DOCSLIB.ORG

Broadband Services in Wales

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Broadband Services in Wales House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee Broadband services in Wales First Report of Session 2012–13 HC 580 Incorporating HC 1367-i-iii, Session 2010-12 House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee Broadband services in Wales First Report of Session 2012–13 Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 11 September 2012 HC 580 Incorporating HC 1367-i-iii, Session 2010-12 Published on 17 September 2012 by authority of the House of Commons London: The Stationery Office Limited £0.00 The Welsh Affairs Committee The Welsh Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales (including relations with the National Assembly for Wales). Current membership David T.C. Davies MP (Conservative, Monmouth) (Chair) Stuart Andrew MP (Conservative, Pudsey) Guto Bebb MP (Conservative, Aberconwy) Geraint Davies MP (Labour, Swansea West) Jonathan Edwards MP (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) Nia Griffith MP (Labour, Llanelli) Mrs Siân C. James MP (Labour, Swansea East) Susan Elan Jones MP (Labour, Clwyd South) Karen Lumley MP (Conservative, Redditch) Jessica Morden MP (Labour, Newport East) Mr Robin Walker MP (Conservative, Worcester) Mr Mark Williams MP (Liberal Democrat, Ceredigion) Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the internet via www.parliament.uk Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the internet at www.parliament.uk/welshcom The Reports of the Committee, the formal minutes relating to that report, oral evidence taken and some or all written evidence are available in printed volumes. Additional written evidence may be published on the internet only. Committee staff The current staff of the Committee is Marek Kubala (Clerk), Anwen Rees (Committee Specialist), Lori Inglis Hall (Senior Committee Assistant), Dabinder Rai (Committee Assistant), Ravi Abhayaratne (Committee Support Assistant) and Jessica Bridges-Palmer (Media Officer). Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Welsh Affairs Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 3264; and the Committee’s email address is [email protected] Broadband services in Wales 1 Contents Report Page Summary 3 1 Introduction 5 Background 5 Broadband technology 5 Responsibility for broadband strategy in Wales 5 Our inquiry 6 2 Current Broadband coverage in Wales 7 Introduction 7 “Notspots” and “slowspots” 8 Effect of limited broadband access on businesses and individuals 9 Welsh Government schemes to address notspots 10 3 Superfast broadband or broadband for all? 12 DCMS broadband strategy 12 Super connected cities 13 The Welsh Government’s broadband strategy 13 The right strategy? 13 4 Delivering the Strategy 16 Access to BT’s infrastructure 16 Alternative technologies 17 Mobile 17 Satellite 19 5 Conclusion 20 Conclusions and recommendations 21 2 Broadband services in Wales 3 Summary Historically, the availability of broadband has been consistently lower in Wales than the rest of the UK. Although that gap has narrowed in recent years latest figures show that the gap between Wales and the UK has widened again. Wales must continue to receive the funding and political leadership to ensure that broadband provision is at the very least in line with the rest of the UK. In rural areas of Wales the existence of broadband notspots and slowspots has hindered the operations of existing businesses and has deterred new businesses from choosing to locate there—to the cost of the local economy. Eradicating remaining broadband notspots and slowspots in Wales must be a priority for the UK and Welsh Governments. The UK Government has pledged to provide the UK with the “best broadband in Europe” by providing access to superfast broadband for 90% of the UK by 2015. The Welsh Government’s target is even more stretching and includes a commitment to provide Welsh businesses access to next-generation broadband at a minimum speed of 30 mbps by “the middle of 2016”. Both of these targets are extremely ambitious. The two Governments will deserve great credit if they are achieved. The UK and Welsh Governments have previously introduced schemes to increase broadband provision in Wales. The impact of these schemes have been mixed—the Welsh Government’s Regional Innovative Broadband Support (RIBS) scheme only provided a minimum download speed of 0.5 mbps, which soon proved inadequate to businesses and consumers. The Broadband Support Scheme which replaced RIBS has also experienced problems. The Welsh Government