NEU welcome ambition and action in Government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

 From the National Education Union

Commenting on the Government’s new education Bill, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:

"This is a significant, decisive Bill with an exciting set of announcements. It’s got ambition but also action.

"The NEU thinks this Bill will make a meaningful difference to the lives of staff and children. It shows a Secretary of State with a real breadth of vision and determination to get the system working together better, through collaboration and co-operation, in the interest of every child in a local area.

"We fully support the announcement that all teachers will be covered by the same pay and conditions framework (STPCD) regardless of whether they teach in a community school or an academy. Having the same pay and conditions framework enables teacher mobility across the school system and is obviously fairer, by making sure all teachers work under the same protections. We hope this takes us closer towards a fair national pay structure, with no element of PRP, with mandatory pay levels and with career stages that are sufficient to value, recruit and retain the teachers and leaders our schools need.

"Ending the presumption that all new schools need to be academies shows a willingness to set a new and better direction. This is particularly welcome because it’s the first step in responding to the SEND funding crisis. Local authorities need the power and ability to open special schools, so we can break the unaffordable reliance on independent special schools. It’s much more cost effective to let local authorities play this fuller role.

"The Secretary of State pledged a re-set with the profession and to value the expertise and dedication of the workforce, so it’s a relief to hear the ‘duty’ to force schools into multi-academy trusts will go. It was never evidence-led policy. We’re going to push during the passage of the Bill for the option for schools to leave MATs so that schools can join local rather than national ‘groups’.

"It should be a source of shame for the Conservatives that after 14 years in power more than four million children now live below the poverty line. Labour’s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity is positive and there is real potential in the Government’s Opportunity Mission. For this to have meaning on the ground, schools must be adequately funded from next year’s spending review onwards, and properly staffed so children and young people have the familiar faces and continuity in each subject that stable staffing brings. The NEU will continue to press the issue of adequate investment with Labour.

"The new steps around safeguarding are important and the NEU absolutely supports a register for children who are learning at home, whilst wanting to boost the capacity of the system to keep more young people with SEND at school."

Two sides of Brent as community mount a fire rescue and a woman dies in a shooting

 It was a real mixed 'Brent weekend' with the community coming  together to save people from a serious fire in Willesden LINK and the dreadful news of a female dying in a fatal shooting in Harlesden LINK. Our thanks go out to the life savers in Willesden and our sympathy to the family and friends of the Harlesden victim.

My thanks to Michael Roberts of the Michael Styles hair salon in High Road, Willesden for permission to publish the videos he posted on Next Door and other social media:  first hand account of the rescue and the struggle to get help for a hearing impaired man in the aftermath.

 

Michael Roberts has set up a Funding page for Albert to help him get back on his feet.

Statement from Cllr Muhammed Butt after female fatality at Harlesden shooting

 Following the tragic news of the fatal shooting of a woman in Harlesden, The Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Muhammed Butt has issued a statement. 

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said:

Along with everyone in Brent, I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn that a woman has tragically died following a fatal shooting on Gifford Road, Harlesden, last night, which also left two other people injured.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s loved ones and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.

While incidents like this are rare in our borough, I know it will cause concern within our community. I want to reassure everyone that we are working closely with residents, partners and the police to make sure our residents feel safe and supported.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7137/14Dec.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Gifford Road, Brent - Police Appeal

FROM  METROPOLITAN POLICE

A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Brent.

At approximately 21:15hrs on Saturday, 14 December police were called to reports a shooting in Gifford Road, NW10.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

A woman, believed aged in her 40s, was found suffering injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other men, both aged in their 30s, also suffered injuries. One remains in hospital in a critical condition; the other man’s injuries are not life threatening.

Road closures remain in place around the scene as work continues to gather evidence following the shooting.

There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Superintendent Tony Josephs, from the North West Command Unit which covers Brent, said: 

This is a truly shocking incident that has left a woman dead and two others injured, and I understand the concern this will cause the local community and those across London.
 

I want to reassure people that a team of experienced detectives are already working at pace to piece together the events of last night and identify whoever was responsible for this heinous act of violence.
 

If you were in or around Gifford Road at the time of the shooting, or have any information about who was responsible, please get in contact with us. A family has been left devastated and we need to work together to provide them with answers.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7137/14Dec. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Public, police and fire brigade mount rescue at Willesden High Road shop fire

Credit: Metropolitan Police

From Metropolitan Police

The bravery of two police officers, along with members of the public, has been lauded after they entered a burning building in Willesden High Road  to rescue occupants who were inside.

The incident unfolded at around 13:10hrs on Friday, 13 December after emergency services were called to reports of a fire in a three-storey building on High Road , NW10.

Officers were quickly on scene and immediately recognised the dangerous situation unfolding in front of them with smoke billowing from windows and reports of people still inside a flat on the first floor.

Two officers, along with members of the public, entered the building and made their way up to the first floor. They directed residents out of the building but were alerted to a man who was trapped in an upstairs flat. Utilising a ladder located in a courtyard area at the back of the building, a member of the public managed to break a window and help the man escape.

Thankfully no-one was seriously injured although three residents and one of the officers, who is aged in his 20s, were taken to hospital for treatment due to the effects of smoke inhalation. One officer remains in hospital and all are expected to make a full recovery.

