Your guide to council services | September 2015
A bug’s life Playtime at new park
camden.gov.uk
Inside
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Acland Burghley students get dancing
The Camden magazine is distributed free to all homes in Camden to give you information about our services. It is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources.
Website: camden.gov.uk Email: pressoffice@camden.gov.uk Twitter: @camdentalking Communications team Camden Council Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE
Distribution from 7 September 2015 Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: 020 7974 5717 Costs 15 pence a copy to produce. Cover image: Justin Thomas
Digital edition Go to camden.gov.uk/camden to find out how to access our digital magazine
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6-7
News in focus A-level results success
8-11
News in brief
Newly reopened park at Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate
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Get into our social media Adult community learning New plan for waste management A yes vote for a Neighbourhood Plan Guide to extending your home Free broadband vouchers Improving private rented housing conditions Keeping street trading legal
19
Feature Don’t get bitten by a loan shark
17-20 Building works start at Agar Grove
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Local content Clean Camden update What’s on Housing engagement events
28-29 Feature
Getting help with personal care
30-31 Feature Fun days on our housing estates
Latest news on HS2
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Camden
future libraries consultation Pick up a copy of the questionnaire at any Camden library or complete it at camden.gov.uk/futurelibraries #futurelibraries 4 | Camden | September 2015
Welcome to the September edition of the Camden magazine I
hope you have all had an enjoyable summer and were able to get out and about to enjoy some of our parks and open spaces.
watch the video
Councillor Sarah Hayward Leader of the Council
There has certainly been plenty going on, including our events to celebrate the borough’s 50th birthday and our big beach party at the Camden Roundhouse. Pages 24 and 25 have some great pictures from the event, which featured a cake baking competition and live music. I’m so glad so many residents could come along and have fun with us, and many thanks to the Roundhouse for kindly donating their venue for free. As you’ll see from our front cover, we also have a brand new playground at Alexandra Road Park in South Hampstead, which opened last month after a £1.5 million restoration. It’s a great example of how we worked with residents to successfully bid for Heritage Lottery Funding and then supported residents to lead the project. If you get a chance to go I can highly recommend it, there’s plenty of space for adults and children and you can read more about it on page 12.
It’s a crucial stage in our campaign to get the best deal from the government’s plans for HS2. As a Council we remain opposed to HS2 as we believe the construction will cause a decade of disruption and we are continuing to push for the best deal for residents and businesses. There’s an important opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and we can support you in doing this, so please look at pages 30 and 31 to find out how you can have your say. Finally, I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone who was celebrating their GCSE and A-level results last month. I had a lovely morning at Regent High meeting GCSE students and sharing in their excitement. Yet again Camden’s results were excellent and reflect hard work by students and teachers and support by parents. The high quality of education at our schools continues to shine through and you can read about the success of A-level students on page 6. I hope you find this edition of the magazine useful and enjoyable.
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News in focus
LaSWAP sixth formers celebrate their A-level results with the headteachers of William Ellis School, La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School and Parliament Hill School.
A-level joy for Camden students Camden students celebrated their A-level exam success with 77.5% of entries achieving passes at grades A* to C, compared with the national average of 77.2%. The overall borough pass rate (grades A* to E) of 98.6% continues to exceed the national average of 98.1% 6 | Camden | September 2015
Councillor Angela Mason CBE, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, who visited LaSWAP sixth form consortium on results day to congratulate students, said: “These results are testimony to the hard work of our students and teachers and the support of parents. Camden schools offer students an amazing breadth of skills, subjects and experiences, with links to worldclass cultural institutions, universities and businesses. The quality of education on offer is reflected in
News in focus
William Ellis student Thonmoy Dey (left), who has a place at UCL to study medicine, with head Sam White.
this year’s results, which show our A-level students performing well.”
Investing in our school buildings The Council is investing millions of pounds in school buildings through our Community Investment Programme – with a revamped sixth form block at Acland Burghley School now open and a brand new sixth form building for Parliament Hill and William Ellis planned, which will give Camden LaSWAP students access to state-of-the-art learning facilities.
Maureen Williams, headteacher at La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School (one of the LaSWAP schools), said: “I am very proud of all our students and particularly pleased with our improvements in maths and science subjects, with a 100% A*-B pass rate in maths.”
and William Ellis - and aims to ensure outstanding progress and achievement for all students, equipping them for future success.
The LaSWAP sixth form is the largest post-16 provision in Camden and the longest-established sixth form consortium in London. It combines the strengths of its four partner schools - Acland Burghley, La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill
Find out more camden.gov.uk/brightfutures Join the conversation #camdenschools
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News in brief
Feeling social? Keep up to date and involved with the Council by following us on our social media accounts. For news, advice and conversations with Camden Council, follow @camdentalking
Visit facebook.com/ camdenjobsandtraining for advice and updates about training, apprenticeships and job opportunities in the borough.
Find out what’s happening from Hampstead Heath to the British Museum by following @lovecamden
Discover the best bits of Camden as shared by the Love Camden team and contribute your own favourites – visit facebook.com/lovecamden
We monitor our accounts during work hours, Monday to Friday.