must ensure that the Broadband Support Scheme reaches as many people as possible, is adequately advertised and that the application process for grants from the scheme is made as easy as possible to complete. The Governments must ensure that the roll-out of superfast broadband is not undertaken at the expense of ensuring that the needs of those without any broadband service at all are met. The first priority must be to ensure that the needs of the approximately 90,000 homes in Wales which currently do not have access to broadband are addressed as soon as possible. The Government’s ambitions for superfast broadband must not be at the expense of delivering a good broadband service for all. Broadband services in Wales can only be made available to the most remote parts of Wales through a mix of technologies including mobile. Mobile broadband is the fastest growing means of accessing the internet in Wales and this trend is likely to continue. The delayed Spectrum auction, now planned for 2013, must ensure that 4G mobile services are available to at least 98% of people in Wales. Satellite broadband is a practical alternative to fixed line and mobile broadband. We received very persuasive evidence that for very difficult-to-reach areas it might be the best solution for Wales as it has been for parts of Scotland. We recommend that Ofcom undertake a study to evaluate whether satellite broadband should be supported more vigorously in Wales. 4 Broadband services in Wales There is a little over two years for the Government to deliver on its pledge to provide the UK with the best broadband in Europe. For Wales, broadband will become an increasingly important generator of economic success and a means of addressing social exclusion. The task before the Government is therefore significant and if they are to succeed the programmes of both the UK and Welsh Governments must be implemented without delay. We will continue to monitor the broadband strategies of both the UK and Welsh Governments over the course of this Parliament. Broadband services in Wales 5 1 Introduction Background 1. In Wales, as throughout the UK, the internet has become central to everyday life. The internet supports a growing volume of business and retail transactions with many state and commercial services delivered to individuals online. Internet access is now considered to be vital by most businesses and people who use it to make transactions, and to download film, music, games and other media, and as a forum for social interaction. 2. As the number of internet users has grown in Wales and across the UK, and the amount of data that is transmitted through the internet has expanded, additional pressure has been placed on the infrastructure that supports it. Initially access to the internet was through a telephone and modem which enabled data to be downloaded through copper telephone lines at speeds of up to one megabit of data per second (mbps). Today information can be sent and downloaded at much greater speed through broadband—a high bandwidth connection to the internet—at speeds ranging from two mpbs up to 100 mbps.1 Broadband technology 3. In the UK broadband is delivered to businesses and households in three main ways. Fixed line broadband is internet access delivered via a connection through a telephone line or cable service. It is the most common method of delivering broadband in the UK and Wales. There are two major suppliers of fixed-line broadband in Wales: BT’s copper telephone network and Virgin Media’s cable network.2 In some areas of Wales, both companies also provide Superfast broadband (or ‘next-generation access’ (NGA)) services through fibre optic cabling which can provide download speeds in excess of 24 megabits per second (mbps). 4. Mobile broadband is delivered through mobile telephone networks which connect consumers to the internet via a mobile device, including a smart phone or tablet, or a “dongle” that plugs into a computer's USB port. Mobile broadband depends on the availability of suitable spectrum and is currently only available in areas that are served by 3G mobile networks. 5. Broadband can also be delivered from satellites positioned in Space to almost any household or business with a satellite receiver. Responsibility for broadband strategy in Wales 6. The UK and Welsh Governments have recognised that access to broadband is a key enabler of economic growth and of social interaction. Both governments have also stated that significant investment is required to increase broadband services in Wales so that access and download speed in the country is in line with the rest of the UK. In the UK, 1 Two Mega bits per second is considered to be the minimum requirement for an adequate broadband service. 2 Ev 37 6 Broadband services in Wales Ofcom estimate that 74% of households subscribe to an internet broadband service.3 In Wales, 71% of Welsh households have broadband access although there are significant regional variations within the country, particularly in mountainous and remote areas.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A New Age a Baby Born in the UK Tomorrow Can Expect to Live Five Hours Longer Than One Born Today
