Latest news with #Cath
Broadcast Pro
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Animotion Media Group debuts animated series ‘Shooting Stars' at Annecy
With 26 x 11' episodes planned, the series has global reach and transmedia potential. Animotion Media Group debuted its newest animated series, Shooting Stars, at the Annecy Animation Festival (MIFA). The UAE-based studio, known for its focus on family-friendly content, promises an explosive mix of action, comedy, and empowerment with this girl-centered series that aims to resonate with girls aged 8 to 12. Shooting Stars follows the lives of five spirited high school girls — Netty, Cath, Eva, Mia and Naomi — who bond over their shared love for football. While they dominate on the field, their everyday teenage struggles remain real and relatable. Their world takes an extraordinary turn when a meteor crash lands on their football field, granting them mysterious superpowers. What begins as regular team practice quickly morphs into high-stakes battles against strange monsters, as the girls juggle their new dual lives as both athletes and unlikely superheroes. The series dives deep into themes of identity, self-confidence, and resilience, showing the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a world that often underestimates girls. With humor, heart, and high-octane adventure, the show explores how each girl's unique power reflects her personality — from Eva's unbreakable strength to Cath's lightning-quick instincts, and Netty's razor-sharp intellect. These differences become their greatest strength as they learn that real power lies in diversity and unity. Julia Nikolaeva, General Manager at Animotion and the producer behind the project, said: 'Shooting Stars is about more than superpowers and soccer goals — it's about strength, resilience, and identity. We wanted to make a show that feels real for today's Gen Alpha — a world where girls can be everything: athletes, dreamers, leaders, heroes. With Shooting Stars, we're holding a mirror up to girls and saying: 'You can be powerful just as you are.' With 26 episodes of 11 minutes each, Shooting Stars is designed with international audiences in mind. Packed with humor, fast-paced storytelling, dazzling transformations, and powerful match sequences, the series stands as a fresh take on inclusive entertainment. It also boasts strong transmedia potential, ensuring its reach goes far beyond the small screen. Following in the footsteps of Animotion's globally successful titles like The Fixies, Tina & Tony, BabyRiki, and Finnick, this latest venture is poised to break boundaries — both in storytelling and in representation. Shooting Stars is not just about scoring goals; it's about defying expectations, breaking stereotypes, and creating a new playbook for what girls in animation can be.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Record 1 in 5 pupils in England getting special education needs support
Nearly one in five pupils in England are receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) in the classroom, according to government statistics. It comes as separate stats shows a sharp rise in the number of tribunals concerning special educational needs support, as parents challenge the support on offer for their child. Teaching unions say systemic change in special educational needs provision is "urgently needed" for schools and students. The government said it will set out more detailed plans for reforms to special educational needs in the autumn. The number of school pupils in England receiving support for special educational needs rose to more than 1.7 million, according to annual statistics from the Department for Education released on Thursday. That's a rise of 5.6%, or an extra 93,700 pupils compared to last year. It means nearly one in five of pupils in England (19.6%) are getting extra support for special educational needs, the highest proportion since stats were collected in this way. Over 482,000 of those pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) - a legal document issued by local authorities that sets out the support a child needs. Since 2016, the number of children receiving all types of special needs support has risen by 44% and those with an EHCP has more than doubled. The EHCP increase has been driven by rising rates of autistic spectrum disorder among pupils, speech and language problems, and more pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, the independent think tank the Institute for Fiscal studies said. The stats show autistic spectrum disorder is the most common need named on education, health and care plans. Although it is unclear what is behind the rise, the IFS has said it could be down to better recognition of autistic spectrum disorder symptoms, particularly in girls. There's recent research that suggests reduced interactions during Covid impacted speech and language development for some children. Helping pupils struggling with their speech, language and communication is the most common type of special educational needs support that schools are giving, according to Thursday's data. Even getting an education, health and care plan in place for their child can be an ordeal for parents. Cath is a mum from Bristol. She is in the process of applying for an EHCP for her nine-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She's currently getting his needs assessed to see what extra support can be put in place. She says his mainstream school have been supportive, but her son needs more support than they can offer without an EHCP. She says "having to go through the system and fight every step of the way - it takes a big toll on you." "We're constantly filling in forms and thinking what is best for our child." She says they are "in limbo" as his needs might not be great enough for a specialist school, but he is struggling in mainstream. "You're seeing them struggling and you're crying out for help and there's no one who can give it to you." Cath says she's concerned that the government will make changes to - or abolish -EHCPs in their upcoming reforms. What is an EHC plan and how do I get one for my child? Schooling tips for parents of autistic children Seven ways to support your child with SEND at school Teaching unions have said that rising number of pupils who need extra support is putting more pressure on schools. