVO's response to this Consultation.  If you wish to add anything please do contact us.  The final copy will be submited on Friday 30th May

Click Here for a copy of PAVO's draft response.

Consultation on the Statutory Guidance on Securing Sufficient Play Opportunities

The main aim of this consultation is to ensure that those affected by this guidance have opportunities to offer their views regarding its contents, and to suggest additions and amendments.

Play Days in Montgomeryshire

Play Days in Montgomeryshire

Play Montgomeryshire is running two Play Days this Summer for the children and families of Montgomeryshire. 

One is on Friday 15th August, from 12 to 4 , at the little wooden fort in the grounds of Llanidloes County Primary School; also working cooperatively with the Leisure Centre, which will be open all afternoon to offer their usual facilities, including hot and cold drinks, icecreams and snacks.

The other is on Friday 1st August, from 11 to 3, at the Gorsedd Stones, on the High School/Leisure Centre Campus in Llanfyllin. The Leisure Centre will be open in the Afternoon and the Community Centre earlier on.

Play Montgomeryshire welcome any other community groups to join them at the Play Days, provided they bring something playful to do, have their own risk assessments and public liability insurance. It will be a good opportunity to promote their own organisations. We would also welcome someone to do refreshments at the Llanfyllin event (a fundraiser) and food only at the Llanidloes event, to sustain all those busy people playing.

If you want to join us please phone 01686 626713 or email admin@playmontgomeryshire.co.uk, to avoid duplication of activities. 

Legislative proposals for additional learning needs / Cynigion deddfwriaethol ar gyfer anghenion dysgu ychwanegol



Today the Minister for Education and Skills has published a White Paper setting out the Welsh Government’s Legislative Proposals for Additional Learning Needs.
We are seeking your views on proposals to introduce a new legislative framework for supporting children and young people with additional learning needs.  This will replace the existing legislation for the assessment and provision of support for children and young people with special educational needs in schools and learning difficulties and/or disabilities in post-16 education and training.
The consultation will run for nine weeks and will close on 25 July 2014.  The White Paper, consultation response form and a children and young people’s version can be accessed here:
 
 
We welcome your views. 
 
Heddiw mae’r Gweinidog Addysg a Sgiliau wedi cyhoeddi Papur Gwyn yn amlinellu Cynigion Deddfwriaethol Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol.
Hoffem wahodd eich sylwadau ynghylch cynigion i gyflwyno fframwaith deddfwriaethol newydd ar gyfer cefnogi plant a phobl ifanc ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol. Bydd y fframwaith hwn yn disodli’r ddeddfwriaeth bresennol ar gyfer asesu a chefnogi plant a phobl ifanc sydd ag anghenion addysgol arbennig mewn ysgolion a phobl ifanc sydd ag anawsterau a/neu anableddau dysgu mewn addysg a hyfforddiant ôl-16.
Bydd yr ymgynghoriad yn parhau am naw wythnos a bydd yn dod i ben ar 25 Gorffennaf 2014. Gallwch weld y Papur Gwyn, y ffurflen ymateb i’r ymgynghoriad ynghyd â fersiwn i blant a phobl ifanc yma:
 
 
Croesawn eich sylwadau.

Thursday 22 May 2014

Business Continuity workshops/ Gweithdy Parhad Busnes




Business Continuity Workshop (Procurement)
Gweithdy Parhad Busnes (Caffael)

12 June 2014  9am-12:30pm  Aberavon Beach Hotel,
Port Talbot  

Business Wales runs a series of tailored workshops aimed at businesses who want to start or improve how they tender for contract

Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Business Continuity Management (BCM) provide the arrangements to control, eliminate or reduce the impacts of any significant event occurring that may jeopardise its sustainability. This workshop is a development opportunity for managers and key workers in businesses to understand the principal elements of BCP and how to organize BCM. 

Attendees will be given a clear definition of what BCP is and what it encompasses as well as an understanding of risk assessment methodology as applicable to BCP/BCM. They will also be offered guidance and information to develop their own Business Continuity Plan. As BCP and BCM are both now potentially scored in tender submissions it is recommended that those of you in the public sector tendering arena attend.

This workshop is an opportunity to understand the principal elements of BCP and how to organize BCM


How to Tender workshop / Gweithdy Sut i Dendro




Business Wales Workshops / Gweithdai Busnes Cymru  


Business Wales runs a series of tailored workshops aimed at businesses who want to start or improve how they tender for contract.