    Issue 22 2010–11 A new age A baby born in the UK tomorrow can expect to live five hours longer than one born today. Why is that a problem? Inside: The naked truth with zoologist and artist Dr Desmond Morris. See pages 20–23 2 The Birmingham Magazine The fi rst word A question I’m often asked as Vice-Chancellor is what is the University’s vision for the future? Inevitably now, I expect that will be accompanied by inquiries as to what the recent announcements about UK higher education funding will mean for Birmingham. I believe the recommendations from the Browne The combination of deep public funding cuts When alumni ask me to outline the future of Review of Higher Education Funding and and the changes recommended by Lord Birmingham, I usually give the following answer. Student Support outline a fair and progressive Browne’s Independent Review herald a period system for prospective students. If adopted, it of unprecedented fi nancial turbulence for the Over the next fi ve years we will build on and would be graduates, not students, who contribute sector. At Birmingham we have anticipated diversify from our existing areas of excellence to the cost of their higher education, and only these changes, prepared, and made fi nancial to become an institution of international when they are in work and can afford it. A provision. Our new strategy sets out an preeminence. We will produce exceptional generous support package will be available for ambitious vision for our future, including our graduates and impactful research which makes students with the talent to take up a university plans to achieve continuing fi nancial strength.
    [Show full text]
  • People, Places and Policy
    People, Places and Policy Set within the context of UK devolution and constitutional change, People, Places and Policy offers important and interesting insights into ‘place-making’ and ‘locality-making’ in contemporary Wales. Combining policy research with policy-maker and stakeholder interviews at various spatial scales (local, regional, national), it examines the historical processes and working practices that have produced the complex political geography of Wales. This book looks at the economic, social and political geographies of Wales, which in the context of devolution and public service governance are hotly debated. It offers a novel ‘new localities’ theoretical framework for capturing the dynamics of locality-making, to go beyond the obsession with boundaries and coterminous geog- raphies expressed by policy-makers and politicians. Three localities – Heads of the Valleys (north of Cardiff), central and west coast regions (Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and the former district of Montgomeryshire in Powys) and the A55 corridor (from Wrexham to Holyhead) – are discussed in detail to illustrate this and also reveal the geographical tensions of devolution in contemporary Wales. This book is an original statement on the making of contemporary Wales from the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD) researchers. It deploys a novel ‘new localities’ theoretical framework and innovative mapping techniques to represent spatial patterns in data. This allows the timely uncovering of both unbounded and fuzzy relational policy geographies, and the more bounded administrative concerns, which come together to produce and reproduce over time Wales’ regional geography. The Open Access version of this book, available at www.tandfebooks.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 3.0 license.
    [Show full text]
  • Applications Determined by Delegated Powers App No. Date Rec'd Name and Address of Applicant(S) Proposal & Location Decisi