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the headteacher's union the NAHT said "despite incredible efforts" the current system is "completely unsustainable". He said "schools face shortages of experts like educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, and a postcode lottery in accessing additional money from cash-strapped local authorities for pupils with the greatest needs - while parents are having to take councils to tribunal to get the places they want for their children due to a lack of capacity". More parents are turning to tribunals to challenge the support on offer for their child. Separate stats out today from the Ministry of Justice show there were 24,000 SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) tribunals brought in the year to April, an increase of 36% on the previous year and the highest number on record. The National Audit Office said in a report last year that the SEND system as a whole "wasn't financially sustainable" and wasn't delivering better outcomes for children and young people, despite big increases in high-needs funding over the last 10 years. Local authorities are under huge financial pressure because of rising SEND needs. A deal holding £3bn of SEND deficits off local authorities books is due to run out next year. The government said in the spending review they would be setting out their long-awaited plans to reform the SEND system in England this autumn in a government white paper. They've also set aside £760m over two years to reform SEND from a transformation fund In response to today's figures for SEN pupils and the rise in SEND tribunals Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Behind each one of these figures is a family desperately fighting for even the most basic support for their child, leaving a staggering number of parents exhausted while young people are denied precious help. "It doesn't have to be this way, and this government will deliver the reform that families are crying out for through our Plan for Change – giving an excellent education to every child. "We have already taken the first steps to identify and meet children's needs earlier in mainstream schools, including through more early intervention across speech and language, ADHD and autism to prevent needs from escalating and £740m to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools." Additional data reporting by Harriet Agerholm Fears for children as special educational needs budgets tighten MPs say fix Send system or face 'lost generation' Lessons in cupboards in crowded specialist schools
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Record 1 in 5 pupils in England getting special education needs support
Nearly one in five pupils in England are receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) in the classroom, according to government statistics. It comes as separate stats shows a sharp rise in the number of tribunals concerning special educational needs support, as parents challenge the support on offer for their child. Teaching unions say systemic change in special educational needs provision is "urgently needed" for schools and students. The government said it will set out more detailed plans for reforms to special educational needs in the autumn. The number of school pupils in England receiving support for special educational needs rose to more than 1.7 million, according to annual statistics from the Department for Education released on Thursday. That's a rise of 5.6%, or an extra 93,700 pupils compared to last year. It means nearly one in five of pupils in England (19.6%) are getting extra support for special educational needs, the highest proportion since stats were collected in this way. Over 482,000 of those pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) - a legal document issued by local authorities that sets out the support a child needs. Since 2016, the number of children receiving all types of special needs support has risen by 44% and those with an EHCP has more than doubled. The EHCP increase has been driven by rising rates of autistic spectrum disorder among pupils, speech and language problems, and more pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, the independent think tank the Institute for Fiscal studies said. The stats show autistic spectrum disorder is the most common need named on education, health and care plans. Although it is unclear what is behind the rise, the IFS has said it could be down to better recognition of autistic spectrum disorder symptoms, particularly in girls. There's recent research that suggests reduced interactions during Covid impacted speech and language development for some children. Helping pupils struggling with their speech, language and communication is the most common type of special educational needs support that schools are giving, according