Coronavirus daily round-up: Monday 7 December
Isabella McRae and Ella Doyle
Monday, December 7, 2020
Almost a third of the UK’s most vulnerable children will miss out on Christmas presents and a festive meal this year, Barnardo’s has warned.
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Each day, CYP Now will summarise the key issues affecting the children and families sector as it tackles the effects of the pandemic. The daily update signposts children’s services practitioners and leaders to the latest developments, expert views, advice and resources.
Families face ‘toughest Christmas for a generation’, Barnardo’s warns
A survey of Barnardo’s frontline workers has revealed that a third (34 per cent) of children they support will not receive any presents this Christmas.
Almost as many children (32 per cent) will not have a Christmas meal, the research shows.
One in three parents with children under-18 are in a worse financial position this festive season compared with last year, according to a survey of more 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by the charity and carried out by YouGov.
Barnardo’s has launched its Kidsmas campaign to support vulnerable children over Christmas which sees supporters throw a “snowball donation”, contributing to a growing virtual snowman.
Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “We’re asking people to come together to raise funds and help Barnardo’s make sure that vulnerable children are safe, supported and cared for - at Christmas and all year round.”
Music education hit by Covid-19
The coronavirus pandemic has had a “devastating” impact on music education, according to a report by the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM).
Sixty-eight per cent of primary school teachers and 39 per cent of secondary school teachers said that music provision has decreased due Covid-19.
Extra-curricular activities are no longer run in 72 per cent of primary schools and more than two thirds (68 per cent) of secondary schools. One in ten primary and secondary schools are not teaching music in the classroom at all.
Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the ISM, called for clear and consistent guidance from the government.
She said that it was “vital that every child can access a quality music education”.
“If we do not do this,” she said, “then not only will less privileged children go without, but the heart of the school will be damaged in the long term.”
Digital employability training for young people in Stockport
Stockport Council has announced a free digital training programme starting in early 2021 for young people wishing to enter the technology industry.
Industry experts MadLab will deliver the training, funded by the Fast Track Digital Workforce Fund.
It will lead to guaranteed job interviews for specialist roles in Greater Manchester and Stockport for participants, Stockport Council said.
Councillor Kate Butler, cabinet member for citizen focus and engagement, said: “Digital is a key growth area both nationally and regionally and there is currently a shortage of people with the right skills.”
Limited places are available free for all college leavers in Greater Manchester.
For more information visit: www.shiftclick.co.uk/
UK charities lead employability programme for young people
An online coaching programme is set to enhance employability skills for for young people in the Thames Valley
The Reach Up employability programme, organised by leading charities UK Youth and Advisa, starts today and runs until Friday (11 December).
The programme will be taught over Zoom and will coach young people in employability and work skills over five days. Participants will organise a charity fundraising project, meet staff from Coca-Cola European Partners and receive a £100 bursary for further coaching.
Lee Teidema, project manager from Adviza, said the course is an opportunity for young people to “engage with organisations that can inspire their next step in education, employment or training.”
Anyone wishing to participate, refer a young person or learn more should email allanpotter@adviza.org.uk