Get the latest news about your services by visiting facebook.com/ LBCamden
Instagram Sharing the latest pictures @camdentalking
Fancy a Camden loyalty card to shop locally? ‘Like’ the Camden Facebook page before end of September to be in the running to get a new Swipii card from Camden Town Unlimited. Simply go to facebook.com/LBCamden and ‘like’ us!
Find out more camden.gov.uk/socialmedia camdentalking@camden.gov.uk
Celebrating Camden’s adult learners Camden’s adult learners and the volunteers who support them were celebrated at a special event at the British Museum. Over 150 people attended the Camden Adult Community Learning Awards evening, which celebrated the successes of adult learners and recognised the commitment of the volunteers who help make our adult learning programmes such a success. Fifty-two adult learners and 17 volunteers received awards for their achievements. The event was attended by the Mayor of Camden, 8 | Camden | September 2015
Councillor Larraine Revah, who presented the volunteer awards. Adult Learning Champion awards were presented to four groups, including Kentish Town parents from the White British Achievement Project (pictured), by Councillor Georgia Gould, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People and Economic Growth. Camden adult community learning service works with a range of providers, partners and volunteers to run classes in more than 80 community venues.
The courses help residents to pursue an interest, address a need, gain a new skill, become healthier or learn how to better support their children. Each year, about 4,000 people enrol in one of the courses on offer, which include family learning, computing, employability, web design, exercise, arts and crafts and beginner English.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
News in brief Have your say on the future of waste management in North London What happens to your waste and recycling when it leaves your home or workplace? How can we ensure there are sufficient facilities to manage it? These are some of the issues considered in the Draft North London Waste Plan (NLWP) which is now available for public consultation. The NLWP sets out the planning framework for waste management in the London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest up to 2032. It identifies sites and areas suitable for waste
management use and sets out policies for determining waste planning applications. The Draft Plan and consultation documents are available at www. nlwp.net or at all libraries in Camden. Comments on the NLWP can be submitted by email to feedback@nlwp.net or online and must be received no later than 30 September 2015.
Find out more nlwp.net
Residents vote ‘yes’ to Camden’s first Neighbourhood Plan Residents of Fortune Green and West Hampstead have voted in favour of a Neighbourhood Plan for their wards following a referendum held in July. The referendum, only the second in London, means the Neighbourhood Plan – which
sets out a community’s vision for the local area and general planning policies to guide future development – will now be used to influence planning decisions in the area. Following the plan successfully passing a formal examination by an independent examiner, the next step was to hold a public referendum which asked the eligible electors: “Do you want London Borough of Camden to use the Neighbourhood Plan
for Fortune Green and West Hampstead to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?” We are due to formally adopt the plan this month and it will be taken into account to inform planning decisions in the area.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/ neighbourhoodplanning 9
News in brief
Your guide to extending
• foundations • walls • roofs • stairs • heating and ventilation • electrics The guidebook also covers moving or removing internal walls, adding a conservatory and information on how our building control team can help you should you decide to sell your home.
Are you thinking about converting your loft or extending your current home? Our building control team can help.
converting a garage to adding another floor.
We have produced the ‘Guide to Extending Your Home’ to help you tackle your building projects, from
You’ll find guidance on how to address a range of technical issues including:
The booklet explains how to approach your project, what to consider when planning, and gives advice on carrying out smaller repairs.
You can pick up your free guide from your local library or request a copy by emailing building. control@camden.gov.uk You can also view it online at extendingyourhome.com/ camden
Find out more camden.gov.uk/buildingcontrol building.control@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444
Be superfast to get your free broadband vouchers Apply now to claim vouchers towards a faster and more reliable broadband service. Over 600 businesses, charities and social enterprises in Camden have taken advantage of the Greater London Authority’s broadband connection voucher scheme since it started in March 2014. You can get vouchers worth up to £3,000 towards a high-speed broadband connection, usually of 30Mbits or more, if you run a small business, charity or social enterprise. 10 | Camden | September 2015
High-speed broadband allows you to store and access files via the Cloud, transfer large files quickly and securely and enjoy a more productive and reliable service every day. Camden currently has one of the highest take-up rates in London and we want to ensure that all local businesses, charities and social enterprises get the chance to benefit. Due to high demand there is now limited availability of vouchers so sign up now to avoid disappointment.
If you are eligible it’s quick and easy to apply. Once you’ve claimed a voucher, you will have 28 days to place an order with a supplier. You can apply as an individual business or combine vouchers with neighbours to make them go much further.
watch the video Find out more london.gov.uk/broadband 020 7983 4981
News in brief
Improving conditions for private renters The London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) was founded in Camden, and is a partnership
between all 33 London boroughs - working together to recognise good landlords and improve living conditions for people renting privately. There are currently more than 13,000 accredited landlords on the scheme, who enjoy benefits including access to training and professional development, as well as industry networking opportunities. For tenants, the scheme provides the reassurance of knowing that accredited landlords will adhere to a code of conduct and fulfil the requirement
to be a “fit and proper person� to manage housing. As the proportion of Londoners living in privately rented accommodation increases, LLAS has set itself a new challenge - to make LLAS accreditation the London-wide standard for landlords.