to Thursday's data. Even getting an education, health and care plan in place for their child can be an ordeal for parents. Cath is a mum from Bristol. She is in the process of applying for an EHCP for her nine-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She's currently getting his needs assessed to see what extra support can be put in place. She says his mainstream school have been supportive, but her son needs more support than they can offer without an EHCP. She says "having to go through the system and fight every step of the way - it takes a big toll on you." "We're constantly filling in forms and thinking what is best for our child." She says they are "in limbo" as his needs might not be great enough for a specialist school, but he is struggling in mainstream. "You're seeing them struggling and you're crying out for help and there's no one who can give it to you." Cath says she's concerned that the government will make changes to - or abolish -EHCPs in their upcoming reforms. What is an EHC plan and how do I get one for my child? Schooling tips for parents of autistic children Seven ways to support your child with SEND at school Teaching unions have said that rising number of pupils who need extra support is putting more pressure on schools. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the headteacher's union the NAHT said "despite incredible efforts" the current system is "completely unsustainable". He said "schools face shortages of experts like educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, and a postcode lottery in accessing additional money from cash-strapped local authorities for pupils with the greatest needs - while parents are having to take councils to tribunal to get the places they want for their children due to a lack of capacity". More parents are turning to tribunals to challenge the support on offer for their child. Separate stats out today from the Ministry of Justice show there were 24,000 SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) tribunals brought in the year to April, an increase of 36% on the previous year and the highest number on record. The National Audit Office said in a report last year that the SEND system as a whole "wasn't financially sustainable" and wasn't delivering better outcomes for children and young people, despite big increases in high-needs funding over the last 10 years. Local authorities are under huge financial pressure because of rising SEND needs. A deal holding £3bn of SEND deficits off local authorities books is due to run out next year. The government said in the spending review they would be setting out their long-awaited plans to reform the SEND system in England this autumn in a government white paper. They've also set aside £760m over two years to reform SEND from a transformation fund In response to today's figures for SEN pupils and the rise in SEND tribunals Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Behind each one of these figures is a family desperately fighting for even the most basic support for their child, leaving a staggering number of parents exhausted while young people are denied precious help. "It doesn't have to be this way, and this government will deliver the reform that families are crying out for through our Plan for Change – giving an excellent education to every child. "We have already taken the first steps to identify and meet children's needs earlier in mainstream schools, including through more early intervention across speech and language, ADHD and autism to prevent needs from escalating and £740m to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools." Additional data reporting by Harriet Agerholm Fears for children as special educational needs budgets tighten MPs say fix Send system or face 'lost generation' Lessons in cupboards in crowded specialist schools
Otago Daily Times
05-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
'She was my partner in crime': Chch community champion's heartfelt thank you to wife
Jim Lilley. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN Jim Lilley has lived one very busy life. The Christchurch RSA president has been a police officer, co-established Marine Watch and was a long-time Coastguard Canterbury volunteer. He also fundraises for the Cancer Society and trains bus drivers. And he credits one person – his late wife Cath (above). 'I couldn't have done half of what I've done without her support,' he said. Cath passed away in 2008 aged 44, following an eight-month battle with breast cancer. 'She was my partner in crime for a lot of the stuff I did,' Lilley said. Lilley's work in the community was recognised at the weekend in the King's Birthday honours list. The 72-year-old was inducted as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation and the community. Lilley was surprised and humbled – and said a large part of the award is for Cath. 'It's the whanau that supports the person. It's as much theirs as it is the person that's done it,' he said. He and Cath were together for 16 years. They got married the day before she died. 'We had both come out of less than pleasant marriages and we always said we're not going down that path again, but it was the one thing Cath wanted. 'Think of any emotion you can and it was probably there,' Lilley said. After Cath died, Lilley was an 'emotional wreck'. He turned to community service. 