How To Tender - An Introduction  This workshop is suitable for any business that has an interest in selling goods, products or services to public funded organisations and are new to the tendering process.

Bridgend 11 June 2014  9am-1pm


How To Tender - Advanced  This workshop is aimed at businesses that already have some experience of the tendering process. The workshop will assist delegates who wish to increase the level of understanding and improve the skills required to put together their best possible tender bid.
Jersey Marine  4 June 2014  12.30pm-4.30pm
Treforest  19 June 2014  9.30am-1.30pm

business.wales.gov.uk     03000 6 03000         @_BusinessWales
Business Wales.  The one stop shop for all your business needs.

Project Wild Thing



Project Wild Thing

David Bond is concerned, His kids waking hours are dominated by marketing and a screen dependence threatening to turn them into glassy -eyed zombies. They spend too much time indoors, its time to get back to nature.

Play Montgomeryshire is showing the DVD of David Bond's gripping story of the desperate struggle to lead our computer crazed children back to nature, on Saturday June 7th, at 2.30pm, in the Oriel Gallery, Newtown. This showing is free of charge to the public, although donations for the Nick Waller Memorial Fund are welcomed.

This film will be of interest to parents, people who work with children and public officials and councillors who make decisions about the environments in which children play.

The DVD is very interesting and challenges our perceptions of how children play, but young children may find it less interesting - so we are going to also be running a play session outside the Gallery at the same time.

The play session will be running from 1.30 to 4.30, outside the Oriel Gallery, in Newtown Town Park.

Activities will include den building, cooking over a log fire, scrap sculpture and modelling and many other activities to play with. This is also free of charge and anyone can come for a short while or for the whole 3 hours. Children under eight should be accompanied by an adult, but if the parents are watching the DVD in the gallery children over four may stay outside and play.

For more information phone Bev Jones on 01686 626713 or email admin@playmontgomeryshire.co.uk

Download Poster Here 

Nominate! Powys Volunteer of the Year 2014


Powys Volunteer Centre is organising the 5th Volunteer of the Year Awards to honour exceptional volunteers in Powys.

There is still time to nominate, but the closing date is fast approaching!

If you know of someone who has given up his or her time to help others then why not nominate them for a Powys Volunteer of the Year Award? 

There are five categories of awards this year: Volunteer up to the age of 25, Volunteer between the age of 25 – 59, Volunteer age 60 upwards, Group and Outstanding contribution. 

For a nomination form you can contact PAVO on 01597 822191 or download from www.pavo.org.uk/volunteering/powys-volunteer-of-the-year.html.

Word versions of the nomination forms are attached. Please Click Here (English)  


Don’t Forget, the deadline for nominations is
 6th June 2014.  

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Updates from Children & Young People's Partnership

Involvement with the Children & Young People's Partnership 







The purpose of this briefing is to provide feedback to third sector organisations from meetings held with partner agencies of the Children & Young People’s Partnership.
You will find here the items that were discussed on the agenda and some notes that are particularly relevant for the third sector.


If you wish to have any further details and would like to see copies of any papers and plans then please do contact us. 

To view a copy of the full Briefing Paper please Click Here

Date for your Diary/ Dyddiad i'ch Dyddiadur



I am happy to invite you to a Social Care in Partnership Mid and West Wales' event for the Children's, Young People and Early Years Workforce and partners which is scheduled for Friday 6th June from 10.00 hrs. to 13.30 hrs. at Pembrokeshire Archives, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. 

We are delighted that both Katy Burch, Senior Consultant at the Institute of Public Care, Oxford Brookes University has accepted our invitation to contribute to this event and talk about the impact of early intervention models and integrated teams for children and families and Shelley Davies of Powys Children's and Young Peoples Partnership will talk about the training and skills which Powys for their Teams.  Both these key note speakers recently contributed to Early Intervention for Children and Families in Wales Conference in Cardiff and this is an ideal opportunity to hear them speak in Mid and West Wales.

If you would like to attend, places are limited to 50 places, so please email me with your request for a place or places for your team members as soon as possible.  Please let me know your name, job title and organisation when booking together with a contact email and telephone number. A final programme will be forwarded once your reservation has been received.

Although there is no charge for this event, an administration charge of £25 per place will be made for non-attendance. Written or verbal cancellations received within 48 hours of the event date will also be charged.