Find out more londonlandlords.org.uk
Food for thought for street vendors Illegal street trading can mean environmental health and safety concerns for their customers and can cause a nuisance locally for residents, visitors and legitimate businesses. To stop ice cream vendors being on thin ice and hot dog sellers
getting into hot water Camden has been providing information to all street traders so they are aware of what is allowed. Certain traders don’t follow the rules, and a large amount of our work focuses on illegal food traders, including ice cream, hotdogs and peanut sellers. Illegal street trading creates significant local nuisance, impacting on local residents, businesses and visitors.
Illegal ice cream van is towed away
Our street trading, environmental enforcement, parking enforcement, trading standards and community safety officers work with Camden police and organisations including InMidTown and the Fitzrovia
Partnership to educate and, where necessary, enforce against these traders. We can also seize goods, and during the summer two ice cream vans were seized as well as food vending trolleys. There are over 50 streets across the borough which are prohibited for ice cream sellers. For other streets, ice-cream vans are only allowed to trade for a maximum of 20 minutes and they must not return to the same street on the same day.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/streettrading 11
Feature
Park life
Alexandra Road Park in the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in South Hampstead reopened in July after a £1.5 million resident-led restoration. Now it’s a fabulous green space for children and adults to enjoy. We talked to the local residents who led on the project. Elizabeth Knowles, Eleanor Fawcett and Sara Bell are still pinching themselves. The restoration of the park took five years from first planning to completion. Now it’s finished they can hardly believe their eyes. Elizabeth said: “I’ve lived here since the park was built. It had become very overgrown and we realised that it needed a complete overhaul – but also that we needed to keep its unique features intact. We applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme and were successful in getting £1.5 million to restore it.” Eleanor said: ‘Now we’re looking at the results – a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy. We hope to see many, many people here.”
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Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Environment, said: “It is inspiring to see the results of what could only have been achieved through grassroots efforts, and we hope this fantastic restoration will encourage more people of all ages to visit and enjoy what the park has to offer.”
Getting there Alexandra Road Park is a public park and free for everyone to visit. We are holding events there throughout the autumn. Please visit lovecamden.org for more information. Tube: Swiss Cottage Station: South Hampstead Buses: 46, 139 and 189.
Why the park is special Designed by architect Neave Brown and landscape architect Janet Jack in the 1970s, the park is innovative in allowing children to explore a range of different environments, including three play areas and grassy banks. There’s plenty of space for adults too: three lawns, a games area where parents and children can play together and a woodland walk. There’s also a stage where events can be held. The restoration of the park was supported thanks to money raised by National Lottery players through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/arp
Feature
Dance showcase at Acland Burghley celebrates links with local primary schools Acland Burghley School’s new Junior Dance Company for local primary pupils joined a talent showcase at the school for an audience of about 200 parents and children. The event in the school’s dance and music block also featured Acland Burghley’s Youth Dance Company performing an Alice in Wonderland inspired routine, called Queen of Hearts, which they performed again at Sadler’s Wells theatre. Former Acland Burghley student Kate Mummery, of the Zamirakate Dance Company, also brought her dancers to the two-hour evening show at the school and Acland Burghley students joined their performance called Mentally Zero. Kate, who helped prepare Acland Burghley students for the recent Camden Schools Dance Festival, has been working with Marita Young, head of dance at Acland Burghley School, to launch the Junior Dance Company and prepare the primary children and Acland Burghley students for the showcase event. Among the guests at the event were Acland Burghley’s new headteacher Nicholas John and new associate head Paul Newbury, the former Director of Music for Camden School for Girls who has also worked at La Sainte Union and
William Ellis schools in Camden. Mr Newbury told children from the Junior Dance Company: “We loved your level of commitment and creativity. Please keep dancing – it has been such a pleasure to see what you have achieved tonight.” He added that the Acland Burghley students, who also made their own costumes for their performance, were “absolutely amazing”. About 80 primary school children, aged nine to 11, attended auditions for the Junior Dance Group, with
34 being chosen to take part in the regular classes at Acland Burghley’s dance and music block. The Youth Dance Company helps lead the primary dance classes, which were set up with the help of Acland Burghley governor Madeleine Holt.
Find out more aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk
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Feature
Investing in our communities It’s been a busy summer for our Community Investment Programme (CIP) with two of our projects celebrating big milestones in the building of new homes. Community fun day
Aijun Xin, estate resident, said:
Residents of the Agar Grove estate came together for a family fun day which celebrated the start of the building works for the Agar Grove redevelopment project.
“I’m looking forward to the new homes, it means more room for me and my children.”
The fun day was held in partnership between Camden Council and the house builder Hill. Residents got to enjoy the day which included a BBQ, bouncy castle, DJ and fairground stalls. The redevelopment project is the largest housing project within Camden’s Community Investment Programme (CIP), building 493 new or replacement homes which will be a mix of council homes for rent, shared ownership and private homes.
Award-winning It was also a double celebration on the day as the redevelopment project recently won a Housing Design Award, which promotes excellence in housing design.
