Category Archives: News

Regional Qualification Audit for Registered Group Based Settings in NI

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The Regional Qualification Audit for Registered Group Based Childcare Settings in NI goes live on Wednesday 29 March 2023.

Information will be collected from all registered group based settings via a survey link issued by each HSC Trust.

Each setting will receive information on how to complete the online survey from their local HSC Early Years Team.

It is a mandatory requirement that each setting completes the survey as it will inform the pending review of Minimum Standards for Childminding and Daycare and also inform the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.  The information gathered in this audit is critical in supporting the sector going forward.

Mandatory Response due by 28 April 2023.

Issue 100 – Southern Area FYI – 23 March 2023

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Welcome to the milestone 100th issue of our information bulletin, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

Download your copy here

So, we’ve made it to 100 ‘FYI’s! A real achievement for our very small team and made possible by all of those who have submitted information on a wealth of relevant issues. Thank you to all and to those who have signed up to receive this every fortnight. And a massive thank you to Joanne, in our team, who is the creative talent behind it!!!

We have included some testimonials from our valued partners over the years which tell you how invaluable they have found ‘FYI’ over the last 4 years – Our very first edition was creatively called ‘What’s On’, released on 21st January 2019 and consisting of just 12 pages…

May we also draw your attention to our new School Uniform Recycling Toolkit on page 3 which we are inviting all schools across the Southern Area to use to help families recycle their children’s school uniforms, and also to our invitation on page 4 to anyone who wishes to come along to one of our Locality Planning Group meetings. The meetings include a lot of information sharing which is always very beneficial to all.

In the meantime, see you in a fortnight for Edition 101!!

Locality Development Team, Southern Area

Helplines NI- Listen, Support, Inform

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What is Helplines NI?

Helplines NI brings together over 35 helplines operating across Northern Ireland.
The Helplines NI leaflet and website (www.helplinesni.com) provide a directory of
the helplines within Northern Ireland.
The Helplines NI website (www.helplinesni.com) can be used by the public and professionals to find the right helpline and support. 

Download poster here

Download leaflet here 

Services for those bereaved by suicide

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Final 3 weeks of public consultation on services for individuals who have been bereaved by suicide (Easy read version available)

PHA recognise the importance of reviewing current services for individuals who have been bereaved by suicide and most importantly listening to the views of service users, families, local communities and organisations delivering services to ensure an appropriate service model.

Our Public Consultation is an opportunity to have your say on the provision of services for individuals who have been bereaved by suicide.

If you wish to join our final in-person consultation event in Belfast on 21st March, please complete the attached registration form and return to Engage.PL2@hscni.net

You can also share your views by completing an online survey.  This survey will be available for 12 weeks from 16th January 2023 until 9th April 2023.

An easy read version of the consultation survey is also available.

All responses to the consultation should be summitted by 9th April 2023 when this consultation closes.

TikTok Safety Guide Launched to Support Schools, Parents and Carers

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The guides launched on Safer Internet Day (7th February), a day that promotes the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people, were created as part of EA’s commitment to enhancing the support and guidance offered to schools in relation to social medial.

They provide advice to schools, parents and carers on the basics of how TikTok works, the potential risks associated with it and helpful tips on how to best support children and young people on the use of such platforms.

TikTok is a social media application where users can create, share and watch short videos; and which allows users to express themselves in creative ways such as singing, dancing and performing comedy sketches. However the app has brought challenges and concerns for many schools, parents and carers as highlighted by EA’s Elaine Craig:

“The importance of online safety for children and young people cannot be underestimated. While TikTok is a hugely popular platform, potential risks include social pressures, stranger danger, lack of age verification, and access to explicit content.

“We were delighted to work with online safety experts INEQE and the Department of Education on these guides which are a highly useful resource, and which form part of our long-term strategy to keep young people safe while online.”

 

 

Guide for Parents/Carers

 

 

 

 

 

Guide for Schools