Best Wishes, Jane Guest, Cydlynydd Prosiect/Project Co-ordinator, Gofal Cymdeithasol mewn Partneriaeth (Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru) Social Care in Partnership (Mid and West Wales), Ffon Swyddfa/Office Tel : 01545 574008, Ffon Syud/Mobile : 07974 741957, Facebook : Dare2CareWales.  Please note that I work Wednesdays, Thursday and Friday of each week but will respond prompty to any enquiries when I return to the office.




Speech and Language - Elklan AAC - Newtown - June



Supporting Children & Adults using AAC
(Alternative and Augementative Communication)

A 5 week accredited Elklan Course


CYPP Training are offering a 5 week two hour accredited Elklan Speech and Language training course to Childcare Providers in Powys.  

If you are interested in booking on, please email cypptraining@powys.gov.uk or contact the Workforce Development Training Unit on 01597 82 7331.

Tutors :  Francesca Landers, Speech and Language Therapist and Tracy Fletcher, Speech and Language Therapy Assistant.

Venue :  Ysgol Cedewain, Newtown

Dates :   Monday 2nd June 2014
               Monday 9th June 2014
               Monday 16th June 2014
               Monday 23rd June 2014
               Monday 30th June 2014

Time :     1.30pm to 3.30pm

This course will equip you with innovative tools and methods to develop and encourage communication.

The course is accredited through the Open College Network.  To gain accreditation it is necessary to complete a portfolio.

For further information Please Click Here


Neurological Conditions Delivery Plan


Powys teaching Health Board are in the process of developing a Neurological Conditions Delivery Plan for Powys in line with the National Delivery Plan published by Welsh Government on 8th May 2014. The delivery plan has 7 themes:

1: Raising awareness of neurological conditions
2: Timely diagnosis of neurological conditions
3: Fast and effective care
4: Living with a neurological condition
5: Children and young people
6:  Improving Information
7: Targeting research

The development of the plan is being coordinated by Michelle Price, Consultant Therapist for Stroke and Neurorehabilitation. Workshops have already been run for health board staff, service users, carers and third sector organisations. Further feedback and information would be welcomed from service users, carers and third sector organisations on what is already being done to support people with long term neurological conditions, what gaps in services there are and also what knowledge and skills are available in the community to support the implementation of this plan. The plan will be published in September 2014.

If you feel you are able to contribute to these discussions or have experiences that could help inform any service developments please get in contact with Michelle by e-mail at Michelle.price2@wales.nhs.uk or by telephone on 01686 617207

All Age Participation Project survey

All Age Participation Project Survey



Together for Mental Health, the current Welsh government strategy, is the first mental health and wellbeing strategy covering people of all ages and it aims for a smooth transition between youth and adult services.

In the last six months, four adults – two “carers” and two “service users” - have been recruited from all over Wales to the 
National Partnership Board which drives this strategy. They represent the views of adults (only) in contact with mental health services.

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Playworker's Forum





Please see a flyer attached for the upcoming,  and always popular, Playworker's Forum, which is being organised by Chwarae Plant this year.

Please get in touch with Ben Greenaway (mailto:ben@chwaraeplant.org.uk ) with queries.

For the flyer Please Click Here

Playing in the May Half Term



Play returns to Montgomeryshire

Play Montgomeryshire are bringing two play sessions to Newtown and Machynlleth during the May half term Holiday, and one in Welshpool and Caersws - all of them free of charge.

They will be running a Splash of Play, outside in 
Machynlleth on the Bryn y Gog Estate, on Tuesday 27th May from 10am to 12 noon
Caersws at the Main Street Playground, on Tuesday 27th May from 2 to 4pm
Newtown Town Park near Radio Hafren, on Thursday 29th May from 10am to 12 noon.
Welshpool on the Oldford Estate near Scansis Pitch, on Thursday 29th May from 2 to 4pm

Activities will include games, crafts, dressing up and woodland activities. It is free of charge and open to all children. The activities are targeted to children aged 8 to 12 years old, but other children are welcome. Teens can enjoy supporting the younger children (and do a bit themselves), whilst children under 8 years will need to bring their own responsible adult who can also join in the fun!
 
They will also be joining up with Newtown Library to play and do crafts about ponds and bugs, on Tuesday 27th May from 10am to 12 noon in Newtown Library. The Library Staff will be reading stories to the children and Play Montgomeryshire will be running a Stay and Play session for children of all ages afterwards.
The Stay and Play sessions will involve a wide range of interesting and challenging craft activities, plus toys to play with and join in with their friends. Activities include Pond plates, pipecleaner bugs and magic butterflies.
There will also be the regular Play Montgomeryshire last Saturday of the month  craft session from 10.30 to 12 from 31st May onwards.

