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National News

Stopping school inspections not in childrens best interests says Ofsted chief

There've been calls for them to be paused following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry Stopping inspections would not be in the best interests of children, the head of the schools watchdog has said after calls for them to be paused following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman acknowledged the debate about reforming inspections to remove grades “is a legitimate one” but insisted school checks aim to raise standards and should continue. Three unions representing teachersRead More

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National News

Violent French pension protests erupt as 1 million demonstrate

Demonstrators are angry about plans to raise the pension age from 62 to 64 More than 1 million people demonstrated across France on Thursday against unpopular pension reforms, with violence erupting in some places. Unions have called for new nationwide strikes and protests next week, coinciding with King Charles’ planned visit to France. The Interior Ministry said the march in Paris — marred by violence, as were numerous marches elsewhere — drew 119,000 people, which was a record for the capital during theRead More

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Local News

Educational company publishes dual language children’s books

A huge demand for dual language books in English and Ukrainian has led to 12 children’s books to be published.The educational publisher, Badger Learning, based in Lynn, is publishing the paperbacks on Friday, March 31 in response to the need for high-quality resources to support Ukrainian children.These paperbacks are also available as eBooks and follow on from the six eBooks that Badger Learning decided to publish and offer for free back in June 2022 in response to the war andRead More

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Local News

Patient buys equipment for hospital as thanks for treatment

A former Queen Elizabeth patient has given back to the Lynn hospital as a mark of his gratitude.Gerry Ryan, 64, was diagnosed in 2021 with stage four emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and has handed over three nebuliser units to the QEH.The Emneth man has been raising money from his Diamond Motown shows at March United Services Club in aid of Asthma and Lung UK, but also wanted to give something to the Norfolk Community Health and Care,Read More

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National News

Rise in consumer confidence masks stark reality of cost of living crisis

Consumer confidence climbed slightly in March despite the cost-of-living crisis remaining a “stark reality” for most, according to a survey. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased two points in March, masking ongoing concerns about personal finances and rising to an overall score of minus 36. Confidence in personal finances over the next 12 months remains weak, falling three points to minus 21 – three points lower than this time last year. The survey comes as UK inflation shot up unexpectedlyRead More

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National News

Spending on subscriptions dating and DIY has dipped says Nationwide

The value of households’ spending on subscription services, home improvements and dating fell annually in February, according to analysis by Britain’s biggest building society of its members’ outgoings. The volume of dating transactions fell by a third (33%) in February 2023 compared with the same month in 2022, also falling by 7% by value, Nationwide Building Society found. Spending on subscriptions fell by 6% annually by volume and by 3% by value. DIY spending fell by 4% by value comparedRead More

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National News

England celebrate first win in Italy for 62 years

England record-breaker Harry Kane reflected on a “magical moment” after he put his World Cup pain behind him to stand alone as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer on Thursday night. Kane’s 44th-minute penalty in Naples helped England to an impressive 2-1 win away to Euros champions Italy and earned him a slice of history. It moved Kane top of the national team scoring charts with 54 goals and ahead of Wayne Rooney, who he had drawn level with during aRead More

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Local News

MP repeats call for decision on hospital funding ‘as soon as possible’

North West Norfolk MP James Wild has once again called for a decision on the government’s new hospitals programme to include Lynn’s crumbling hospital.Mr Wild made the comments regarding Lynn’s “RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) ravaged” Queen Elizabeth Hospital during Treasury questions in the House of Commons on Tuesday.He said: "Given that the Chancellor [Jeremy Hunt] has protected the new hospitals budget, may I express the huge frustration of my constituents at delays in the announcement that the RAAC-ravaged QueenRead More

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Local News

Elaine, 101, is VIP as she opens up fair

The oldest member of a West Norfolk church community became a VIP when she officially opened its fundraising Spring Fair.For 101-year-old Elaine Price-Jones, Saturday’s event proved to be a trip down memory lane when she was able to chat to people she hadn’t seen for many years.Mrs Price-Jones, wearing one of her trademark elegant outfits, performed the opening of St Faith’s Anglican and Methodist Church Spring Fair in the Church Rooms. She was welcomed to the event by St Faith’sRead More

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