We were delighted to be able to put on show to the public our exciting plans for a new paddling pool at Victoria Embankment.

The current facility, owned by the council and which dates back to the 1940s, was closed in the summer of 2021 after on-going problems with leaks and other issues. More than 2,100 residents took part in a public consultation last year and told us they?d like to see a replacement, featuring traditional paddling pool and splash park elements.

This helped to shape the plans revealed last Friday which show the design is sympathetic to its heritage by using the existing footprint and providing contrast paving to celebrate the original line of the paddling pool. People can now view and comment on the proposals until 1 October. These responses will be collated and used in a council report to help inform the final decision.

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It was encouraging to see that Ofsted inspectors have noted improvements being made in Children?s Services after their latest report was published last week.

While we know we still have much work to do following the department?s ?Inadequate? rating last year, Ofsted has noted a number of positive developments over the past few months, including:

• Early signs of tangible improvements in both the fieldwork practice and the environment in which staff work as a result of a ?committed and stable leadership team?
• Children building strong relationships with their social workers, who have a good understanding of their needs
• Children visited regularly, and often more frequently than the minimum amount set out in their care plan. These help young people make positive progress against their plan
• Supervision is taking place regularly and staff feel supported.?

We remain committed to further improvements for looked-after children in our city and will continue to work closely with Ofsted and partners to bring about these important changes.

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Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are working in partnership to deliver Nottinghamshire U22, a new ticketing price point on buses and trams across the county offering student prices to all under 22-year-olds.

The scheme aims to support all young people in the city and county by improving access to travel for work, leisure and study.

Robin Hood 19-21 season tickets for multi-operator travel will be available offering more than ?100 a year discount on an adult ticket.

Under-22 tickets are now available ? purchase methods and eligibility criteria varies across operators so please check before travel. Funding was secured through a bid from both councils to the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) ? a grant from central government to improve bus services across the city region.

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Nottingham businesses and voluntary organisations are able to take advantage of cash grants of up to ?25,000 for green transport schemes.

The money can be applied for through Nottingham City Council?s Workplace Travel Service and is also open to charities, public-sector and faith groups.?

So far, the scheme, funded by the Government's Transforming Cities Fund, has distributed more than half a million pounds locally to help Nottingham businesses go greener, through:?

• Adding cycling infrastructure such as a cycle shelter, showers, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes?
• Adding charging points for electric vehicles including all works associated with installing them??

In order to qualify, a business or organisation needs to be based within the Nottingham City boundary. Businesses contribute 25 per cent towards the costs of any scheme, but public-sector, voluntary or charitable groups are fully funded. The deadline for applications is 31 December this year.?

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Finally, I?d just like to wish all children the very best for the new school term, which starts this week. As a former headteacher, I remember well the excitement and anticipation that a new school year brings for pupils, parents, carers, teachers and school staff.

National coverage about ?Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) may be causing some anxiety but I want reassure you that we do not believe that any schools in Nottingham are affected, though we continue to work closely with the Department for Education.? ?

Whether your child is starting out in the reception, moving up to secondary school or perhaps starting their GCSE studies this week, I wish them all the best for a happy, healthy and successful year. I know what a special day it is and it would be great to hear about your memories of the first day of school.