    APPLICATIONS DETERMINED BY DELEGATED POWERS APP NO. NAME AND PROPOSAL & LOCATION DECISION DATE REC’D ADDRESS OF APPLICANT(S) 16/0589/FULL Mrs M Goodenough Erect dormer roof bathroom Granted 26.04.2016 6 Llewelyn Avenue extension 24.06.2016 Croespenmaen 6 Llewelyn Avenue Newport Croespenmaen Newport NP11 3GN NP11 3GN 16/0263/FULL Miss N Lovatt & Mr R Erect a two-storey side Granted 27.04.2016 Hunter extension 24.06.2016 Stanmore Stanmore 21 Park Road 21 Park Road Hengoed CF82 7LW Hengoed CF82 7LW 16/0258/COND Ocean Community Discharge conditions 2 (bat Decided - 29.04.2016 Services Ltd protection) and 3 (bird Discharge of Mr A Griffiths protection) of planning consent Conditions 5th Floor 16/0108/FULL (Demolish 24.06.2016 Harlech Court existing extensions to the rear Bute Terrace and replace with a new two- Cardiff storey extension and a single- CF10 2FE storey lean-to extension and demolish the existing front bay window and replace with a new bay and canopy over) 18 Ludlow Street Caerphilly CF83 1GG 16/0278/FULL Mr J Hooper Erect a two-storey side Granted 03.05.2016 Woodlands extension 24.06.2016 Pant-yr-resk Road Woodlands Pant-yr-resk Road Abercarn Abercarn Newport Newport NP11 4TB 16/0363/FULL Mr W Jones Erect a single-storey bedroom Granted 10.05.2016 13 Heol Morien extension with en-suite 24.06.2016 Nelson 13 Heol Morien Nelson Treharris Treharris CF46 6JA CF46 6JA 16/0264/FULL Mr M Brock Erect single-storey rear Granted 03.05.2016 81 Hazel Grove extension and convert garage 27.06.2016 Caerphilly to residential CF83 3BP 81 Hazel
    [Show full text]
  • Woodlands for Wales Indicators 2014-15
    Woodlands for Wales Indicators 2014-15 SDR: 204/2015 Woodlands for Wales Indicators 2014 -15 16 December 2015 This is the sixth indicators report since the revision in March 2009 of Woodlands for Wales, the Welsh Government’s strategy for woodlands and trees. The aim of the indicators is to monitor progress towards achieving the 20 high level outcomes described in Woodlands for Wales. Many of the indicators relate to more than one of the high level outcomes. As some aspects of woodlands and trees change slowly, some indicators are not updated every year, but instead every two, three, or five years, in line with the reporting programme of the National Forest Inventory and some Natural Resources Wales surveys. Some information is only available for limited periods or areas, while for some indicators there is only a baseline figure at present. A few of the indicators are still under development and reporting against these should occur in future years. For more information on the quality of the statistics and the definitions used please refer to the ‘Key Quality Information’ and ‘Glossary’ sections towards the end of the bulletin. Key points The area of woodland in Wales has increased over the last thirteen years and is now 306,000 hectares. The amount of new planting increased between 2009 and 2014 when a total of 3,289 hectares were planted, but the rate of planting fell back in 2015 to 103 hectares. The forestry sector in Wales has an annual Gross Value Added (GVA) of £499.3 million and employs between 8,500 and 11,300 people.
    [Show full text]
  • Land at Maerdy, Pontlottyn, Rhymney
    LAND AT MAERDY, PONTLOTTYN, RHYMNEY Residential Development Opportunity for 57 Dwellings T 029 20 346346 www.coark.com LOCATION The development land is located in Pontlottyn, which is a village in the county borough of Caerphilly, approximately 1 mile to the south of Rhymney. The subject property is situated between Maerdy View and Carn-Y-Tyla Terrace and the Rhymney River on the periphery of a built up area. Pontlottyn is a former mining community and lies approximately 7 miles to the east of Merthyr Tydfil and some 27 miles north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The railway station provides an hourly service to Cardiff city centre. DESCRIPTION A vacant parcel of land extending to approximately 8.32 acres (3.37 ha), with a net developable area of 4.29 acres (1.737 ha). The southern part of the site is heavily wooded with mature trees and the site also slopes steeply to the western edge of the boundary. The road providing links to the settlements of Rhymney and Abertysswg runs along the north eastern boundary of the site and provides the approved access into the site is to be taken off Abertysswg Road. The surrounding area comprises parkland and residential dwellings located on the north and eastern side and to the western side of the property, beyond the Rhymney River. The southern boundary abuts agricultural land. Property experts since 1900 www.coark.com PLANNING Outline planning permission for the construction of 57 residential units under application 07/1011/OUT renewed in 2015 under 15/0528/ NCC. Affordable housing is required under a section 106 for the provision of 9 units of social housing, 6 units of low cost home ownerships and 3 units of social rented housing.