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Eileen Kemp
Topping out Aijun Xin
Masuma Khamom Anee, estate resident said: “I’m very happy they are regenerating the area, it’s much needed. The fun day has been great fun for the kids and the community, bringing everyone together.” Eileen Kemp, estate resident said: “At first l wasn’t keen on the project but having been consulted on the plans l welcome the regeneration and the new homes as it will really improve the area.“
We celebrated an important milestone at the Maiden Lane development near King’s Cross with the construction of the tower block reaching the top floor. The development will provide 273 new homes including flats for sale to fund new council and shared ownership homes for Camden residents, and to invest in the existing Maiden Lane estate.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/cip
Local news Camden Town with Primrose Hill, St Pancras and Somers Town and Regent’s Park
Keeping Camden clean for everyone During the summer our education and enforcement team was out tackling issues you raised as part of the Camden Waste challenge. Residents told us they are concerned about waste from takeaways, litter around tube stations and mess on high streets. Dog mess was also a big concern raised. In response to these reports and as part of the Clean Camden campaign, the team carried out business waste enforcement exercises in Camden Town, Kentish Town and Fitzrovia. Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Environment, joined the team on one of these patrols to deal with rubbish on Kentish Town Road.
Coming clean While tackling litter around tube stations, the team noticed an improvement on previous visits,
particularly for smoking-related litter. More people are using the bins or taking their cigarette butts with them, which means that we are issuing fewer fines. We have handed out pocket ashtrays to smokers to encourage them to be more responsible. During a three-week period in July, 113 legal notices and fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were served on businesses, including takeaway shops, and we have also seen an improvement in how the streets look near these businesses.
We’re watching you We are putting up Keep Britain Tidy’s glow in the dark ‘We’re watching you’ posters, as evidence shows that people behave better when they think they are being watched. Posters are in dog fouling hotspots around the borough, aimed at those who are not cleaning up after their dog. Thank you for reporting issues to us. Please continue to let us know about any concerns or get in touch if you would like to organise a clean-up event.
Camden Town with Primrose Hill, St Pancras and Somers Town and Regent’s Park During July’s patrols in your area our education and enforcement team issued 7 FPNs for littering and also issued 48 legal notices and 17 FPNs to businesses not disposing of their waste correctly. Following complaints of people not picking up after their dogs the team carried out several dog fouling patrols but did not witness any offences. The team had an information stall at Castlehaven Community Association’s Big Green Picnic and supported Cleanup UK’s community litter pick in Somers Town, where residents collected 12 bags of rubbish. It’s great to see the community coming together to help keep their area clean.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/cleancamden 020 7974 4444 15
What’s on
Camden Town with Primrose Hill, St Pancras and Somers Town and
Healthy Hearts Later Life class Open House London Architectural gems across Camden will open their doors for free on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September. Open House London promotes public awareness and appreciation of the capital’s architecture. This year there are more than 700 participating sites across London as well as additional walks and talks at some venues.
Find out more openhouselondon.org.uk 16 | Camden | September 2015
If you’d like to boost your energy for the weekend, the Healthy Hearts class for over 50s at Surma Community Centre every Saturday from 10 to 11am is a great place to start. The friendly and relaxed class will strengthen your upper and lower body and you can join in whatever your ability. Your first session is free and further sessions are payable by community exercise programme vouchers, available to residents for £2.90 from any Camden library.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/activehealth 0207 974 1542
Regent’s Park
Discover fantastic local events and activities on your doorstep for all ages and interests at lovecamden.org This year we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Borough of Camden with an exciting events programme. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/camden50
Women’s Boxercise class Looking for a new way to get active? Try Boxercise, a fun and safe workout based on techniques boxers use to keep fit. Free sessions for women run at Somers Town Community Association every Wednesday from 6 to 7pm. Booking is essential.
Find out more Andrew.Gilbert@camden.gov.uk 07825102010
West Euston Community Festival Head to the West Euston Community Festival on Saturday 12 September from 12 noon to 5pm. The festival, held at HPod and Cumberland Market, will include entertainment, sport, family fun and much more.
Rhyme Time
Find out more westeustonpartnership.co.uk
Find out more camden.gov.uk/libraries
Join in with favourite nursery rhymes and listen to stories in the children’s library at Camden Town Library every Tuesday from 10.30 to 11am during term time.
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Feature
Celebrating Camden 50 at Ampthill Square
To mark the 50th year of Camden becoming a London borough we held a fun day on the Ampthill Square estate this summer. Local residents of all ages came along to join in. There was something for everyone, from face painting and pedal-powered smoothie making to gardening workshops and crafts. Staff from the Council were on hand to talk about Camden services, and to demonstrate the new online Camden Account, which residents can now use to access many council services. The event also hosted an open air performance of Greek drama, The Eumenides, by students from RADA. The actors thoroughly entertained an audience of local
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residents with their adaptation of the classic play, which explores the theme of democracy. The event was one of five fun days held on Camden estates over the summer, three of which included the unveiling of a new public mural by artist duo Walls on Walls. Cllr Callaghan, Camden’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “These events have been a fantastic way of marking Camden’s 50th anniversary, by hosting art and theatre on Camden estates, and bringing our local communities together to take part in fun activities. “It was great to see so many council tenants and leaseholders, and residents generally, out and about on our estates, enjoying the sun, finding out about new things like the Camden Account, and
celebrating Camden’s birthday in style. This is what councillors really want to see – great interaction within our diverse communities.” More Camden 50 activities will be happening into the autumn, and there’s still time to enter the Camden 50 photography competition – in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. Send your photos to 50photos@camden. gov.uk by 15 September to be in with a chance of seeing your image at the National Portrait Gallery and being featured on the cover of this magazine.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/50photos camden.gov.uk/camden50 camden.gov.uk/camdenaccount
Tackling loan sharks in Camden We’ve joined up with the government’s Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to tackle the increasing problem of illegal money lenders within the borough. Better known as ‘loan sharks’, these are people who lend money unlawfully and often use violence and intimidation to reclaim their debts. People from all walks of life have been taken in by loan sharks - partly because of the myths surrounding who these individuals and groups are. They look just like everyone else, frequently getting close to communities to meet and earn the trust of people they believe might be vulnerable and in
financial difficulty. Once a loan has been made, a loan shark will often increase payments, often without warning, and become violent and threatening towards the borrower.
