Friday 21 June 2024
 School attendance survey
For some children and young people, attending school is difficult for many different reasons. In Devon, more than one in every three secondary school pupils is persistently absent from school. That means they’re missing at least one day a fortnight of school. The absence figure for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is higher.
Our Educational Psychologists are bringing together a range of information and advice for parents and carers, young people, and schools, to help individuals and families struggling with school attendance. Understanding more about what parents, carers and young people think about their school attendance, and what support they need to overcome any barriers to going to school or college, will help to shape the offer of support.
We would like parents with children in mainstream, special schools, college (post-16) or other educational settings, to tell us about their experiences of going to school. Please take part in this short survey and include as much or as little information as you would like.
 Introducing our new Young Corporate Parenting Lead
Jemeillia Murfin grew up in care so she is well placed to know its strengths, how it can be improved and how we can help fulfil the mental, physical, social and emotional needs of children who are now experiencing what she did. And now Jemeillia, aged 19, is using her knowledge and life experiences to help and support other children as our new Young Corporate Parenting Lead.
When she was 16 years old, Jemeillia started campaigning for children in care and care leavers in a role linked to the Independent Care Review 2022 with the Children’s Society. By 17 she was delivering speeches across the UK about her experiences and the changes that needed to be made to improve the system.
Originally from Devon, Jemeillia, who is also doing her apprenticeship in business admin with the Lifelong Links team, has been in her new post for around a month now. She said:
“I’m proud to be involved in the council’s decision making and even more excited about empowering children in care to have more choice, more control, and more love in their lives.”
Read more about what Jameillia said in our feature story on the news page of our website.
 Stay safe on your e-bike or e-scooter
E-bikes can be a great way of getting around but if you are thinking of buying one new or secondhand make sure it complies with safety regulations.
There have been several serious house fires caused by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, so it's important to make sure yours meets the safety standards. Fires can be caused by a substandard battery, charging the battery incorrectly or damage to the battery, as this animation shows.
And if you are thinking of hiring an e-scooter, the hirer should make it clear that they are not currently legal for use on roads or other public highways unless a specific scheme is in place.
Heart of the South West trading standards service has published guides for electrically assisted pedal cycles and e-scooters.
 Devon Youth Council mental health survey
Young people in Devon have said that mental health is a top issue for them. NHS Devon want to understand this better so that resources can be allocated in the most appropriate way. They've enlisted the help of Devon Youth Council as part of their review of mental health support in schools.
They've created a survey for anyone of secondary school or college age (11 to 18 years old) to share how well they think that their schools and colleges are doing at understanding and supporting the mental and emotional health of their pupils. Even if you're currently not attending school/college or are now being educated at home, they would still like to hear about your previous school experience.
This survey is anonymous, and the results will be shared with those who make decisions about mental health services across Devon. The deadline for completion is Monday 30 September, but we would encourage as many responses in July as possible. This will help form a strong foundation for a Youth Voice event later this year on Mental Health in Devon.
 ‘New’ bus lane will shorten bus travel times in Exeter
We’re starting work on a new contraflow bus lane in Exeter city centre on Monday 24 June. The work will require some night-time road closures and once completed will improve bus journey times in the city.
The new contraflow bus lane will be constructed on New North Road between John Lewis and Waterstones in Exeter City Centre. It's 0.5km shorter and more direct, creating a cut through for buses travelling along New North Road directly onto Sidwell Street and avoiding the longer indirect route along Longbrook Street and York Road, therefore reducing journey times.
For more information, including details of the night-time road closures, please visit our website.
 Drainage improvements planned in Newton Tracey
Essential drainage replacement work will start on the B3232 in Newton Tracey in North Devon next month (July).
Drainage pipes beneath a near 2km section of the road need to be upgraded after survey work found extensive collapses and joint issues.
A repair scheme will get underway from Monday 1 July and is expected to take around seven weeks. Teams will be working extended hours to try to reduce the duration of the scheme.
Find out more in the full story on the news page of our website.
Eating locally can make a big difference for our farmers, communities, and environment. Whether it's shopping at a farmers' market, visiting a farm shop, or registering for a local box scheme, every bite counts in building a healthier, more sustainable food system.
That’s why the Devon Food Partnership is inviting you to share your pledge to make a small change to eat more local food. Whatever you do to eat locally, by taking simple, convenient steps towards eating locally together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable food future for Devon. Join us in making a difference one bite at a time!
Share your pledge by 23:59 on Sunday 30 June and you will be entered into a prize draw for a Food Drink Devon Hamper worth £60 from Greendale Farm Shop!
Library Lates: Windrush
This National Windrush Day, step into the vibrant world of the Caribbean right here in Devon at Exeter Library's Library Lates: Windrush event on Saturday 22 June.
Co-produced by Devon Development Education, this free cultural takeover of the Library welcomes families and individuals of all ages to immerse themselves in a myriad of activities, from dancing to crafts.
From 6pm to 9:30pm, immerse yourself in a night of Caribbean-inspired activities and entertainment. Enjoy a lively dance workshop with Ros from Martinique, create beautiful crafts, and participate in a collaborative banner-making project.
Experience live performances by the Rainbow Steel Pan band and DJ Somatic, who will get everyone dancing!
This event is free and suitable for all ages, but spaces are limited so make sure to visit Libraries Unlimited's Eventbrite webpage to book your spot in advance.
 A few beers watching the football?
Drink driving is dangerous and illegal – not just for yourself, but for those in your vehicle and everyone around you.
If you're planning a big night for the Euro, think carefully about whether you can drive the next morning. You may still be over the limit.
One in five drink drive arrests happen the morning after. So if you're in doubt, don't risk it - don't get behind the wheel.
Vision Zero South West road safety partnership has published advice about drink driving.
Nominations open for the Active Devon Volunteer Awards 2024
Do you know someone who goes the extra mile to support people in your community to be more active? They might be a coach, an activity group leader, a club committee member or a charity group activity organiser. Whatever their role, their dedication to volunteering will be making a difference. With your help we want to recognise, thank and celebrate these inspirational volunteers.
The Active Devon Volunteer Awards recognise the contribution of thousands of people across Devon who volunteer their time to help others get active.
There are seven main award categories, and the winners will each receive an award and a celebration with their group or team, as well as the chance to showcase the brilliant work they do.
Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 8 September 2024. Visit the Active Devon website for more information about the awards and how to nominate someone.
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