'I made a promise to Cath I would spend a chunk of my life working to improve the lives of people with cancer,' he said. In 2010, he heard about the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari, a biennial charity ride from Christchurch to Hokitika on 50cc scooters. The trip is made by up to 250 people annually and has raised $2.2 million for Cancer Society Canterbury-West Coast to date. Lilley has taken part in every ride since and has won best scooter multiple times. Photo: Supplied He changes the scooter design every time and has big plans for next year's event. 'It's a day of complete and utter lunacy, but the underlying thing is deadly serious. 'Half the way over there, I'm crying because I can feel Cath on my shoulder,' he said. Lilley grew up on a farm in Kaikōura, which shaped his passion for wildlife conservation. 'That environment (your upbringing) is where you develop the values that you live by,' he said. Lilley left Kaikōura when he was 18 to join the army. He completed the basic training, but was also interested in joining the police. He applied for both and was snapped up first by the police. After four years as a traffic cop in Nelson, he was diagnosed with cancer at 18. It was not treatable in Nelson, so he moved to Christchurch for treatment and to recover. Lilley also went through another round of cancer at 32. Incidents of animal harm in Kaikōura prompted Lilley and two friends to establish Marine Watch in 1992, which assisted the Department of Conservation with wildlife incidents. He led groups of volunteers to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, including dolphins, seals, whales and seabirds. Lilley was personally involved in the rescue of more than 10,000 stranded whales. 'When you look at the weather forecast and look at climate change, there's an imperative to this work. That's why I was trying to send a message that every animal matters,' he said. The organisation started with three, but grew to a group of about 500 volunteers. A whale rescue once required Lilley to go to Port Levy. He asked Coastguard Canterbury to take him and the crew there. The rescue was successful, but afterwards Lilley realised he had never thanked the Coastguard for its help. He went back a few days later – and ended up volunteering for the next 21 years. He took on a variety of roles, including training officer, skipper, and communications officer. Over the years, Lilley participated in the rescue of more than 500 people. Jim and Cath Lilley on the Rialto Bridge while holidaying in Venice in 2007. After 16 years together, they married in 2008, one day before Cath died. Photo: Supplied That included the 2000 storm that ruined the Lyttelton marina. 'A storm came through and totally destroyed (the marina), somewhere in the vicinity of 60 vessels got sunk and we spent the next 10 days salvaging what we could,' he said.
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street legend spotted back on set amid comeback rumours seven years after exit
A CORONATION Street legend has been spotted back on set amid comeback rumours seven years after her exit. The Sun were first to reveal earlier this year that actress 4 It looks like Catherine Tyldesley is getting ready to make her Coronation Street comeback Credit: Getty 4 The actress played barmaid Eva Price before quitting in 2018 Credit: Rex Features 4 The soap star was involved in some dramatic storylines during her time on the soap Credit: Rex We can now reveal that Catherine has been spotted on set, signaling further she is all set for her big Coronation Street comeback. A source told The Sun: "'There has been lots of excitement on set because Catherine has been seen around the place. "She's not back filming just yet, but it won't be long." Back in February, The Sun were first to reveal the exciting news that Read more on Coronation Street A source told us at the time: 'Cath has been away for a while and worked on countless other projects but she really missed Corrie. 'They've tried to get her back a few times but the stars have never alligned. 'But when she was approached with the idea for Eva's return, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. 'She'll start filming again in summer and be back on screen for autumn. Most read in Soaps 'She's so excited and can't wait to get back on the cobbles and it's definitely not going to be a storyline to miss.' BECOMING A CORRIE STAR Catherine was an instant hit when she joined Corrie in 2011, as feisty barmaid Coronation Street actors Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley lead soap stars in The Good Ship Murder She was on the ITV soap for seven years until 2018 and during that time was involved in some HUGE storylines. In her most memorable storyline she fell pregnant with tragic Cath's character also enjoyed several steamy relationships with Eva left 4 Catherine also starred with Corrie co-star with Shayne Ward on The Good Ship Murder Credit: Channel 5 COMEBACK TALK Earlier this year, She teased fans by insisting she would "never say never". "Coronation Street feels like forever ago, but I always look back with such great fondness,' she told Prima magazine. "They've asked me to go back a couple of times over the years, and it just so happened that I was busy with other projects. "But if they approached me with an amazing storyline and the time was right, of course, I'd go back. So it's always a case of never say never.' LIFE AWAY FROM CORRIE Since leaving Coronation Street, Catherine has continued to dominate our TV screens. She has gone on to star in BBC One series Scarborough and Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder, as well as compete on the 2019 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Cath also appeared in a guest role of Michelle Keegan's Sky comedy Brassic.
