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Ofqual data ‘significantly overstated' number of pupils given extra exam time

Ofqual data ‘significantly overstated' number of pupils given extra exam time

It comes after data from the exams regulator last year suggested that nearly a third (30.1%) of pupils in England were given 25% extra time to complete their GCSEs, AS and A-level exams in 2023/24.
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Gardeners could be hit with £5,000 if fox breaks into their garden
Gardeners could be hit with £5,000 if fox breaks into their garden

Daily Mirror

time13 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Gardeners could be hit with £5,000 if fox breaks into their garden

Seeing foxes running around your garden is normal in the UK but many don't know if you deter foxes in the wrong way - you could be hit with a hefty fine Gardeners across the UK are divided in their feelings towards foxes, with some welcoming the creatures into their gardens while others desperately seek ways to keep them at bay. While some green-fingered enthusiasts enjoy feeding these bushy-tailed visitors, leaving out meaty snacks for them, others are exasperated by the presence of these russet interlopers in their cherished gardens. ‌ Reddit gardeners have been swapping advice on how to deter foxes from their outdoor spaces, amidst warnings from fox control websites have issued a potential £5,000 fine warning. Reddit user u/longjumpingtoe reached out online, saying: "Hi everyone, I really could do with your help on this one!" ‌ ‌ They shared their fox woes: "A fox has taken a liking to my garden and tends to poo everywhere. In addition to that it's been digging behind my shed to get under it and I believe has created a den there. I've tried to scare it away, which works for about 30 seconds." "Any suggestions on how to stop it from coming to my garden permanently? (no shotguns allowed! )." Another Reddit user suggested an unconventional method: "We had a chronic fox poo situ in the front garden. My wife peed in a cup and chucked it out there and it stopped. Apparently it's only supposed to work for man-wee but we're lesbians so we did what we could." ‌ u/dazzling-Example, offered a more polite solution: "What worked for me was putting clipped hawthorn branches in the places they were pooing, they must've got quite a shock when they tried, some of those thorns were like nails. Never saw any fox poo again." However, gardeners are being cautioned to exercise restraint when encountering foxes - as you could face a whopping £5,000 penalty per animal if you harm a fox. The Fox-A-Gon website cautions: "Foxes are protected under a series of wildlife protection laws against poisoning, gassing, asphyxiating, maiming, stabbing, impaling, drowning, clubbing and most forms of snaring, with anyone convicted of carrying out such acts liable to 6 months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine per animal. ‌ "Most fox 'nuisance' experienced by people in urban and suburban areas falls into three categories; digging, fouling and noise." These represent typical fox instincts and behaviour patterns. Depending on the season and whereabouts, excavating might be to create a breeding den, an escape route, a pathway between locations or merely to hunt for insect and invertebrate food. ‌ "Foxes are not and never have been classified as 'vermin', so local authorities have no legal obligation to act against them. They are also well aware there is little point. Private "pest controllers' who offer such a service often omit to inform you there is no such thing as a vacant territory. "Remove one fox and another will take over the territory within weeks. Removal or destruction of foxes is, at best, an expensive confidence trick and at worst, an act of cruelty." Experts suggest that since foxes are adept at self-regulating their population, removing or killing a fox from an area won't affect the overall numbers. This is because foxes naturally manage their species numbers to prevent overcrowding, so there's little point in removing them as they'll simply be replaced. A more compassionate approach would be to use a deterrent. The website recommends scatter granules, such as those available for purchase from Asda, as an effective deterrent. These work by eliminating scent marking smells which foxes use to delineate their territory, ensuring they won't return while the granules are present in your garden.

