Information on Leicester
News Index
2012
May 2012Apr 2012
Mar 2012
Feb 2012
Jan 2012
2011
Dec 2011Nov 2011
Oct 2011
Sep 2011
Aug 2011
Jul 2011
Jun 2011
May 2011
Apr 2011
Mar 2011
Feb 2011
Jan 2011
2010
Dec 2010Nov 2010
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
Jul 2010
Jun 2010
May 2010
Apr 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
A CAMPAIGN, which aims to improve the language and learning skills of children in Leicester, is to be launched by the city council.
The Talk Matters campaign aims to ensure that everyone in the city who comes into contact with young children understands the importance of talking to babies as soon as they are born, and can help them to develop their language skills as they grow.
Assessments of children just about to start school in the city show that around 70% of them do not have the language skills expected at age five.
Cllr Vi Dempster, Cabinet member for children and young peopleâs services said: âThis work is very important to our plans to raise educational attainment in Leicester. If children donât have the language skills they need at age five, they will always be playing catch-up in school, and this could affect them for the rest of their lives.
âThe aim of this campaign is to make sure people understand why they need to communicate better with their babies and children. And we will be offering training and support to parents and those who work with children, so that they can help them to become skilful and confident communicatorsâ.
The council, working with health professionals from the Leicester Primary are Trust (LCPT), has developed an early yearsâ communication strategy, which sets out how it aims to raise childrenâs communication and language skills over the next three years.
Its plans include: developing a training programme for the childrenâs workforce; working with professionals in childrenâs centres to set up a screening service to spot language problems; offering a quality assurance award to early yearsâ providers to encourage them to take part.
Specially-trained teachers and speech language therapists will train workers who lead teams in schools and other settings, those who work with children who have delayed language, and those who work with vulnerable children.
It also wants to bring together a team of experts from different city organisations, to help to measure the success of the strategy and get more people involved in it.
The strategy is believed to be one of the first of its kind, because of the way it links with other council work under way, including the councilâs parenting strategy, and the Transforming Leicesterâs Learning plan. It also fits with the partnership work between the PCT and Leicesterâs libraries to make books available to young children through the Bookstart strategy.
The council will also be working with I CAN â a national charity that supports children with delayed language skillsâ to implement the strategy.
Research by I CAN published in 2006 found that children with language delay are more likely to have difficulty mixing with their peers and forming real fri
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
|---|---|
 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
Town Hall Square Play Day | |
|---|---|
 | LEICESTERâ S Town Hall Square will be transformed into a childrenâ s paradise on Wednesday to mark national Play Day.... 30 Jul 2008 Town Hall Square Play Day |
Reading scheme success | |
| A READING scheme thatâ s transforming the lives of children who have been struggling to read, is celebrating more success this week.... 07 Jul 2008 Reading scheme success |
Children's cycle training | |
| ng the week commencing 18th August, Bikeability instructors will be offering free cycle training sessions to children to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to ride safely on roads.... 30 Jul 2008 Children's cycle training |
Double Club French | |
| 9 October 2009Double Club FrenchPhoto opportunity: Children from Rendell Primary School in Loughborough are learning how to play a good game of football only theyre learning it all in French! To see how theyre getting on and to find out all about the scheme, Roger Wilson, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, will be at the school. (Photographers are welcome to attend at 3.... 12 Oct 2009 Double Club French |
Primary school plans | |
| S to spend more than £150 million on Leicesterâ s primary schools have been launched.... 30 Jun 2008 Primary school plans |
Relevant News
Training centre to open | |
|---|---|
| A NEW centre offering training and help to staff at schools, colleges and universities across the region is due to open at a Leicester special school.... 05 Jun 2008 Training centre to open |
Swim scheme welcomed | |
| p> CITY council leader Ross Willmott has welcomed the governmentâ s announcement that it is to fund free swimming for everyone by 2012. The Government has announced plans for free swimming to be introduced in phases over the next four years in a move to encourage more participation in sport and to make healthy exercise accessible to more people. Initially, swimming will be made free for over-60s â a policy which Leicester City Council introduced at its own pools two years ago â before being extended to include free swimming for all children and adults by 2012. Cllr Willmott said: â This is absolutely excellent news. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can take â and itâ s fun. â We are proud that Leicester was ahead of the game in offering free swimming to over-60s two years ago, and are glad to see plans to extend that offer to children and eventually all adults too. â By giving c... 06 Jun 2008 Swim scheme welcomed |
Play investment | |
| icester looks set to get £1.2 million to invest in play areas over the next three years.... 24 Jun 2008 Play investment |
Primary school plans | |
| S to spend more than £150 million on Leicesterâ s primary schools have been launched.... 30 Jun 2008 Primary school plans |
Minister visits school | |
| PUPILS and teachers at Forest Lodge Primary School are celebrating after been crowned champions in the citywide â Grow Your Grubâ competition.... 30 Jun 2008 Minister visits school |
Most Read News (today)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
|---|---|
 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
 | Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (this month)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
|---|---|
| A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (alltime)
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
|---|---|
| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Don't be dead in the water this summer | |
 | Parents preparing for summer are being urged to think before buying blow-up arm-bands and rings County Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging people to check that buoyancy aids will really do the job before grabbing the nearest inflatable off the shelf. Not all products are meant to be used to help a child stay above water and even if they will float, if the item is a toy, such as an inflatable animal or giant ring, it will not necessarily be manufactured to the same safety standards as something specifically designed to help a child learn to swim.... 09 Apr 2008 Don't be dead in the water this summer |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? | |
 | Central and local government have both adopted the Internet to promote their activities and to get feedback from citizens. But how successful has this been?... 17 Apr 2008 DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |