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Hello Subscriber
As Welsh Government lockdown restrictions start to ease across Wales, Bridgend County Borough Council is undertaking a wide range of work to support schools, businesses and many other services to reopen, safely across the county borough. The following information provides a summary of the latest developments.
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September opening confirmed for local school
Following the recent announcement from Education Minister Kirsty Williams, Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed details for how it is planning to reopen schools in September.
The reopening will be carried out in phases, and will begin with the return of teachers and staff between 1 and 3 September so that necessary preparations can be made. No pupils will be attending any school on these dates.
On Friday 4 September, priority year groups will return to school. Each school will advise parents/carers directly on which year groups should attend between Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 September. Finally, schools will open as normal to all pupils on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September
Read more about schools opening in September.
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Welsh Government Grants to help eligible families buy school uniform and other kit
Grants are available to help families on low incomes buy school clothing and equipment. Learners receiving free school meals can get a Welsh Government grant if they are:
- entering reception class in primary school
- at the start of any of the key stages
- aged 4, 7, 11 or 14 in special schools, special needs resource bases or pupil referral units
Funding for looked after children is available every school year. The fund will cover school uniform, other clothing worn at school such as sports kit, equipment for out-of-school hour’s trips, and equipment for activities within the curriculum such as design and technology.
Read more about the grants and how to apply.
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Babies born during the pandemic can now be registered
Appointments are now available at Bridgend Register Office for parents who have been unable to register the birth of babies born during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as couples who wish to give notice of a forthcoming marriage or civil partnership.
An appointment at Bridgend Register Office’s all-new premises within the Civic Offices at Angel Street, Bridgend can be booked by calling 01656 642391 or emailing registrar@bridgend.gov.uk.
Please note that no drop-in service is available at this time. Once an appointment has been made, access to Bridgend Register Office will be available via the ceremony entrance, which is located at the side of the Civic Offices.
Read more about registering births.
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From dancing at the drive-in to open-air cinema - tell us your ideas on how to ‘Do Summer Differently’
As pandemic restrictions continue to ease, Bridgend County Borough Council is inviting proposals for innovative and creative cultural events and activities which could be safely staged in Porthcawl this summer.
The authority is keen to receive expressions of interest from organisers, businesses and promoters for events which could be held at Salt Lake or Rest Bay as part of the ‘Do Summer Differently’ campaign.
Read more and submit your ideas on how to ‘Do Summer Differently’
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New Visit Bridgend website launches as tourism and hospitality sector start to reopen
As parts of the tourism and hospitality sector start to reopen across Wales, Bridgend County Borough Council has launched a new destination brand and website, promoting places to visit in the area and providing information on activities and available accommodation.
From our beautiful coastline with its blue-flag beaches, year-round surfing and world-class golf to historic sites and town centres, walking, hiking and cycling opportunities and a whole array of outdoor pursuits including kayaking and rock climbing, Bridgend County Borough has a huge amount to offer.
Read more and visit our new tourism website.
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£4m fund launched to help rebuild community sport
Sport Wales has launched a new £4m fund enabling clubs to apply for grants of between £300 and £50,000 to support ongoing costs and encourage greater participation, growth and improvement.
The new initiative is in addition to the council’s own Bridgend Sports Support Fund, which is providing clubs with grants of up to £1,000, and the recent decision to waive fees for the 2019-20 season.
The council is also providing clubs that are developing asset transfers with additional support such as pitch, green and wicket surveys, drainage improvements, capital grants to purchase maintenance equipment for green spaces and more.
Read more and apply for the Sport Wales grants.
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Advice and domestic abuse support available from Calan DVS
As lockdown restrictions continue to ease across Wales, Calan DVS has re-opened its offices at Derwen Road in Bridgend town centre to provide emergency appointments for people who are experiencing domestic abuse.
With social distancing, hand-hygiene and PPE procedures in place, the emergency appointments can be made over the telephone and are initially available between 9am-1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1pm-5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Read more about advice and domestic abuse support available from Calan DVS.
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Bryngarw Country Park has introduced further changes
Bryngarw Country Park has introduced further changes in line with national guidance as pandemic conditions continue to ease. With the park open to visitors, public toilets, baby changing facilities and a Changing Places disabled toilet have all been made available.
The children’s play area, outdoor gym, barbeque area, visitor centre classroom and café remain closed until further notice. Social distancing and hand-hygiene procedures remain in place throughout the park, and car parking charges have been reintroduced via a machine which accepts contactless payment.
Read more about further changes at Bryngarw Country Park.
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Don’t let your unanswered questions keep you from fostering a child!
If you’ve considered fostering – but didn’t think you’d be eligible – then think again. Just as there is no typical foster child, there is no such thing as a typical foster carer.
Few circumstances automatically prevent someone from being able to foster so don’t rule yourself out. If you have any doubts don’t hesitate to contact us to find out whether your situation would prevent you from fostering.
Read more about fostering in Bridgend County Borough.
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Social care opportunities
More people are being sought to help support the county borough’s most vulnerable residents. A number of employment opportunities are available, and anyone who has previously worked in social care or who has transferable skills is invited to apply. A fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course are available. Find out more or apply for social care opportunities online.
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