Put others to shame
I saw Gavin Williamson, our much-maligned Education Minister, speak about kids returning to school and it just confirmed my opinion, he's the worst cabinet member in living memory.
I then remembered the time when Estelle Morris, now Baroness Morris of Yardley, was Secretary of State for Education and Skills (mainly because we share the same birthday.)
She resigned her post in 2002 having made a commitment to the then Conservative Shadow Education Secretary, David Willetts, to resign if the literacy and numeracy targets she had set were not met; they weren't, and she fell on her sword.
She also said she did not feel up to the job.
This exhibition of honesty and integrity should shame those responsible for the political culture formed in this country since 2016.
David Byrne. Pallion.
At Childline, we often have conversations about bullying with children and young people. This hasn’t changed because we’re all experiencing a pandemic, and it didn’t stop when children were being schooled online at home rather than in the classroom.
But some children and young people may feel heightened anxiety when they are faced with spending a significant amount of time in the same physical space as someone who upsets them. This can become an overwhelming worry for children, particularly when they’re already coping with extraordinary levels of change and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. Bullying can take many forms, including being called names or being teased or humiliated, being the victim of nasty rumours, trolling on social media, or being ignored, left out and made to feel not wanted. It can also mean having possessions or money stolen, being hit, or being threatened with physical violence.
This can be incredibly hard for children and young people, so it is really important to let your child know they can talk to you or another adult they trust.
Discussing what’s been happening and how this has been having an impact on their wellbeing may not resolve everything instantly, but it’s an important first step towards things getting better.
As a parent, it can be difficult to hear your child is being bullied, and sometimes even more difficult to know what to do next. Initially, the most important thing is to calmly listen to what they’re saying, and let them know you’re there for them. Come to an agreement about what the next steps should be, and remember that schools have a responsibility to support their pupils.
It might be helpful to put together a diary of what has been happening, or screenshots of messages that have been sent.
Childline can help too, because sometimes talking things through with one of our counsellors can help find a way of resolving things. Children can contact us on 0800 11 11 or childline.org.uk If the bullying is online, children should report the posts to the app and block the person targeting them. If you or your child would like help, you can find advice on netaware.org.uk
Proposals for a 45-home housing development on Wearside have been lodged with planning bosses.
Earlier in March, a planning application was submittedtoSunderlandCityCouncil foragriculturallandatChilton Moor in the Houghton area.
The site comprises of two plots of undeveloped open land to the western edge of the village and south of Redburn Road and Black Boy Road.
According to planning documentssubmittedonbehalfof applicant Adderstone Living Ltd, the proposed development would offer affordable housing and would be managed by Karbon Homes.
If approved, two and threebedroom units would be offered – consisting of bungalows, two storey detached and two storey semi-detached properties – with affordable rent and rent to buy options available.
The site was previously granted outline planning permission for housing and has beenidentifiedassuitableand available for development.
However, a bid for around 50 homes on the site from another developer was refused in 2019 on the recommendation of council planners.
New site plans show the proposed houses distributed across two parcels of land to the east and west of an existingbuildingoffRedburnRoad.
The majority of homes are plannedforthesitetothewest, which would include a village
green, while the smaller plot would include homes and a pumping station.
Car parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure would also be provided.
A planning statement, submitted with the application, states the development would provide “significant economic benefits” including employment of more than 100 people during construction, through direct, indirect and induced employment.
A design and access statement adds the site would “support residential development as a natural extension to existing housing areas of Chilton Moor whilst reflecting the rural aspects close to the site.”
A final decision on the application is expected by early June, 2021.
Comments can be made by writing to the council’s planning department or visiting its online planning portal.
For more information on the plans, visit online-applications.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference: 21/00483/ FUL
We asked you to shout out the Sunderland businesses you have been using during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our ongoing #SupportLocal campaign.
From the people working to help you keep fit, to those providing a sweet treat at the end of a difficult day.
You came in your dozens to shine a spotlight on the traders across Wearside and share why you have been using their services as we all spend more time at home.
As our #SupportLocal campaign continues, we have rounded up some of your nominations.
Here are some of your suggestions from the Sunderland Echo Facebook page – along with your stories of why you love these businesses and what they have done for you during a difficult year.
BeautiBeats, Chester Road – Jennifer Hardy said: “This isn't just a business, it's like a second family. There's always something going on and such a wide range of things offered to suit every level and personal preference.”
Crumb on in Tearooms, Holmeside – Mandy Brown said: “It has been a lifeline to so many people from the start of Lockdown 1. Amazing service.”
It's Wuff Time – Shona Newey said: “These guys treat our pooch Chester like he’s one of their own, and they bend over backwards to accommodate us.”
Bou-chique, Bridge Street – Janice Richardson said:
“Not only do they sell fab clothes, but have kept us entertained via their videos. The girls in the shop are fab and have become friends as well as delivering purchases to your door.”
Potts Pawstries, Hylton Road – Jodie Smith said: “After rehoming a husky, Lizzie has been an amazing help. From dietary tips and healthy, all-natural treats, to grooming tips and coat maintenance advice. I won't go anywhere else for them now.”
Barons Butchers & Deli,
The Galleries, Washington – Laura Clarssen Clark said: “Absolutely amazing service by all the staff and always have a smile on their faces. Plus the meat here is unreal!”
The Little Lambs Boutique, The Green, Southwick – Kristie Smith said: “They have gone above and beyond all through the pandemic. Clearly, all businesses will of been affected, but the girls continue to work so hard and you never see them without a smile.”
Sunshine Co-operative,
High Street East – Wendy Gibson Carroll said: “They have been absolutely amazing. Organic fruit, veg, fresh bread etc all delivered to our home with a smile!”
Grinder Coffee Co, New Durham Road and Pati cake. Patisserie, Tunstall Road – Jennifer Collinson said: “Both dog friendly allowing me to grab a coffee on my dog walks.”
Cafe21, Vine Place – Dawn Nicholson said: "Amazing little cafe/takeaway selling home cooking in Sunderland.”
Cooney’s Fruit & Veg, Athenaeum Street – Jo Ann Ng said: “Amazing quality and very reasonable. Much better than the supermarket.”
Smile & Lift Fitness – Danielle Mahan said: “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without the online Zoom bootcamps to give some structure and routine to my day!”
Juliet's Delicatessen, Sea Road – Donna Leslie said: “Fabulous food and lovely staff, can't recommend it enough.”