Latest news with #AshleyScott
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cottingham Primary School strikes gold with mental health prize
A village primary school has "set a fantastic example" by becoming the first in the area to receive a Healthy Schools gold award, a councillor Church of England Primary School, near Corby, Northamptonshire, was awarded the prize by North Northamptonshire Council on Tuesday, after receiving a silver award last Healthy Schools scheme, is a national mental health project that rates schools on how well they are promoting wellbeing, healthy eating and physical activity among pupils. Emily, a Year 6 pupil, said: "I am keeping up habits by giving, getting active and connecting with other people." "I am enjoying the gold award activities because of all the activities and mindfulness," she added. The council said the school's Year 6 pupils have focused on giving, connecting with others, being active, taking notice and learning. Pupils have also taken part in a number of activities such as choir singing to a group of senior citizens and raising funds for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the Corby foodbank. The pupils also took part in a breakdancing workshop and mini-football takeover day. Ashley Scott, the school's executive head teacher, said receiving the award "does not mean our job is done". "We have already signed up for a number of events from September that will further enhance our approach to mental health and wellbeing."Carolynn Southcombe, the school's administrator and the driving force behind the project, said: "Looking after mental health and wellbeing is paramount for children for their education, wellbeing and happiness. "If a child isn't happy, they aren't going to learn."I try to work with some children about anxiety and how they can cope, and use yoga breathing and exercises to cope." Brian Benneyworth, a Reform UK councillor and the executive member for health and leisure on the authority, said: "Their dedication to health and wellbeing and raising awareness of the importance of connecting, giving and getting active is truly inspiring and sets a fantastic example for schools across the county. "It's wonderful to see young people so engaged in shaping a healthier and connected future." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Insurance Department offering tips to residents impacted by wildfires
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — As many Oklahomans are sifting through what little the wildfires left of their homes, they have a whole new issue on their hands, insurance claims. Officials with the Oklahoma Insurance Department said their biggest piece of advice is to be educated on your insurance policies and know what to expect. 'It's been a while since we've had a lot of fire damage like this,' said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs. 'Deeper perspective of loss': Luther couple's home damaged in wildfire The Oklahoma Insurance Department is ready to offer help to any Oklahoman impacted by the wildfires. Scott said the first step is to reach out to your insurance provider. 'The first thing they'll do likely is send out an adjuster to assess the home, making sure that you have all that documentation to know kind of what to expect as far as your deductible and what your policy covers, what it doesn't cover,' said Scott. Scott said knowing your insurance policy plays a critical role in starting the rebuilding process. 'A lot of policies have additional living expenses. So if your home was totally destroyed in the fires more recently, then you can get monetary assistance from your insurance company for your additional living expenses,' said Scott. With the chance of fires still burning around Oklahoma, Scott said this will broadly affect the insurance market in the state. 'There's going to be a lot of claims paid out. Claims paid out obviously sometimes has a change in your premium later on at renewal. There are those things that we are watching internally here at the department and trying to keep track of for sure,' said Scott. No matter what policy you have, Scott said it's important to keep any documentation and be wary of scams. 'Avoid fraudulent contractors when you're working on repairs as you go through this process. Making sure that they are licensed with our construction industry board check with the Better Business Bureau. Just do some really good back background work on who you're hiring,' said Scott. He also said that after you assess the damage, you can put that information on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oklahoma homeowners can apply for grants to strengthen roofs against storms
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather; tornadoes, hail and wind can bring costly damage. The Oklahoma Insurance Department recently launched a pilot program offering eligible homeowner up to $10,000 to fortify their homes. 'The program is really created to assist consumers and homeowners with mitigating and fortifying their roofs, so that they will be stronger and be able to withstand some of the severe weather that we see here in Oklahoma,' said Ashley Scott, director of Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, OID. The first phase of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program covers eight zip codes: 73049 – Jones 73051 – Lexington/Slaughterville 73065 – Newcastle 73069 – Norman 73111 – East OKC 73127 – West OKC 73129 – Southeast OKC 73135 – Southeast OKC/I-240 Homeowners in these areas can apply for the grants. 'We've been able to kind of focus on areas where we've seen tons of storm damage, but also higher premiums,' said Scott. Once selected, homeowners will work with approved evaluators and contractors to complete the upgrades. Storm shelter registry available for Oklahoma City residents 'When it's finished, they'll receive a certificate to help lower insurance premiums. We really thought with the type of storms that we've been seeing more and more of and with the insurance market being so hard right now, this is a great opportunity for us to try and step in and do something we can do about it,' said Scott. For the first phase, the OID is looking to award 100 grants. 'We plan on doing a second pilot project shortly after with about 250 applications. A third pilot project with another roughly 250 applications and then finish out the year with 400 more,' said Scott. With each phase, more zip codes will be added to the list. The program is capped at $10 million and all funding comes directly from the insurance industry. The OID says the program started because of a bill that was signed into law last year. To check your eligibility to apply for the grant, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
