Council Education Catering Service recognised for top performance

We are proud to announce that our In-House School Catering Service has been recognised as one of the top 6 best performing Services in the UK for 2019/2020 by The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE).

This recognition is based upon comparisons with other School Meals Services from across the UK and takes into account things such as food Purchasing Initiatives, School Meal Uptake, Management Costs, staff training/absence levels, communication to customers etc.

Tony Ward, Head of Highways, Facilities and Environmental Services, said: “We are really proud that the commitment and dedication of our Education Catering Service team has been recognised by the Association for Public Service Excellence.

“The Education Catering Service team has worked hard to maintain the quality of service provided across the county, never more so over the last 13 months during the pandemic. This really is a team effort and we are so pleased for all of them that their work has been noticed on a UK wide scale.”

APSE will include a case study about the Council’s service in their best practice studies publication which will be produced this summer.

The performance networks awards will be held online in June.

Five years have passed since the development of the new Rhyl High School building

Rhyl High School is celebrating five years since its new building opened.

The site has been occupied by the school since 1901 and it has developed significantly throughout its long history.

The new building replaced the former site which was demolished, offers a range of modern facilities such as hair salons and construction rooms as well as access to high-tech interactive boards, a recording studio, and laptops for children to use which has been vital, especially during the current pandemic. 

 

Claire Armistead, Head Teacher at Rhyl High School, said: “The new Rhyl High School building has done something really special. It showed the children and the community in Rhyl just what they deserved and provided a space full of opportunity and potential. It has completely changed the way we teach and the subjects we can deliver, ready for our children’s future.

“The old building was classrooms and corridors - a space to be taught not to learn or grow. This new building allows our children to be the most successful learners they can be. You can feel their energy and their ambition flow through the corridors

“I will never undervalue how important this new building is for Rhyl and I will do everything in my power to keep it as spectacular a learning organisation tomorrow as it is today “I am genuinely grateful for this amazing resource that’s been provided for the children of Rhyl.”

Geraint Davies, the Council’s Head of Education, said: “The new school building at Rhyl High School has been providing excellent facilities and learning opportunities for pupils for five years.

“This has helped young people reach their potential and given them the best educational experience. I would like to thank staff for all their hard work over the past five years, and wish all pupils all the best for the future.”

Outdoor hospitality welcomes customers back

Outdoor hospitality has now re-opened, with customers able to enjoy outdoor beer gardens, cafes and coffee houses.

The Council is working with businesses to ensure they are able to re-open safely to help customers enjoy themselves while protecting communities in Denbighshire.

Customers can also play their part by following guidance:

• There may be some queueing at premises so you will be expected to remain socially distanced from anyone not in your household.
• All premises must take your contact details for Test, Trace and Protect should they need to contact you.
• You will not be able to stand in a seating area to consume your drink.
• Please treat all staff with respect. They've missed you and want you to enjoy yourselves but abusive behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
• If you use public transport or need a taxi you will need to wear a face mask. Drivers, including taxi drivers, have the right not to take you if you do not wear a mask.
• Proprietors and landlords must stick to the rules as well so if you’re concerned about any premises contact covidppadmin@denbighshire.gov.uk

Emlyn Jones, the Council's Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside, said: "Re-opening outdoor hospitality is a major step in the easing of lockdown and businesses have been working hard to ensure they are providing a safe space for customers to enjoy themselves.

"Covid-19 hasn't gone away and we still have to take every precaution to ensure it doesn't return. We are asking customers to please do their bit so we can continue to keep levels low and help protect our communities.”

Virtual open day as £12m Denbigh extra care facility nears completion

Denbighshire residents have been finding out more about a new extra care facility, which promotes comfortable homes and complete independence, by attending a virtual open day.

Awel y Dyffryn in Denbigh has been developed by housing association Grŵp Cynefin, and it is the most ambitious scheme of its type in the history of the group.

The scheme is almost complete and is set to welcome its first residents in the autumn.

People living in Denbighshire and aged 60 and over will be given priority status at the scheme, which will offer a vibrant close-knit community as well as access to 24-hour care and support.

The £12m facility, which comprises 66 apartments and landscaped gardens, promotes a social lifestyle. Tenants can meet others in communal areas such as rooms for activities whilst still enjoying the privacy of their flat.

There is also an additional facility for friends and family to stay overnight in guest suites onsite.

Grŵp Cynefin’s Head of Housing Services, Noela Jones, said: “Everybody in Grŵp Cynefin is excited about this new development. We’re looking forward to welcoming residents through the doors of Awel y Dyffryn and we hope the modern apartments and wider facilities such as the garden will make it feel like home.

“We have already had people put their names down to live at Awel y Dyffryn. These types of schemes are vital in communities as they enable older people to continue living independently and enjoy the independence they had before, whilst being assured there is always access to care and support.

“As well as having your apartment, there will be an on-site hairdressers, restaurant and laundry room as well as rooms for activities to promote good health and wellbeing.”

Awel y Dyffryn features 42 two-bedroom and 24 one-bedroom apartments, with each one consisting of a bathroom, kitchen and living area. It is the fifth for Grŵp Cynefin, which also has other developments in Bala, Porthmadog, Holyhead and Ruthin.

Awel y Dyffryn, built by North Wales-based RL Davies, has also resulted in significant local investment, with 80 per cent of subcontractor and major supplier appointments made within 30 miles of the extra care scheme and local apprentices from Coleg Llandrillo and other trainees benefiting from work experience.

Phil Gilroy, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Community Support Services said: “We are extremely proud to be working in partnership on this important project with Grŵp Cynefin.

“Awel y Dyffryn will help older Denbighshire residents maintain and improve their independence while also supporting our communities to be more resilient

“We encourage all interested residents to attend the virtual open day to learn about the fantastic support this new great new facility will offer them.”

If you or your family member are interested in Awel y Dyffryn, please contact us to find out more. Call 0300 111 2122 or email: post@grwpcynefin.org.