Latest news with #Solihull
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
New exams chief quit his council role in the wake of child death criticism
The new boss of Scotland's exams quango resigned from his previous role following child safety concerns at the council he ran. Nick Page has been announced as the chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and will automatically switch to the same role at the new Qualifications Scotland body when it is set up later this year. But concerns have been raised about the way he left his job as chief executive of Solihull Council after a 2023 review found that children faced 'significant harm' due to delayed responses from its 'inadequate' children's services. Mr Page resigned following the Ofsted report, saying new leadership would help bring about the necessary changes. The SQA has refused to confirm his exact salary in the new role, saying only that it was 'within the range set by Scottish Government for CEOs of that grade' and that the job had been advertised with a salary of between £126,000 and £143,000. His appointment comes after new legislation was passed this week abolishing the SQA, despite concerns the new body will just be a 'rebrand'. Miles Briggs, education spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: 'This appointment by the discredited and scandal-hit SQA is bound to raise eyebrows among those crying out for positive change in Scottish education. 'Many will be concerned about how he left a previously senior leadership role and if that will hang over him as he gets to work in Scotland. 'SNP ministers missed the boat this week with their education bill which was full of cosmetic rebranding, including in relation to the beleaguered SQA. 'I wish Mr Page all the best in his new role, but he will need to show that he is willing to make the tough decisions necessary to undo 18 years of SNP damage to Scotland's education system.' During his role at Solihull Council, the authority was heavily criticised after six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was murdered by his step-mother in June 2020. Emma Tustin poisoned, starved and beat Arthur during the Covid lockdown, and was jailed along with Arthur's father Thomas Hughes, who was found guilty of manslaughter. A spokesman for the SQA said: 'Nick Page chose to step down from his last role after a critical inspection. 'It was a principled decision to allow fresh leadership to take improvements forward. 'The SQA board carried out full due diligence and was unanimous in its selection. Nick was also the unanimous choice of the SQA staff panel which interviewed all candidates.' The new appointment comes after Fiona Robertson announced she was quitting as chief executive in February. Mr Page will begin work on July 7 and will then lead Qualifications Scotland when it is established in December. He has worked in teaching and children's services, as well as local authority leadership. Mr Page said: 'I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as chief executive of SQA and to lead Scotland's new national awarding body when Qualifications Scotland opens its doors in December. 'SQA is already transforming at pace to build strong foundations for Qualifications Scotland, harnessing the deep knowledge, skills and commitment of our people. 'We will accelerate that work to deliver a future that improves outcomes and supports learning and teaching. 'As a former teacher from a family of teachers, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in classrooms, colleges and across the education community, especially since the pandemic.' SQA chairman Shirley Rogers, who led the recruitment process for the new chief executive, said: 'We set the bar high to find a dynamic leader with the depth of experience, values and commitment to public service and partnership that our organisation - and Scotland - needs. 'I am absolutely delighted that Nick has chosen to join us. His career spans many achievements and a proven ability to lead through both change and challenge. 'I am confident that, drawing on these experiences and a commitment to learning from them, Nick will drive the positive transformation that ensures Qualifications Scotland delivers for every learner, every educator, and every community.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Young Watford winger reunited with Barrow boss
Young Watford winger Michael Adu-Poku has again linked up with Andy Whing after joining Barrow on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old played under the League Two club's head coach when he was in charge at Solihull Moors last season and Adu-Poku is pleased to have the opportunity to work again with the former Coventry and Brighton defender and his assistant Craig Pead. Advertisement Michael Adu-Poku in action for the Hornets last season. (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) 'Obviously, being with them at Solihull, they contributed towards my progression in men's football and gave me a lot of opportunities, so them bringing me here is a great compliment,' Adu-Poku told the club website. Whing said: 'Having worked with Michael previously, I'm delighted to be able to bring him in and work with him again. 'He provides out-and-out pace and gives us something completely different to what we've already got. 'I'd like to extend a big thanks to Watford for trusting us and me again in aiding Michael's development this year.' Advertisement This is the fifth loan move in the young career of Adu-Poku, who made his Hornets debut in the FA Cup at Reading in January 2023 and followed this with his first league appearance against Rotherham United at Vicarage Road two weeks later. He then spent time on loan with the Hornets' neighbours Kings Langley before joining Maidstone United in March 2024 where he made six appearances in National League South. Having signed a new three-year deal at Vicarage Road in October, Adu-Poku linked up with Whing and Pead for the first time at Solihull where he made 13 appearances in the National League, scoring once. He was recalled by the Hornets in January and came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Norwich City on February 1, before leaving on loan again in March to return to the National League with Rochdale where he made seven appearances.
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Armed Forces Day events across the West Midlands
"It's essential that we, as a society, remember and celebrate those that put their country before themselves and ensure that their service is never forgotten."To Gordon Munro, former soldier and vice-chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Armed Forces Day is more than just a date in the calendar."Whether people have served on the front lines, supported from home, or been the family holding the fort, we all know that military life demands a lot," he across the West Midlands are holding events this weekend to mark the occasion on Saturday. Mr Munro, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps for nine years, described the occasion as "a proper moment of recognition". Armed Forces Day is the culmination of a week of celebrations, which started on 23 is a day to show support for all members of the military, from those currently serving to veterans, cadets, and families of are some of the events happening around the region this weekend: Birmingham and Black Country Himley Hall and Park in Dudley is hosting its 16th Armed Forces Day event on 29 from 11:00 to 16:00 BST, it will include a vintage and craft market, tea for the troops, and vintage fairground Mayor of Dudley will present HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to eligible Solihull on Saturday, a celebration is taking place at The Royal British Legion branch on Union Road from 12:00 to 18: is described as a family day with buffet food, a live singer and family entertainment. Coventry and Warwickshire The Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa will host a free community event on Saturday, from 11:00 to 15: offer will be live performances, military vehicles, children's activities, a tri-service competition and a fly-past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Avro series of events on Saturday kicks off with a service of thanksgiving in Holy Trinity Church at 10:30, followed by a parade will be led by the 13th Coventry Scout Band from 11:30, heading to Broadgate, where there will be a civic salute from the presentation stage."In these times of conflict, it's a chance to show how grateful we are to all those who have served, are serving and the families that support them, and the support we receive from the armed services in the city's work for peace," said the Lord Mayor of Coventry, councillor Rachel Lancaster. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Herefordshire Armed Forces Day is taking place on Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 at The Old Market Shopping Centre in promises exhibitions, displays and entertainment by military charities and support Worcester on Sunday will be a wheelchair basketball tournament at Worcester University from 09:00 to 19: is held by Police UK Disability Sport - its directors are all armed forces veterans and have competed in the Invictus tournament will see four teams - police, a community club and two armed forces - compete throughout the is free to attend for all armed forces families. Shropshire In Donnington, Telford, on Saturday will be an armed forces fun day, running from 09:00 to 18: on Broadoaks playing field, the event is free and includes live music, a fun fair, military vehicles and activities run by armed forces on Saturday, a group of military musicians will perform in Ellesmere."I'm thrilled that the Royal Household Division has given permission for a string quartet from the Duchess of Edinburgh's Orchestra to support Ellesmere's Armed Forces Day," said the town's mayor, councillor Liz Woodbridge."I'm particularly proud that a member of the quartet is my son."There will be musical entertainment from local schoolchildren, a flag-raising ceremony and a two-minute silence at 10: vehicles will be on display, and there will be a display at Ellesmere Library, which includes memories of the war from local afternoon will see a sold-out 1940s-style concert. Staffordshire The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will hold events on Saturday and include live performances, vehicle displays, a veteran's village and food and will be a daily act of remembrance on both will host an event at Queen's Park, Longton, on Sunday from 12:30 to 15: will be live music, a parade, activities and a fly-past from a Dakota there will be a family event at Queen's Park, Crewe, on Saturday and events will feature military vehicles, memorabilia, army displays and a picnic in the park. Wolverhampton Wolverhampton's event is free and will be held at West Park from 12:00 to 16:00 on is a programme of entertainment throughout the day, including a military parade and on the agenda is live music, exhibitions, arts and crafts and street food. More events across the region can be found on the Armed Forces Day website. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Fairy godmother' gifts 1,000 free prom dresses to girls
A teacher has gained the reputation of being a fairy godmother - by gifting almost 1,000 free prom dresses worth up to £750 to teenage girls. With the costs of school proms soaring, Stefanie Lakin from Solihull has a mission for every child to dazzle at the end-of-year set up the charity Madrina in 2022 and has given out almost 1,000 dresses so far. She also has free suits for the boys, with garments donated by local shops. "Our motto is 'the promise for all - everyone should go to the ball'," Mrs Lakin told the BBC. "Not everyone has the same financial situation and really what Madrina wants to do is make proms inclusive of everyone," Mrs Lakin said. Proms costing parents hundreds Among those receiving dresses are two of Florence Okello's single mother from Birmingham said: "I used to worry a lot about, how am I going to afford the total package?"The 57-year-old said the combined cost of the outfit, hair, make up, nails and eyelashes could run into hundreds of pounds."When I heard about Madrina through the school, I was ecstatic," she said. The charity collaborates with schools, local charities and parents to identify families in the help of volunteers, Mrs Lakin has organised pop-up prom shops at about 80 said when students try on the dresses you can see their "body language change" and an "outpouring of confidence"."I wish I could bottle the squeals of delight and joy," she charity also provide shoes and bags which are donated from prom dress shops, manufacturers and members of the public. 