    [Show full text]
  • Formal Minutes of the Committee
    House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee Formal Minutes of the Committee Session 2010-11 2 The Welsh Affairs Committee The Welsh Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales (including relations with the National Assembly for Wales.) Current membership David T.C. Davies MP (Conservative, Monmouth) (Chair) Stuart Andrew MP (Conservative, Monmouth) Guto Bebb MP (Conservative, Pudsey) Alun Cairns MP (Conservative, Vale of Glamorgan), Geraint Davies MP (Labour, Swansea West) Jonathan Edwards, MP (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) Mrs Siân C. James MP (Labour, Swansea East) Susan Elan Jones MP (Labour, Clwyd South) Karen Lumley MP (Conservative, Redditch) Jessica Morden MP (Labour, Newport East) Owen Smith MP (Labour, Pontypridd) Mr Mark Williams, MP (Liberal Democrat, Ceredigion) Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the internet via www.parliament.uk. Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the internet at www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/welsh_affairs_committee.cfm Committee staff The current staff of the Committee is Adrian Jenner (Clerk), Anwen Rees (Inquiry Manager), Jenny Nelson (Senior Committee Assistant), Dabinder Rai (Committee Assistant), Mr Tes Stranger (Committee Support Assistant) and Laura Humble (Media Officer). Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Welsh Affairs Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA.
    [Show full text]
  • Page 1 of 9 VALID PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED up to 13 January 2021 Any Comments Or Enquiries Should Be Addressed to the Deve
    Tredomen House Tŷ Tredomen Tredomen Park Parc Tredomen Tredomen Tredomen Ystrad Mynach Ystrad Mynach Hengoed Hengoed CF82 7WF CF82 7WF VALID PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED UP TO 13 January 2021 Any comments or enquiries should be addressed to the Development Management Manager Case Ref. 20/0703/RET Site Area: 53149m² Location: Llanbradach Tips Colliery Road Llanbradach (UPRN 000043172539) Proposal: Retain and complete the construction of bunds to provide safety improvements, firing points and target area upgrades for existing shooting range, and construction of short target range and target sprint track, and related works Case Officer: Carwyn Powell 01443 864424 [email protected] Ward: Llanbradach Map 313703 (E) 191504 (N) Ref: Community Council: Llanbradach & Pwllypant Comm Council Expected Delegated Decision Level: Case Ref. 20/0968/COU Site Area: 359m² Location: Crumlin Community Centre Main Street Crumlin Newport NP11 4PT (UPRN 000043068471) Proposal: Change the use of the building from an OAP hall to a Post Office and convenience store with a cafe coffee shop area and an outside seating area Case Officer: Jacob Cooke 01443 864347 [email protected] Ward: Crumlin Map 321272 (E) 198373 (N) Ref: Community Council: Not Applicable Expected Delegated Decision Level: Page 1 of 9 Case Ref. 20/1004/FULL Site Area: 339m² Location: 26 Heol Isaf Nelson Treharris CF46 6NS (UPRN 000043007925) Proposal: Erect single storey extension to rear and side of property Case Officer: Jacob Cooke 01443 864347 [email protected]
    [Show full text]
  • Regulation 17 Welsh Government Response to Newport City Council
    Amgylchedd a Datblygu Cynaliadwy Environment and Sustainable Development Lucie Taylor Planning Policy Liaison Officer Newport City Council Civic Centre Newport NP20 4UR Our Ref: qA983510 Your Ref: Rep No: 244 Date: 25th May 2012 Dear Lucie, Newport Local Development Plan – Deposit: Welsh Government Representations Thank you for your letter of 12th April 2012 including copies of the Deposit Local Development Plan (LDP) and accompanying documentation. The matter of whether a plan is considered ‘sound’ will be for the appointed Planning Inspector to determine. I have considered the Deposit LDP in accordance with the consistency/coherence and effectiveness tests, and principally in accordance with whether satisfactory regard has been given to national planning policy (test C2). The Welsh Governments representations are separated into 4 categories which are supported with more detail in the attached annex. Category A: Objection under soundness tests C2, CE2: Fundamental issues that are considered to present a significant degree of risk for the authority if not addressed prior to submission stage, and may have implications for the plan’s strategy: (i) Housing Provision (ii) Affordable Housing Target (iii) Scale of Employment Allocations (iv) Deliverability of Employment (v) Mineral Safeguarding and Apportionment Category B: Objections under soundness tests C2, CE1, CE2: Matters where it appears that the deposit plan has not satisfactorily translated national policy down to the local level and there may be tensions within the plan, namely: (i)
    [Show full text]
  • Speadsheet by Year of Fochriw Deaths/ Funerals As Recorded in the Merthyr Express 1888-1964 1St Name/S Surname Address Age Year Date Place of Burial/Etc
    Speadsheet by Year of Fochriw Deaths/ Funerals as Recorded in the Merthyr Express 1888-1964 1st Name/s Surname Address Age Year Date Place of Burial/etc. Other Info. William Mathews Guest-street 68 1888 24 Mar. Pant bronchitis Mrs. Thomas Lewis 1894 07 Apr. Pant D.J. Morgan Rising Sun Inn 32 1901 22 Jun. Graig Rees Jones Guest-street 18 1903 26 Dec. Pentwyn James Cole 19, Martin-street 64 1905 26 Aug. Pentwyn James Davies Martin-street 1908 22 Feb. Pentwyn Mrs. Mary Thomas Moore's-row 1908 07 Mar. Pant Willie George Davies Aelybryn 15 1908 21 Mar. Pant Thomas Downing Williams-row 1908 18 Apr. Pentwyn William Evans Aelybryn 81 1908 04 Jul. Pentwyn Mrs. James Railway-terrace 1908 18 Jul. Pentwyn Howell Jones Guest-street 52 1908 08 Aug. Pant Mrs. Mitchell Guest-street 31 1908 05 Sep. Cefn Owen Davies Hill-row 81 1908 26 Sep. Pentwyn Richard Williams Llwyn Iago Farm 60 1909 08 May. Pentwyn Daniel Walters Martin-street 1909 19 Jun. Robert Thomas Williams-row 75 1909 18 Sep. Pentwyn Ann Evans Railway-terrace 48 1909 25 Sep. Pant Elizabeth Evans Iscoed 1909 09 Oct. Pant Evan Prosser Rees-row 65 1909 13 Nov. Pentwyn Victim of Darren Explosion John Cole Brynteg-terrace 43 1909 27 Nov. Pentwyn Killed, No2 Pit Mrs. Percy Mantle Pentwyn 21 1910 15 Jan. Pant Baby Mantle Pentwyn Inf. 1910 29 Jan. Pant Lewis Evans Penybank Farm 84 1910 29 Jan. Gelligaer PC John Edwards Martin-street 28 1910 09 Apr. Pentwyn Mrs. George Honeybun Aelybryn 1910 16 Apr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Four Health Systems of the United Kingdom: How Do They Compare?
    The four health systems of the United Kingdom: how do they compare? Gwyn Bevan, Marina Karanikolos, Jo Exley, Ellen Nolte, Sheelah Connolly and Nicholas Mays Source report April 2014 About this research This report is the fourth in a series dating back to 1999 which looks at how the publicly financed health care systems in the four countries of the UK have fared before and after devolution. The report was commissioned jointly by The Health Foundation and the Nuffield Trust. The research team was led by Nicholas Mays at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The research looks at how the four national health systems compare and how they have performed in terms of quality and productivity before and after devolution. The research also examines performance in North East England, which is acknowledged to be the region that is most comparable to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in terms of socioeconomic and other indicators. This report, along with an accompanying summary report, data appendices, digital outputs and a short report on the history of devolution (to be published later in 2014), are available to download free of charge at www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/compare-uk-health www.health.org.uk/compareUKhealth. Acknowledgements We are grateful: to government statisticians in the four countries for guidance on sources of data, highlighting problems of comparability and for checking the data we have used; for comments on the draft report from anonymous referees and from Vernon Bogdanor, Alec Morton and Laura Schang; and for guidance on national clinical audits from Nick Black and on nursing data from Jim Buchan.
