Agenda item

Executive Member for Corporate Service, Culture and Public Protection

Councillor McCracken was proud to announce that the Neighbourhood Policing team in Bracknell had received the High Sherriff’s Award on their implementation of the new policing model. Members present joined him in congratulating the team.

He added that the Local Area Commander for Wokingham and Bracknell, Superintendent Rob France, would be leaving on 19 June 2017 having been promoted to a new post at Thames Valley Police HQ and would be succeeded by Acting Superintendent Sean Virtue.

Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning

CouncillorDr Barnard reflected on the recent Pride of Bracknell Awards and in particular noted the recognition received in two categories. The School of the Year award looked for schools that have performed exceptionally well in providing an effective and engaging learning environment for their children. The winner was St Michaels CofE School in Sandhurst with Meadow Vale Primary School identified as the runner-up. The Teacher of the Year category recognised those teachers who had made the classroom an engaging environment and inspiring for children. Claire Mockridge from Uplands Primary School won this category with Liz Combes from Ranelagh noted as the runner-up. The meeting joined him in congratulating all those recognised. 

CouncillorDr Barnard reported on recent success at the Mock Trial competition which gave young people a chance to learn more about the legal process as well as developing their critical thinking, acting skills and confidence. Year 8 and 9 students from Ranelagh had succeeded in March to progress to the regional final. This had been held in May and although they had not been successful he added that the students had delivered a credible performance.

CouncillorDr Barnard asked the Members present to join him in asking Nikki Edwards, Director Children, Young People and Learning to thank both staff and partners involved in the Ofsted inspection.

CouncillorDr Barnard advised the meeting that he had visited two schools since the attack in Manchester and their pupils were talking about the events with a resilience and determination and defiance not to have their lives affected which made him proud of the borough’s students.

Mayor’s Nominated Charity

The Mayor announced that her nominated charity for 2017 - 2018 was the Fire Fighters Charity and shared a short video to explain her choice.

Councillor Dudley, Chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority explained that the scope of works that the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) covered extended beyond fighting fires. He explained that Bracknell Fire Station was a key location which was continuously staffed and covered by a fire appliance at all times. He recognised that the charity was important for looking after the people that look after the residents of Bracknell Forest.

Sarah Cuthbert, Watch Manager and charity coordinator, explained the impact that the charity could have to provide officers with physical and emotional support. She described the potential impact of working within a traumatic environment and was pleased to announce that a new mental health support role based from Bracknell Fire Station had been approved. This new role would support RBFRS’ commitment to the wider health, safety and wellbeing agenda. She also promoted the Mayor’s charity sky dive which would be taking place on Sunday 22 April 2018.

The Mayor added that the new Bracknell Town Mayor, Councillor Harrison had already agreed to take part in the Skydive and she was keen to sign up other volunteers for this event.

Mayor’s Civic Service

The Mayor announced that her Annual Civic Service was being held on Sunday 9 July at Wellington College and formal invitations would be circulated shortly.