Know the law Did you know that as loan sharks aren’t recognised money lenders, if successfully prosecuted, any debts to them will no longer stand? Unlike through legal channels, these debts are not enforceable by law, which is why they often resort to underhand tactics. The IMLT is a national organisation that works in partnership with police and trading standards teams
How to spot a loan shark: • No credit agreements (no forms or paperwork) • No receipts for payments or payment books • Most payments are cash and weekly • Violence and/or intimidation/threats • Often work alone, or have a tight group of collectors • May suggest other forms of payment • Can take securities – cash cards, passport • Rarely advertise
across the country to investigate and prosecute loan sharks. They offer free and confidential advice and will work with any individuals and families affected to offer support while bringing loan sharks to justice.
Report a problem We are encouraging residents to help stop loan sharks and report any loan shark activity they witness or experience. If you, or someone you know has been affected, there is help available. Let’s work together to make Camden a safer place for everyone.
How to get help: Contact the IMLT 24 hours a day, seven days a week on:
0300 555 2222 reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or by text to: loan(space)shark(space) + your message to 60003 You can also find out more about the Stop Loan Sharks Project by visiting www. facebook.com/stoploansharksproject 19
Choosing a secondary school in Camden
Open events 2015 Acland Burghley School Burghley Road, London NW5 1UJ 020 7485 8515 www.aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk
Camden School for Girls Sandall Road, London NW5 2DB 020 7485 3414 www.camdengirls.camden.sch.uk
Hampstead School Westbere Road, London NW2 3RT 020 7794 8133 www.hampsteadschool.org.uk
Haverstock School 24 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 2BQ 020 7267 0975 www.haverstock.camden.sch.uk
La Sainte Union Highgate Road, London NW5 1RP 020 7428 4600 www.lsu.camden.sch.uk
Maria Fidelis School FCJ North Gower Street, London NW1 2HR 020 7387 2359 www.mariafidelis.camden.sch.uk
Parliament Hill School Highgate Road, London NW5 1RL 020 7485 7077 www.parliamenthill.camden.sch.uk
Regent High School Chalton Street, London NW1 1RX 020 7387 0126 www.regenthighschool.org.uk
The UCL Academy Adelaide Road, London NW3 3AQ 020 7449 3080 www.uclacademy.co.uk
William Ellis School Highgate Road, London NW5 1RN 020 7267 9346 www.williamellis.camden.sch.uk
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form
22 September, 6.00 to 8.00pm 21 to 25 September, 9.00 to 10.30am LaSWAP: 19 November, 5.00 to 7.30pm (pre-registration is required – see the school website or www.laswap.camden.sch.uk for details)
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form
15 September, 6.00 to 8.00pm 16 and 18 September, 9.00 to 11.00am 24 November, 10.45am to 12.15pm, 2.00 to 3.30pm and 5.15 to 7.00pm
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form
13 October, 6.00pm 22 and 29 September, 6, 13 and 20 October, 9.00 to 10.50am 12 November, 5.30pm
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form
7 October, 5.00 to 7.00pm 1, 13 and 22 October, 9.30 to 11.15am 3 December, 5.00 to 7.00pm
Open evening Open afternoons Sixth Form
24 September, 4.00 to 7.00pm 1 and 14 October, 2.00 to 3.30pm LaSWAP: 19 November, 5.00 to 7.30pm (pre-registration is required – see the school website or www.laswap.camden.sch.uk for details)
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form
8 October, 4.00 to 7.00pm (at the Lower School) Every Tuesday throughout the year, 9.00 to 10.30am 12 November, 4.00 to 6.00pm (at the Upper School)
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form
1 October, 5.00 to 7.30pm 6, 7 and 8 October, 9.00 to 11.00am LaSWAP: 19 November, 5.00 to 7.30pm (pre-registration is required – see the school website or www.laswap.camden.sch.uk for details)
Open evening Open mornings Sixth Form Taster Evening
29 September, 4.30 to 7.30pm Every Wednesday throughout the year and 21 September, 9, 13 and 22 October, 9.00 to 10.30am 10 November, 4.00 to 6.30pm 26 January, 4.00 to 6.00pm
Open evening Open mornings Open afternoons Sixth Form
22 September, 4.30 to 6.30pm 6 and 20 October, 11.15am to 1.00pm 29 September and 13 October, 3.30 to 5.30pm 3 November, 5.00 to 7.00pm, 14 November, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Open evening Open mornings
1 October, 6.00 to 8.00pm 6, 7 and 8 October, 9.00 to 10.30am
Sixth Form
LaSWAP: 19 November, 5.00 to 7.30pm (pre-registration is required – see the school website or www.laswap.camden.sch.uk for details)
Camden ‘Moving On’ event for parents of Year 5 and 6 pupils
Tuesday 15 September, from 3.30 to 6.30pm The Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, King’s Cross, London WC1H 9AU Register at eventbrite.co.uk (search for ‘Camden Moving On’)
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Feature
Childminders recognised at awards event The important contribution of childminders to improving the lives of children and families in Camden has been recognised at an awards ceremony. An amazing 84% of childminders in the borough are rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted. Camden’s qualified childminders fulfil an important early education and childcare role in a flexible way that suits many busy parents. Like schools, nurseries and children’s centres, childminders are regularly inspected and graded by Ofsted. This means you can expect excellent care, and for your children to receive the same high-quality education they would at a nursery or school.