    [Show full text]
  • An Independent External Review of the Sensory & Communication Support
    AN INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL REVIEW OF THE SENSORY & COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICE (SOUTH EAST WALES CONSORTIUM) A review of the experiences and outcomes of children and young people, their families and schools supported by the Sensory & Communication Support Service Mark Geraghty DECEMBER 2019 Independent SEND Consultant MJG_SenCom_Review_Dec.SenCom019 Contents 1. Foreword 2. Overview 3. Methodologies for the Independent Review 4. Public Consultation Meetings 5. Judgement Themes 6. Future- Proofing SenCom’s Person-Centred ALN Offer 7. Local Authorities Statutory Duties and Responsibilities as Commissioning Bodies, Irrespective of the Recommendations detailed within this report. 8. Professional Conclusions 9. Concluding Judgment 10. Personal Acknowledgements 11. SenCom Recommendations - February 2020 MJG_SenCom_Review_Dec.SenCom019 1. Foreword In April 2019, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), took on the role of impartial commissioner to support an independent review of an innovative, regional ALN1 service; SenCom (Sensory & Communication Support Service). SenCom, is a joint service working across five local authorities in South East Wales; Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen. SenCom has been delivering collaborative ALN services under its umbrella designation, since 2015. Their work includes the conveyancing of a wide range of specialist advisory, teaching services and interventions to families and schools. During this corresponding period of SenCom’s development, the Welsh Government’s aspirations in respect of this educational area, have been clear-cut and unmistakeably expressed; they wish to ensure high-quality support is available to children with additional learning needs in schools across the country. This objective is a central tenet of its new legislation and the ensuing ALN Code of Practice. “The Welsh Government is committed to creating a fully inclusive education system where all learners are inspired, motivated and supported to reach their potential.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Activity and Groups Directory
    Newport City Council Community Connector Service Directory of Activities Information correct at April 2017 This directory is intended as a local information resource only and Newport City Council neither recommend nor accept any liability for the running of independent support services. You are advised to contact organisations directly as times or locations may change. This directory is available on Newport City Council website: www.newport.gov.uk/communityconnectors 1 Section 1: Community Activities and Groups Page Art, Craft , Sewing and Knitting 3 Writing, Language and Learning 13 BME Groups 18 Card / Board Games and Quiz Nights 19 Computer Classes 21 Library and Reading Groups 22 Volunteering /Job Clubs 24 Special Interest and History 32 Animals and Outdoor 43 Bowls and Football 49 Pilates and Exercise 53 Martial Arts and Gentle Exercise 60 Exercise - Wellbeing 65 Swimming and Dancing 70 Music, Singing and Amateur Dramatics 74 Social Bingo 78 Social Breakfast, Coffee Morning and Lunch Clubs 81 Friendship and Social Clubs 86 Sensory Loss, LGBT and Female Groups 90 Additional Needs / Disability and Faith Groups 92 Sheltered Accommodation 104 Communities First and Transport 110 2 Category Activity Ward/Area Venue & Location Date & Time Brief Outline Contact Details Art Art Class Allt-Yr-Yn Ridgeway & Allt Yr Thursday 10am - Art Class Contact: 01633 774008 Yn Community 12pm Centre Art Art Club Lliswerry Lliswerry Baptist Monday 10am - A club of mixed abilities and open to Contact: Rev Geoff Bland Church, 12pm weekly all. Led by experienced tutors who 01633 661518 or Jenny Camperdown Road, can give you hints and tips to 01633 283123 Lliswerry, NP19 0JF improve your work.
    [Show full text]