The officers are being supported following the ordeal.

Commander Paul Trevers said: 

 

The actions of these officers exemplifies the qualities that runs through the core of our officers in the Met police – bravery, tenacity and above all a desire to keep the public safe when faced with danger.

Confronted with a terrifying situation and knowing that people were at risk they did not hesitate in going into that building to protect the lives of others. I am immensely proud of their actions as I’m sure all Londoners will be.

I would also like to praise the courage of the members of the public who, alongside our officers, helped ensure the safety of those inside the building.

 

Credit: London Fire Brigade

From London Fire Brigade

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire at a shop with flats above on Willesden High Road. 

Part of the ground floor and a small part of the ceiling void between the ground and first floors were alight. Firefighters rescued two people from a roof using a short extension ladder. Five further people left the property before the Brigade arrived and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladder was used at the scene as an observation platform. 

Station Commander Chucks Abili, who was at the scene, said: 

Crews worked hard to access the voids and bring the fire under control.

The fire was producing heavy smoke, so we advised local residents keep their windows and doors closed.

Willesden High Road was closed between Bertie Road and Hawthorn Road and we encouraged people to avoid the area during the afternoon, particularly as rush hour approached.

The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of eight calls to the fire at 1308 and mobilised crews from West Hampstead, Park Royal, North Kensington, Kentish Town and Wembley fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1521.

 

CUT THE RENT! London Renters Demonstration today - meet 10.30am 98 bus stop at Willesden Bus Garage to travel to Central London

 

 

From London Renters Union

Rising rents destroy our communities. The government is more interested in building expensive flats than stopping the rent hikes. Tenants in Europe are taking action and winning. Now, we must take to the streets to demand housing justice!

If you can't afford the rent in Brent meet other London Renters Union members and supporters at  the 98 bus stop at Willesden Bus Garage on Pound Lane for the bus to central London at 10.30am.

 

Have a go at 2024’s Wembley Christmas Picture Quiz!

Guest post by local historian Philip Grant

 

The Wembley History Society’s Christmas Picture Quiz has become a bit of tradition, since it began during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Once again, Martin has kindly agreed to share it with “Wembley Matters” readers. You are invited to have a go at this year’s quiz, and the “question paper” is attached below.

 

There are ten pictures again this year, each with two questions. The images come from the area covered by the former Borough of Wembley (from 1934 this included the previous Urban District of Kingsbury), which the Society was set up in 1952 to promote the history of. That is the part of the present day London Borough north and west of the River Brent.

 

Stained glass window showing the Borough of Wembley coat of arms.

 

How many questions can you answer? The quiz is just for fun (no prizes!), and you’ll get the answers on this blog site next week. Don’t worry if there are some you don’t know, because the more questions you can’t answer, the more you’ll discover about Wembley in a week’s time.

 

Please feel free to share the quiz (and later the answers!) with friends and family living locally, or former Wembley residents, if you think they’ll enjoy it too. Good luck!

 

Philip Grant

 

 

Brent's £3million green makeover for Church End and Roundwood

 

From Brent Council

 

The council has approved £3 million in Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding for a transformative green corridors scheme in Church End and Roundwood. This is a ring-fenced fund that can only be spent on infrastructure, ensuring it is dedicated to projects that benefit the community.

 

This ambitious project, part of the council’s Green Neighbourhoods initiative, aims to make the area a model of sustainable urban living with major improvements in walking and cycling access, air quality, safety and overall community wellbeing. It will also tackle issues such as fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, making the area cleaner and safer for residents.

 

The Church End and Roundwood Green Corridors Scheme will be implemented in phases, each introducing sustainable infrastructure, boosting biodiversity, and creating safer, more inclusive streets. Developed through extensive public engagement, these enhancements are tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of the local community. 

 

Highlights of the scheme include:

• Church Path will be transformed into a green corridor with landscaping, improved paths, and upgraded crossings, providing safer and more environmentally friendly routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Longstone Avenue will get a fresh new look, with new zebra crossings and greenery to better connect local green spaces and create more welcoming entrances to Newfield Primary School and Longstone Avenue Open Space.
• Local green spaces including Longstone Avenue Open Space and Roundwood Park will be enhanced to become vibrant, biodiverse areas with more plants, hedges, trees and seating.
• Fawcett Road will be redesigned to create space for more plants, trees, wider footpaths, and new crossings, making it a safer environment for walking and cycling.
• Roundwood Road and Franklyn Road Open Space will undergo improvements to create a greener and more welcoming environment.
• Traffic calming measures will be introduced on Fawcett Road, Longstone Avenue, and Cobbold Road to benefit local residents by helping reduce through traffic, lower vehicle speeds, and improve safety. A variety of options will be considered, including modal filters, and residents will be invited to share their feedback before any changes are implemented.

 

Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Employment, Innovation and Climate Action, said:

 

I’m so pleased that Brent Council has committed this major investment in Church End and Roundwood, which will improve the look and feel of the area and residents' quality of life. The scheme will tackle dangerous air pollution, provide safe routes for walking and cycling, increase green spaces and create a safer, cleaner area for all.

 

The scheme will complete over multiple phases, with each area gradually transformed as improvements take shape from 2025 to 2027. 

 

For more information and the latest updates visit the Church End and Roundwood Green Neighbourhood page. 

 

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