Cllr Angela Mason (centre, left) with Camden childminders and early years manager Kay Williams (wearing sash) at the awards event.
The benefits to your child The time your child spends with their childminder will give them a chance to learn, explore and have fun while helping free up your time to study, volunteer or take on extra hours at work. Research also suggests that early education can help your child’s learning and development. Camden’s 140 childminders are closely linked in with our network of children’s centres and activities for under fives that happen in those centres and other venues in the area.
Do you qualify for free childcare? What’s more, if you’re a Camden resident with a two year-old child, you might be entitled to 15 hours of free childminding every week. Visit camden.gov.uk/twoyearolds to see if you qualify.
Councillor Angela Mason CBE, Cabinet Member for Children, who presented awards to childminders for their achievements over the year, said: “I used a childminder when my daughter was young and I have always been a great champion of the service our childminders offer – they do a fantastic job. “Ofsted report that 84% of Camden childminders are either outstanding or good and many have gained diplomas in childminding up to level 3. We want more Camden residents to understand what a great job they do and to take advantage of this wonderful resource.”
Find out more camden.gov.uk/childcare 020 7974 1679 (option 2)
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Changes to who gets council homes We’re helping to keep Camden’s diverse communities together We’re changing who will get priority for council and housing association homes. This is because when people apply for housing our current system isn’t working as it should. The register is no longer accurate and residents want it to be fairer. Our new scheme will prioritise overcrowded families, people with medical needs and children in poverty. It will also help to keep Camden’s diverse communities together by giving more priority to local people. The new system has been developed using the views of over 2,000 people who responded to our consultation. It will come into effect in January 2016.
Why we’re making these changes We’re only able to provide 1,000 homes a year, but our housing list
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shows 30,000 households waiting for homes. Moreover, 60% of these 30,000 have never bid for a home - and we also have over 6,000 applicants who don’t even live in Camden. These issues mean people with a real need can miss out on getting a home because our system is no longer fit for purpose. Most other London boroughs have already updated their lists. Councillor Patricia Callaghan, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Housing is our borough’s biggest challenge. With residents struggling to find suitable homes, we need a housing register that works better for people. “We’re providing a new scheme that’s fit for purpose, will help to keep our diverse communities together and help those most in need of a home.
“I would also like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. Your views have helped us introduce a better way of providing council and housing association homes in Camden.”
Update your application We’re contacting all our housing applicants and asking them to update their application so that we can move them to the new housing register or, if they no longer qualify, advise on their alternative housing options. If you’re applying for housing with us, you need to update your application at camden.gov.uk/ housingapplication
Find out more camden.gov.uk/housingallocation
Update your housing application Applying for council and housing association homes is changing from January 2016. We’re changing who gets priority.
Our new scheme We provide 1,000 homes a year. Our current system isn’t working and our residents want it to be fairer. The new scheme will help to keep Camden’s diverse communities together by giving more priority to local people. We’ve used the views of over 2,000 residents to make these changes.
camden.gov.uk/housingapplication
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watch the video
A day at the beach for On Monday 3 August, the crowds descended on Camden’s Roundhouse for a very special event. To mark the halfway point in our 50th anniversary celebrations, we held our very own Camden 50 beach party – and it was a roaring success. In attendance were a host of special guests, including Mayor Larraine Revah, several of our Camden 50 commissioned artists (Renée O’Drobinak from Ladies of the Press, Walls on Walls, Dmitri Galitzine and Elly Clarke) and residents who had secured tickets to be on the coveted guestlist. The sun just about held out as the Mayor kicked off the celebrations with an introduction to Camden 24 | Camden | September 2015
50. Highlights included a welcome from Marcus Davey, Chief Executive of the Roundhouse who kindly donated the beach for the celebration, live music from Pocket Club and Karyma Ellis, and artist Elly Clarke who interviewed a selection of the residents featured in her Oral Histories series.
Baking a Camden Cake An epic bake off saw 22 year-old Jessie Rutland crowned Queen – her stunning entry showed an aerial map of Camden, with details ranging from the British Museum to animals within London Zoo. The party also set the scene to film the final piece of our Camden 50
‘moments’ video. Shot at 50 iconic locations across the borough, and featuring many of Camden’s own residents, the film is a celebration of the diversity and wealth of culture Camden has to offer. We hope it will be a fantastic keepsake from this golden anniversary. You can watch and share it online by typing ‘Camden 50’ into YouTube. com. We want to thank everyone who came down and made the day such a success. We’re definitely on our way to creating enough memories to last us for another 50 years of Camden – we hope you are too!