New learning centre to open in Haverfordwest in September
New learning centre to open in Haverfordwest in September

Western Telegraph

timea day ago

  • Western Telegraph

New learning centre to open in Haverfordwest in September

Cherry Grove Learning Centre is an innovative learning environment for children and young people aged three to 18. Its principal, Saj Madni, said: 'Cherry Grove is a centre of excellence, where young people rediscover a love of learning, rebuild confidence, and develop a strong sense of identity and purpose.' And this coming weekend, families are invited to attend an open day at the centre at 1 Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest SA61 2NZ on Saturday July 26, from 11am to 3pm. The learning centre will open its doors on September 8. (Image: Cherry Grove Learning Centre) Ms Madni, who was the deputy head of an independent secondary school and also a Head of Sixth Form for eight years, added: 'Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and inspired – and that's what we aim to provide.' Ms Madni outlined the ethos of Cherry Grove. She explained: 'Cherry Grove offers a personalised, child-centred approach to learning. 'With small group teaching, bespoke education plans, and a focus on academic achievement, wellbeing and leadership, the centre supports learners from a wide range of backgrounds – including those who are ambitious, anxious, neurodivergent, previously home-educated, or simply looking for a fresh start. Out-of-classroom experiences will also be important for learners at the centre. (Image: Cherry Grove Learning Centre) 'Learners follow tailored pathways to GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications, supported by Cherry Grove's in-house examinations centre." Ms Madni emphasised that academic success is just one part of the experience. She said: "The centre also offers outdoor learning, creative subjects, sports partnerships, and a unique programme of community organising, where learners build confidence through real-world projects." The centre is officially launching on September 8, 2025 and more information ahead of that date can be found by going along to the open day; by contacting info@ or visiting Learners from the age of three to 18 are welcome to attend the centre. (Image: Cherry Grove Learning Centre) Families whose children are set to start at Cherry Grove in September have already shared their experiences after visiting the centre: Said one parent: 'My daughter is aiming for a top university, but she needed somewhere that could challenge her and support her as a person. Cherry Grove offers both – and after a few visits, she felt right at home.' Another told how her son had always found mainstream school 'overwhelming. They commented: 'At Cherry Grove, the calm setting and welcoming staff gave us real reassurance. He's actually excited about learning again.' Another parent of a 'very anxious' child praised the 'brilliant' Cherry Grove staff. They explained: 'They let him visit a few times, meet the team, and explore the space slowly. He loved it. Knowing he feels comfortable there has given us real peace of mind.' The open day will give families the chance to tour the site and meet staff; learn about the curriculum and learner support and ask questions about the admissions process and next steps. For more information, contact the centre, linked above.

Hot weather must-have sold by Amazon urgently recalled over electric shock fears
Hot weather must-have sold by Amazon urgently recalled over electric shock fears

Scottish Sun

time7 days ago

  • Scottish Sun

Hot weather must-have sold by Amazon urgently recalled over electric shock fears

We reveal other products that have been recalled NOT A FAN Hot weather must-have sold by Amazon urgently recalled over electric shock fears Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOT weather essential sold by Amazon has been urgently recalled over fears it could give shoppers an electric shock. Customers who have bought the A-Faction856 Ceiling Fan with lights are being told it is not safe to use. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Amazon is recalling a ceiling fan over safety fears Credit: The Office for Product Safety and Standards say the China-made product has poor insulation and gaps between insulation and wiring. Over time, the insulation could wear down, exposing live wires and giving the owner an electric shock. Any further imports of the hot weather essential have been blocked by border forces. The ceiling fan comes with two different product codes which identify it - FBA15JYLVF9HU000040, X0027BDFWD. The mounted ceiling fan comes with a "high" risk level. Typically with product recalls, you can return an item to the seller and get a full refund. However, it is not clear if Amazon is offering a refund to any customers who bought the A-Faction856 fan. If you have bought one, it is worth contacting Amazon UK's customer service team. You can find out more via It is common for retailers and manufacturers to recall products over health and safety concerns. What to do next if you have recalled food or products Amazon recalled a Moongiantgo Food Dehydrator just last month over "serious" fears it could explode. Soppycid Reusable Water Balloons were also recalled by the online marketplace following safety concerns. The toy was available in a pack of six for £18. It also pulled its Sedom table lamp after it was found to have a risk of causing electric shocks. OTHER RECALLED PRODUCTS Locisne pulled its Hamster Plush Toy from store shelves recently - with concerns it could present a serious risk to life. Elsewhere, Pieminister Kitchens confirmed that several of its products were given the wrong use-by date. The pies were mistakenly labelled with a use-by date of June 24, 2026, instead of June 24, 2025 – a full year too late. The popular food brand warned that eating the pies past the intended expiry date would be unsafe.

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