'Everyone's entitled to look fabulous' Anna Louise Gowns in Solihull was one of the first stores to donate dresses to Madrina, gifting ones that retail from £250 up to £ Rebecca Toftebjeig said when girls came into the shop to try on the prom dresses it was a special occasion."It upsets us to know that some girls can't have that moment because of their financial situation," she said."They're entitled as well as anyone else to go to prom and look fabulous." With the spiralling costs associated with proms, schools have been keen to work with charities to take the pressure off parents who might be struggling Stephenson who is head of Year 11 at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Kings Norton, Birmingham, said the charity had given many students "dignity".In the past, staff at the school sensed that some Year 11s were not attending prom because they could not afford it, he said. Around 30 pupils had received dresses and suits, with teenagers getting the "proper boutique experience", Mr Stephenson Lakin hopes to continue to spread the word so she can help more students go to their proms."Role modelling kindness is a great message to young people, that someone out there is like a fairy godmother looking after them," she said.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Queries over second medic in Ian Paterson patient case
The death of a patient of disgraced surgeon Ian Paterson was contributed to by "substandard" care provided by another doctor who treated her prior to Paterson, an expert has told an Worrall, from Shirley in Solihull, had grade three cancer in her left breast when she died on 30 July 2001 aged a report on Ms Worrall's death submitted to the inquest, Dr Richard Linforth, a consultant breast surgeon, said a delayed diagnosis of two years, despite a "red flag", was a contributory alleged this was due to her doctor in 1998, Dr John Taylor, not giving her an ultrasound after her mammogram came back clear. The inquest heard that Dr Taylor is now deceased. Surgeon Paterson was jailed for 15 years, later extended to 20 years, in 2017, after being convicted of wounding patients by way of botched and unnecessary operations. The former employee of Heart of England NHS Trust, who also worked at Spire Little Aston, is eligible for release in Worrall was one of 63 breast cancer patients treated by Paterson, and whose deaths are now being Dr Linforth claimed that Paterson's surgical treatment did not "materially impact" Ms Worrall's survival, he did say Paterson's treatment was "inadequate" and "poor", suggesting "a surgical incompetence in managing breast cancer".Dr Linforth alleged this was due to Paterson's failure to clear the margins of Ms Worrall's cancer and his inability to remove any of her lymph nodes during her also said a more probing history of her symptoms would have led to her having a CT scan to stage her cancer, meaning she could have avoided the mastectomy and "its discomfort". Dr Linforth maintained she could have had palliative endocrine therapy and radiotherapy instead. 'Failure of care' Ms Worrall had presented to Dr Taylor in 1998 at the age of 83, with an inverted nipple and nipple discharge, the proceedings Linforth told the inquest on Thursday: "I do believe for anyone with a nipple discharge and inversion, an ultrasound is mandated. Failure to request an ultrasound was a failure of care."If I got a letter about a woman of that age with nipple inversion, it's a red flag. To me, this is a cancer unless proven otherwise."Speaking at the inquest on Wednesday, Paterson also said that given her age and "new worrying symptom", he claimed he would have performed an ultrasound at the time if she had been his patient in 1998. The inquest heard that a cancerous mass in a dense breast might not be picked up on a mammogram, meaning Ms Worrall's mammogram may have missed the tumour she was later diagnosed with in months after her diagnosis of breast cancer, Ms Worrall was diagnosed with metastatic bone Linforth said he believed that diagnosis and treatment in 1998 would have prevented the cancer from metastasising to her bones. Disputed cause of death Ms Worrall's recorded cause of death in 2001 was carcinomatosis and breast at the inquest on Wednesday, Paterson said he was "very concerned" that the wrong cause of death for Ms Worrall had been given on her death certificate, as two letters addressed to her GP by consultants in the weeks before she died made no reference to her being terminally expressed his belief that Ms Worrall's "long history of heart disease" was a factor and said he was concerned it was not on her death certificate. However, Ms Worrall's granddaughter emailed the coroner on Wednesday night, expressing her upset over Paterson's claims over the cause of an email read out by the coroner, she said her father distinctly remembered Ms Worrall crying out when she was told her condition was terminal."I remember speaking to my nan and her being deeply upset about her prognosis and that she wouldn't survive," she said. Dr Simon Russell, a clinical oncologist acting as an expert to the inquest on Thursday, said he was also sceptical of the death certificate."The majority of ladies with bone-only metastatic breast cancer will live for some years," he said."I think Winnie died of the breast cancer spreading to the back and causing significant pain, immobility, and psychological distress – on top of pre-existing cardiac disease."Pain, immobility and shock were too much for her underlying issues to take."The proceedings continue. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
