Excellent Estyn report


Torfaen Training has been given the thumbs up, following an inspection by Estyn. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for


Education and Training in Wales said the overall performance of Torfaen Training is good. It also said the attainment rates for nearly all learning areas are good and show an upward trend over the past three years.


Standards in key skills are rated as exceptionally good, with approximately 24 per cent of learners gaining higher level key skills than are required for their qualification.


Torfaen Training is ranked in the top six work-based learning providers in


Wales, with almost all learners feeling safe and very satisfied with their learning experience. Estyn also praised the support for learners, leadership and management, and said Torfaen Training has excellent partnership arrangements with its sub-contractors.


Torfaen Training manager Anne


Davies said: “Our role is incredibly rewarding and our staff take great pride in their jobs. The work they do provides the skills and experience that people need to help them start their careers and improve their future opportunities.


“We are delighted Estyn has


recognised this and welcome the report.”


Have your say with MySay


It’s never been easier to tell Torfaen council and other local public services what you think.


MySay allows the council and its partners to consult with the public, to help them improve their services. By selecting the topics you are interested in, you will be able to complete questionnaires, attend public events and comment on statutory plans the council and its local service board partners write. For a complete list of past, present and future consultations, go to http://mysay.torfaen.gov.uk Current consultations


Ends


Hackney Carriage and private hire policy review Your voice counts


Carers measure - engagement and consultation Childcare costs survey Gambling policy review


Homeseeker impact assessments


17 August 17 August 20 August


3 September 30 September 30 April, 2013


British redevelopment proposals


Torfaen council is negotiating with the Welsh Government and HSBC bank on a joint venture that could secure the reclamation and redevelopment of the British site in Talywain.


The British is the largest remaining site of industrial dereliction in south east Wales. The proposal the council is developing would make the site safe by removing the existing hazards including mines and voids. It intends to make the ground stable and restore the whole site by:


• removing underground voids • removing coal by opencast methods • closing mine entries • treating contaminated ground • solving drainage problems. The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob


Small ‘Fore’tune for charity


A charity golf tournament was held at Pontypool Golf Club for the Mic Morris Trust.


Although the weather was atrocious, it didn’t deter the golfers who helped raise more than £1,500 for the trust. Sponsored by Melin Homes, GKR Maintenance & Building Ltd and Unite the Union, the team prize went to Facilities Maintenance Group Ltd. Dave Cook took home the nearest to the pin prize, while Ben Rogers hit the longest drive.


Special thanks goes to Pontypool Golf Club staff for all its


assistance. For more information on the Mic Morris Trust, call 01633 628936.


Wellington, said: “The inability of the private sector to secure its development has been demonstrated since 2004. Our proposal to HSBC demonstrates that an arrangement with the public sector has the potential to give the bank a fair return on its investment and achieve the council’s aim to regenerate the area and reclaim the site for the community.


“If the public sector does not intervene there is a real danger that the site could remain in its


A short film highlighting the lives of young carers in Torfaen was launched at the Power Station. The film, which featured young


carers talking openly about the issues and challenges they face growing up, was shown during Carers Week. The role of young carers is often hugely demanding and can include the physical care of a family member who may have an illness, disability or mental health condition.


existing state for the foreseeable future.” To make the site safe and financially viable,


the proposal is for opencast mining to remove coal from an area of 40 hectares, or roughly the size of 40 rugby pitches, over a four to five year period. The long-term plan includes improvements to roads and access, plus a primary school, community facilities, shops, safe open spaces and homes for the local community. It could also create jobs and new investment.


The executive member for housing, planning and public protection, councillor Gwyneira Clark, said: “We have a small window of opportunity to create a new community in the north of the borough and at the same time create community facilities and make use of the considerable heritage features.


“Should the proposal progress, the council is hoping the local community will get involved to ensure residents influence the final scheme.


“Public meetings and roadshows will be held and


volunteers invited to join the community liaison group, an approach that proved successful on the Garn Lakes reclamation scheme in Blaenavon.”


reached with HSBC would need the final approval of full council.


Young carers receive awards


They often spend much of their spare time carrying out domestic duties such as shopping, housework and looking after siblings.


The youngsters, who


all received certificates, spoke about how hard it can be to balance caring responsibilities with things young people often take for granted, such as having time for homework and to socialise with friends.


Have your say - visit http://mysay.torfaen.gov.uk Page 7


The detailed make-up of any scheme eventually ncil.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16