Stay healthy, find work and enjoy life online

 “Be Online 2015” at Explore York Libraries and Archives

Free, short workshops for residents to get even more from the internet and its world of information are being offered by Explore York.

From Monday 23 February to Saturday 7 March 2015, Explore York Libraries  invite residents to ‘stay healthy, find work and enjoy life online’ with a series of free and informative workshops to help further understanding and enjoyment of the internet.
Be Online 2015 will include free introductions to Twitter, Instagram, Ancestry.com, NHS Choices, eBay, Google and much more.
In partnership with Tinder Foundation/UK Online, libraries across York (except the reading cafés and mobile library) will be hosting at least one session for people of all ages and skill levels. Whether learners know the basics or have never even touched a computer before, these sessions will help widen understanding of how the internet and its applications can truly help enhance and make daily life easier.
To find out more about Be Online 2015, pick up a leaflet from your local library or visit www.exploreyork.org.uk and click on the What’s On tab. Bookings for each session can be made at any of the libraries in person, by phone or by calling 01904 552828 and leaving a message. Places are limited so please book early.

  • Get to Know the Basics of Digital Imaging We’ll show you how to improve your digital photographs with red eye control, special effects, filters and more. Explore Acomb Library, Sat 7 March, 12.30 – 1.30pm
  • Get Started with Skype Find out how to set up a free Skype account to contact friends and family across the world via live video. Explore Acomb Library, Mon 23 February, 4.30 – 5.30pm
  • Twitter for Businesses Discover how Twitter can help your business grow with this informative taster session. Explore Acomb Library, Weds 25 February, 11.00 – Noon Explore Acomb Library, Mon 2 March, 6.00 – 7.00pm
  • Get to Grips with the Explore E-Library Discover the benefits of e-reading with our free and exciting online library.Explore Acomb Library, Sat 28 February, 12.30 – 1.30pm Explore York Library, Weds 4 March, 10.00 – 11.00am
  • Get Stated with Instagram Come along and get to grips with the image-based social network. Explore Acomb Library, Mon 2 March, 2.00 – 3.00pm
  • An Introduction to Shopping Online Get to know how to shop for bargains and keep safe while shopping on the internet. Poppleton Library, Mon 2 March, 2.30 – 4.00pm Dringhouses Library, Thurs 5 March, 3.00 – 5.00pm

Fiona Williams, Chief Executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives, said: “The internet can help us improve our health, search for jobs and complement the many hobbies and pastimes we enjoy. Through these workshops, Explore York Libraries and Archives can give people the support they need when it comes to discovering the digital world.”

Council surveys residents about “sustainability”

Being a sustainable city means different things to different people, but what does sustainability actually mean?

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Over the coming months City of York Council and its partners will engage with residents, businesses and community groups to find out what it means to them.Some of the key things people often associate with being sustainable include low levels of waste and high levels of recycling, good air quality and protecting the environment. But there are also other areas to consider including fair trade and supporting the local economy and making York a vibrant city with lots for residents to do.

To find out how well sustainability is currently understood and recognised, the council is asking for views via a short survey, here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/SustainabilityIs or via social media using the hashtag #SustainabilityIs?  

Paper copies are also available in West Offices, or by calling 01904 551550.

To explore this further an event will take place on 3 March to look at how the city has responded to date.  It will contrast York’s approach with that of other cities, particularly those with strong reputations as leading on sustainability.

Bioregional, co-creators of the ‘One Planet Living’ framework will also be on-hand to explain how it helps make sense of sustainability, the practical benefits it has delivered elsewhere and the impetus it can give to future work.  

Anyone working to make the city more sustainable, including residents, community groups and businesses are all invited to attend this free event. For more information please contact the council on 01904 551550 or visit West Offices.

Government give £90,000 to help fund York children’s project

Hob Moor children's centre

Hob Moor children’s centre

The government has announced that it will help to fund Improvements to children’s centre services in the City.

The announcement was made by Stephen Williams MP

It forms part of a government project which help councils deliver “more for less” by working with local communities and neighbourhood groups to redesign services to address their needs.

York has today been awarded a share of £2 million to develop the childrens scheme further.

Communities Minister Stephen Williams announced 24 successful bidders for “Delivering Differently in Neighbourhoods” funding after they set out innovative approaches to “transform services, drawing on the energy and expertise of local people to help to reduce reliance on public services and cut waste – giving local people a greater role in solving problems in their local area by themselves”.

Liberal Democrat Councillors are monitoring the project closely. They want to ensure that the work of local children’s centres is enhanced by any changes.

There was a fear that proposals tabled by Labour last year were just a cost cutting exercise.

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Schools inspectorate publishes list of “failing” York schools

York schools reports published “on line”

Ofsted have made their inspection reports – and statistical tables for all schools – available “on line”.York High

The statistical sheet for York High can be viewed by clicking here.

Other York secondary schools can be accessed by clicking here

You can access Primary schools on the Ofsted web site here or, for west York schools, click the links below

Most York schools are performing well.

One exception was Canon Lee (which has already been subject to widespread media comment)

Five Primary schools were criticised in their last Ofsted reports

Nine York Primary schools were rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted.

GCSE results

Meanwhile  Key Stage 4 School Performance Tables published today show that many York schools achieved excellent results and are well above national averages.

The percentage of pupils gaining five or more A*–C grades at GCSE (or equivalent), including English and Maths, is 62 per cent. This is 6 percentage points above the national average and places York in the top spot in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The results place York in the top 14 per cent of Local Authorities in England. 

York is also in the top 10 per cent of Local Authorities in England for pupils achieving the ‘English Baccalaureate’, and in the top third for pupils achieving ‘at least expected rates’ of progress from the end of Key Stage 2.
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