The usual Machynlleth Stay and Play in the Machynlleth Community Church will be running on the Wednesday from 10 to 12, their Saturday craft session will be on the 7th June from 10.30 to 12 noon.

The Stay and Play's also operate a Play Resource Library, selling low cost craft items and loaning toys for a small fee. Membership is free of charge, but you do not need to be a member to come and play.

For more information please phone 01686 626713, email admin@playmontgomeryshire.co.uk or visit our facebook pages (Play Montgomeryshire and Machynlleth Toy Library).

For Splash of Play poster Please Click Here

For Play and Craft Sessions poster Please Click Here

Powys Local Safeguarding Children's Board - Launch of Leaflet - Concern around the use of Energy Drinks



You are warmly invited to the launch of our

Awareness Raising Campaign

Tuesday 10th June 2014 4.45pm – 5.45pm

Dolgerddon Hall, Dark Lane, Rhayader,
Powys LD6 5DA

Join us for a cup of tea and some cake; and help us to celebrate the amazing work of the young people of Rhayader Youth Club.  We will be unveiling the new leaflets and posters showing the effects of energy drinks, which have been researched and crafted by Rhayader 

Concern around the use of energy drinks  by young people, has been expressed by a number of schools and youth clubs in Powys and  in this case by the young people themselves. We also think, from the research by both the young people and us, that this is a unique leaflet and poster as there appears to be little or no information about energy drinks being produced by any of the substance misuse awareness agencies.

If you would like to attend the event and/or get a poster and leaflets please contact robert.lynch@cais.org.uk



Tuesday 13 May 2014

PAVO Job Opportunities





PAVO currently has two job vacancies based in Llandrindod Wells

Third Sector Broker (South Powys) and

Health & Social Care Facilitator (Third Sector Participation)

For more information please  Click Here


Monday 12 May 2014

Llanidloes Play Day


Llanidloes Play Day

Friday 15th August – 12pm to 4pm (Staff 11 to 5) near the Wooden Fort on school/sports centre campus, all outdoors, all free of charge.

Play Montgomeryshire will be bringing: 2 medium sized tents, 3 tables, chairs if staff needs them (bring their own), fire pit, loose parts for sports and games, den building, dressing up and having fun. Also items to make things to take home, face painting, giant bubbles, cooking, and anything else we can think of on the day

The aim Is to have fun – that’s all. All resources will be used to encourage child directed, personally motivated, without a predetermined end product, play.

Staff We will be bringing 7 members of staff, many with first aid, child protection and food hygiene qualifications. All have a CRB or DBS, 5+ staff have a level 3 in Playwork or Child Care and 2 have a Forest School qualification to level 3. They will be supervising activities that may impose a risk. All activities are risk assessed and we have the necessary public liability insurance that covers our staff to carry out our activities.

The Community We are bringing this play event into a local community, and if organisations within that community would like to bring something to the event, then they would be welcome. They would be responsible for bringing their own equipment, have their own insurance and bring risk assessments. We ask that all play activities are free of charge, but if someone wants to do a reasonably priced food stall they may be popular. The Leisure Centre is covering drinks, ice creams and snacks.

Posters will be available nearer the time. 

If you want to contribute, or volunteer, on the day, please contact Bev on 01686 626713 or admin@playmontgomeryshire.co.uk(to avoid duplication).

Speech and Language Training - Elklan AAC - Newtown - June

Supporting Children & Adults using AAC
(Alternative and Augementative Communication)

A 5 week accredited Elklan Course


CYPP Training are offering a 5 week two hour accredited Elklan Speech and Language training course to Childcare Providers in Powys.  

If you are interested in booking on, please email cypptraining@powys.gov.uk or contact the Workforce Development Training Unit on 01597 82 7331.

Tutors :  Francesca Landers, Speech and Language Therapist and Tracy Fletcher, Speech and Language Therapy Assistant.

Venue :  Ysgol Cedewain, Newtown

Dates :   Monday 2nd June 2014
               Monday 9th June 2014
               Monday 16th June 2014
               Monday 23rd June 2014
               Monday 30th June 2014

Time :     1.30pm to 3.30pm

This course will equip you with innovative tools and methods to develop and encourage communication.

The course is accredited through the Open College Network.  To gain accreditation it is necessary to complete a portfolio.