Feature Lots more still to come The beach party may be over, but celebrations for Camden 50 continue until November. Here are our top picks to get you started. Full details can be found at camden.gov.uk/Camden50
24 September, 1.30 to 2.30pm Camden: the first 50 years. Free talk at the British Museum by Senior Archivist for Camden Council, Tudor Allen.
26 September, 11am to 1pm Walking Tour ‘Women of Camden’ – with special guests Ladies of the Press*. Starts from Hampstead tube station.
1 October, 9pm “I wanted to show how far Camden stretches and how many cultural sites are here. When you think of Camden you think of the Lock, but there is so much more – it’s so diverse. I feel very excited (to have won). I really enjoy making stuff – and if you can eat it at the end, even better!” Jessie Rutland, winner of the Camden 50 bake off. Find out more camden.gov.uk/Camden50
Late Shift at the National Portrait Gallery will highlight the Creative Connections project in partnership with Camden 50. The Camden 50 photography competition winners will be projected on screen.
17 October, 1 to 5pm Ladies of the Press* will be at the Wellcome Collection Reading Room.
Until 1 November Peer through the looking glass at the Alice in Cartoonland exhibition at The Cartoon Library. 25
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Next steps in our financial challenge By 2017 Camden’s funding from central government will have been cut in half. We’ve got tough choices to make to meet our financial challenge and your views are vital in designing future services. We’ve successfully reduced our budget by £93 million since 2011, but we now need to make a further £75 million of savings by 2018. Further savings may also be needed beyond this, but we will not know how much more until the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review is published in November. We’ve been working with you to make difficult choices and we’ve had lots of helpful feedback on our early years and future libraries consultations. This month we’re updating you on key decisions, and asking for your views on the future of libraries in Camden.
Early years consultations completed Our two consultations on the future of early years and childcare services for children under five and their families have now ended. The proposals relating mainly to early years and childcare provision
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in children’s centres will come into effect this month (September 2015). Proposals relating to other children’s centre services were due to be considered by the Council’s Cabinet on 9 September, as Camden Magazine went to press. We want every child in Camden to have the best start in life and the first few years of a child’s life have a big impact on their future. That’s why we consulted on a new model of early education and childcare in Camden – Camden Sure Start – to make sure we are focusing our limited resources on those children and families who will benefit most from our support. Our children’s centres will continue to offer a range of services to all families in Camden with children under five years old. We will also continue to provide three and four year-olds with 25 hours a week of free early education and childcare in council-run centres and schools.
The changes agreed by the council so far include: • Increasing the number of free and subsidised early education and childcare places available to two year-olds from low income families. Places will no longer be available for other two year-olds • Ending the provision of childcare places for children under two at children’s centres but helping parents find alternatives. No child who currently has a place at our centres will be affected by the changes • Developing cost-effective but nutritious nursery meals in children’s centres • Ending community nursery grants from March 2016 but providing transitional funding to help these nurseries develop new ways of delivering services. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/ camdensurestart
Camden future libraries consultation We launched a 12-week formal consultation in July to consider the nature and future shape of our libraries. We are consulting on how we might save £800,000 from the service’s current budget of £4.5 million. Although there is less money available, we will aim to invest £3.7 million in a modern library service that has something to offer all residents.
Next steps in our waste challenge We are currently inviting contractors to bid to provide waste collection, recycling and cleaning services in a different way from 1 April 2017. By changing the way the contract works, taking advantage of new technology and working with residents and businesses to reduce littering and increase recycling, we will save £5 million a year while keeping Camden clean. The estimated value of the new, better value contract will be £18 million a year. This procurement process will run until spring 2016 with a contract award decision made in summer 2016.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart camden.gov.uk/wastechallenge
Have your say We know you are passionate about libraries, so we want you to consider a number of proposals on what future library services could look like. As well as an adult consultation, we have created a survey for children and young people (under 16) so they can tell us how they use libraries and what is most important to them. This feedback will help us understand how best to make savings.
Where to find the survey Both consultation surveys are available at camden.gov.uk/futurelibraries or from any Camden library. Alternative formats or languages are also available in libraries or by emailing futurelibraries@camden.gov.uk The consultation ends on Tuesday 6 October 2015. After this date, we will analyse the results and use the feedback to develop a new library strategy. This will be presented at Camden’s Cabinet in December 2015. 27
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The perfect match
Glenn with his PA, Asif
Meet Glenn from Primrose Hill. He wanted to find someone who lived locally to give him a bit of help at home – and thanks to CamdenPAs he was able to do just that at the touch of a button. 28 | Camden | September 2015
watch the video CamdenPAs is a website which allows you to find your perfect care and support personal assistant (PA). PAs can help with anything from washing and dressing to supporting people to get out and about and play an active role in their community.
You choose Glenn has a muscle wasting condition and needs a bit of help each morning to get ready for work as a civil servant in central London. He found his PA, Asif, through CamdenPAs. Glenn said: “I have used agencies in the past but you often get a
the process: from writing a job description and conducting an interview, to putting together a contract. Visit the CamdenPAs website or contact them for more information.
Work as a PA If you’re a PA looking for work or are just starting out, CamdenPAs can help. different person and you can’t build up a relationship.
provide, their experience and their personal interests.
