Education
There are three primary schools and one high school in Poulton. PNM work extremely closely with all of the schools. Increasing educational attainment is one of neighbourhood management’s top priorities and a number of projects have been put in place to promote learning and encourage young people to have the best chance for their future.
A learning mentor was initially funded solely by PNM for Morecambe High School. The mentor works extremely closely with pupils who have behavioural issues or they are on the brink of exclusion, and are thus likely to suffer academically. The mentor creates a tailored approach to every pupil to try and solve his or her issues and problems. The scheme has been such a success that the high school has now taken over the funding of this post on a permanent basis.
PNM contributed a large capital investment in the ‘Morecambe One Stop Shop’ which is an important agency working to support young people across a wide range of locally based services.
PNM provided funding for Morecambe Bay Community Primary School to initiate a ‘breakfast club’. This meant that the children who arrived at school hungry having had no food for up to 18 hours were able to have a meal so that they had some energy for their classes and improve their concentration.
The Community Development Officer for PNM works very closely with all three schools. The anti-bullying work that Sue Boswell does in local schools has won national awards. The anti-bullying work has been appreciated in local primary schools and has led on to further work on the ‘transition’ between primary and secondary school. Through the guidance of Sue, Morecambe High School pupils have themselves become mentors for primary school pupils making the transition to secondary school.
The Poulton Sports Academy was set up by a group of agencies including PNM, the Police, Lancaster City Council and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The academy runs after school, during term time at the local primary school. Members who attend regularly and are well behaved are treated to trips. So far, the trips have included a football match at Ewood Park (home to Blackburn Rovers) and parties/fun days involving face painting and games.
The Community Development Officer organises an Easter Soccer Skills School, for the half term holidays. Every year around 40 children join in on the 4 day long football event. The aim is to brush up on football skills through the qualified Football Association coach and his assistants. The children are also rewarded for good behaviour and teamwork. Prizes are awarded to players who show consideration for others. At the end of the course, every player is awarded a commemorative medal, a certificate, an Easter egg and other prizes. The course is completely free to enter with lunch, drinks and snacks provided.
A Junior Warden scheme enabled primary school children to learn about looking after the environment, and how important it is to not drop litter. The children went on a litter pick and were given cameras to record sightings of vandalism, graffiti, dog fouling and litter. The pest control officer came to talk to the children with his dog ‘Dylan’, and the Community Beat Manager also gave a talk about safety issues. The Junior Wardens were given a project to complete and were awarded goody bags on successfully completing the course.
PNM were involved in the creation of a modern Children’s Centre at the redundant fire station. Project Director for Neighbourhood Management, John Deacon chaired the steering group.
An event to find out how we could provide facilities to support local young people was attended by over 40 representatives from agencies and schools. The ‘Young People’s Day’ highlighted a number of issues relating to the support for young people and led to a variety of recommendations which were then put to a consultation event in the Arndale to find out what young people thought about the results from the ‘Young People’s Day’. The consultation showed a local demand for provision of a Multi use Games Area (MUGA) in the grounds of a local primary school. This option is now being pursued.
Through the ‘quick response’ fund PNM has contributed to:
- Poulton-le-Sands Primary School has received funding for a pergola and planters for the playground. This has provided a peaceful oasis and a retreat from the playground.
- Provided Morecambe High School with equipment.
Neighbourhood management projects often cross over into more than one of our thematic areas. Education can often have an impact on jobs and training and also a knock on effect to crime and health.