“I noticed CamdenPAs on the Camden website and thought it looked interesting.
When you find a match you simply contact the PA direct to arrange an interview to see how you get on, before pulling together contract details such as hours, duties and wages, and hire them.
“I wanted someone who lived nearby, so they could get here early in the morning and be available in case of emergency. CamdenPAs reassured me that everyone advertising wanted to work in the Camden area and likely lived here or nearby. “I also needed someone who was willing to carry out personal care tasks like getting me dressed and showering. This isn’t for everyone and CamdenPAs made it easy to filter out the people the job wouldn’t suit.
If you don’t find a match straightaway, you can set up your own profile describing your requirements and interests and asking local PAs who fit the bill to contact you. “I liked that I could go into detail about the support and hours I needed so I wasn’t wasting the time of personal assistants who were looking for a 9 to 5 or afternoon job,” said Glenn.
How it works
“It was also reassuring to know that PAs had been vetted before they were allowed to advertise. I have employed people directly in the past but there is no way to check references.”
The CamdenPAs website features profiles of a range of local PAs – with details of the support they can
If you are employing a PA for the first time, there’s plenty of support available to help you with
“I found that Asif lived very locally so he could walk here and was available and willing to do the tasks I was looking for.”
Glenn’s PA Asif said: “It took me about 15 minutes to make a profile and it was very easy. “There are lots of people looking for PAs and they all have different needs, so it was helpful to be able to list my specific skills.” Asif now works for Glenn five mornings a week and is considering looking for more work with CamdenPAs because he finds the job so rewarding. “After a short time working for Glenn I decided that I could help more people by doing this, and it’s much more rewarding than my old job.” The website also features advice on looking for work, becoming a PA and where to get training.
Find out more camdenpas.org.uk 020 7278 4437 29
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HS2: We’re entering a crucial stage in Camden’s response to High Speed 2 (HS2) – and the coming months offer a real chance to get your voice heard. We remain opposed to HS2 as its construction will cause more than a decade of disruption to Camden. We’ll be pushing for the best deal for residents and businesses and want to support you. Two key opportunities are coming up to highlight how HS2 will affect Camden. Anyone affected by the government’s latest plans for Euston Station, scheduled to be published in September, has the opportunity to petition Parliament. If you do so, or if you petitioned on the HS2 Bill last year, you’ll also be able to make your case before a Select Committee of MPs. Camden Council is preparing to petition and appear at Select Committee – and we’re here to support you through both these processes. 30 | Camden | September 2015
Make your voice heard this autumn Preparing to petition The changes in plans for Euston Station will be submitted in an amendment to the HS2 Bill called Additional Provision 3 (AP3). We understand the updated plans will include the station’s latest design, changes to Hampstead Road bridge, the station’s ‘throat’ – the point where the train lines split out to join their various platforms, the proposed traffic routes HS2 construction vehicles will take in Camden and several other amendments. If you are directly and specially affected by these changes, you can formally petition. Petitioning in this sense is the legal process by which you can object to a Bill in Parliament. It doesn’t matter if you submitted a petition on the HS2 Bill in 2014 or not – this is a fresh chance to have your say. We are not able to help write the content of your petition. However, we can support you as follows:
• Come to our petitioning workshops and get practical support on completing your petition • Got a specific query? Come to our drop-in sessions to speak one-to-one with a council officer and view maps. The dates of the petitioning workshops and drop-in sessions will be shown on our website, camden.gov. uk/hs2 • Read a summary of the changes at Euston and view our draft petition and response to the new Environmental Statement on our website • Email your questions to highspeed2@camden.gov.uk
Set up for Select Committee Everyone in Camden who has petitioned on HS2 at any stage will be able to present their points to a Select Committee of MPs. We expect Camden petitioners to be invited to speak at Select Committee in December 2015 to January 2016.
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We’ll be holding sessions where you can hear from expert speakers on giving a good presentation and get technical support with any audio/visual aids you plan to use. It’s time to begin getting your evidence together to support your case. Here are some top tips on how you can make a good impression:
Form groups Petitioners who form groups to share issues between them will avoid repetition and make a more powerful impression. The Select Committee put Buckinghamshire’s petitioners into groups themselves and are likely to take a similar approach in Camden. However, these groups will not be set in
stone and the sessions we run will also give you the chance to join up with people making similar points to you.
Describe your problem but suggest a solution A good model to follow when presenting evidence is to answer these questions: • What is the problem? • Why is it a problem? • What do you want HS2 Ltd to do to solve the problem?
photograph to demonstrate what I mean. I would like HS2 to do Z.”
Keep your case short Make your points concisely. Use maps and pictures to make your case more interesting for the Select Committee but don’t use any more slides than you need to. We suggest three or four slides and no more than 12. The Select Committee will come and view the impact HS2 Ltd’s plans will have on Camden in a site visit later this year.
For example: “I endorse what the residents’ association said. My particular issue is X which affects me because of Y, and here is a
Find out more camden.gov.uk/hs2
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Did you know? From 1st October 2015 it will be illegal to smoke in vehicles with someone under 18 present. The new law helps protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. For more information search Smokefree. For free, proven support to help you quit • visit smokefreelifecamden.co.uk • call 0800 1070 401
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