Westminster
childrenfirst Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services
Play safely this summer!
Issue 12, Spring/ Summer 2011
at A gre to place p! u grow
Top tips for holiday play
Take centre stage Kids week and West End LIVE offer FREE theatre for families
What’s on this summer? Activities and events
WIN family a t to Leg icket al Blonde ly Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
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Dear Parent or Carer, Welcome to the Spring / Summer 2011 edition of Children First – the magazine for Westminster’s parents and carers. As always, the magazine is filled with stories and information on issues that matter to you, and you can find more details on all of the stories in the magazine at www.westminster.gov.uk/childrenfirst As the weather warms up, there’s lots to see and do in Westminster. We’ve given you a guide to what’s on during half term and in the summer holidays on page 8 – 9. Plus top tips to make sure your children are playing safely on page 4.
Contents 4
Safe summer play
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Breastfeeding – the healthy choice
Advice and support for new mums
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To keep your family healthy, and to get everyone in the Olympic sporting spirit, check out our activity listings and sporting heroes feature on page 14. Get the whole family enjoying theatre in the West End, with Kids’ Week and the amazing West End LIVE. On pages 6 – 7 find out all about these great opportunities to see first class theatre – FREE – and for your chance to win tickets to Legally Blonde. Plus, if your little one’s a bookworm, go to your local library and join in the Summer Reading Challenge all through the holidays. Enjoy this edition of Children First. Councillor Nickie Aiken, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Enjoy the sunshine safely with our top tips and guide to Westminster’s summer play programmes
Welcome back Kids Week and West End LIVE
Enjoy the theatre with your family, plus your chance to win a family ticket to Legally Blonde: the Musical
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What’s on
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Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
Summer fun around the city
Inspire your little bookworms
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Green fingers for little gardeners
Ebury Bridge Estate’s gardening club gets muddy
12 Asthma – know
the signs
Advice and information from the NHS Catherine Longworth Non Executive Director and Children’s Champion NHS Westminster
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Summer
14 sports
Find out what’s on and meet some Olympic heroes
at A gre o t place p! u grow
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
Ships ahoy!!
What are young people worried about in Westminster? Westminster’s new Youth Scrutiny Panel – a group of 20 young people from across Westminster who have come together to investigate issues that matter to them – have decided that their focus for the coming year will be the twin issues of youth anti-social behaviour and how to present a positive image of young people in Westminster. To find out more about the panel and their plans, visit www.westminster. gov.uk/ypscrutinypanel
NEWS
Step back in time on the incredible old Royal Navy sloop HQS Wellington this summer. This amazing ship is opening as a water-based museum with escorted tours from experienced Master Mariners on 11th June, 9th – 10th July and 17th – 18th September. There is no charge for the tours, but donations to the Wellington Trust are welcomed. To find out more visit www. thewellingtontrust.com
New improved Bessborough Centre
opening soon
This summer, the new, improved Bessborough Centre, including a clinic community nursery and Children’s Services centre, will open its doors to families from the Tachbrook area. A new play garden, three play areas, a sensory room and a children’s and family clinic will help support child health, growth and education. The new centre makes it easy for parents to find all the services they need in one convenient community location. Find out more at www.westminster.gov.uk/ betterbessborough.
Quality time for dads on weekends Hyde Park ward councillors are funding a Saturday dads’ group at Micky Star Children’s Centre on St. Michael’s Street, W2. If you live in the area and have children aged 0 – 5, why not join in the fun? Sessions run from 10am – 12midday on Saturdays. Call 020 7402 4854 for more information.
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
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Stay Safe Outdoors Top tips and advice for safe summer play
...A child c a a few inch n drown in es of wate and it only r takes a seconds? few
Water • Never leave a child alone in or near water. • Stay within grabbing distance of toddlers near water. • Tip water out of a paddling pool when children have finished playing in it.
Sun protection Use a cream with SPF 15 or more on your children. Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
Riding bikes Make sure your children (and you) always wear a helmet. When cycling on roads, make sure you and your children wear light coloured clothes so you’re easily seen by other road users.
Where to play Make sure you tell older children, who might be playing away from you, not to play near busy roads and never on building sites, railway lines or in empty buildings.
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...the sun is the bes t source of vitamin D? B not to go re e careful d or burn, but make sure to sp end some time in the sun (without s unscreen on)
Holiday play If your child is aged 5 – 11 why not join a holiday play scheme? Schemes will run from 25th July to 2nd September, 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (excl. Bank holiday). This supervised childcare costs from £24 per day (concessions available). To find out more, or to book and pay for a place for your child, contact Luci Blatch on 020 7641 1183. For children aged 8 – 14 years, FREE daily play sessions will also run in parks, playgrounds and open spaces across the city. For more information contact the Westminster Play Service on 020 7641 1107 or keep your eye out for a postcard through your door when an activity is taking place near you.
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
Breastfeeding Choosing how to feed your baby is a personal choice. NHS Westminster supports breastfeeding as the healthiest way you can feed your baby and recognises the important benefits which breastfeeding provides for both you and your child. NHS staff are specially trained to help you to breastfeed your baby. During your pregnancy, you will be able to discuss up-to-date information about the health benefits and the early days of breastfeeding with a health care professional. When you get home after the birth of your baby, help will be given to you by your midwife and then by your health visitor. You will be given the contact details for local and national breastfeeding support services.
Breastfeeding – top tips • Feed your baby whenever they seem to be hungry, and offer both breasts at each feed, to help you establish your milk supply successfully. • Try to avoid using bottles, dummies and nipple shields while your baby is learning to breastfeed. They can make it become more difficult for your baby to breastfeed successfully. • We recommend skin-to-skin contact with your baby to help your baby learn to breastfeed, to soothe them if they are unsettled and to resolve any difficulties you may have with latching your baby on to the breast.
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
• Hand express your milk to help prevent and manage possible challenges such as engorgement (hard/shiny breasts) and mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue). Your midwife or health visitor will show you how For queries about breastfeeding or for help in resolving any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact your midwife or health visitor. If you choose to bottle feed your baby or are advised not to breastfeed, you will still be given the right support on an individual basis, including being shown how to prepare and give formula feeds. Contact your midwife or health visitor for more information about your options and support available. To find out more, visit www.nhs.uk and search for ‘breastfeeding’ or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212
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Welcome back
kids week Kids go FREE to top London shows from 12 – 26 August 2011
There’s no business like show business and you can get in on all the action with Kids Week, which offers children aged 5-16 the chance to experience the magic of London theatre FREE! Head to London for a fortnight of theatrical fun from 12th – 26th August 2011. One child can go FREE to any participating show when accompanied by a full paying adult, and two other children can go for half price. Children also have the chance to take part in a range of FREE workshops designed to get them interested, excited and inspired about theatre, in all its forms. Whatever the interests and talents in your family, there’s something for everyone during Kids Week, with activities ranging from learning show-stopping numbers and dance routines to meeting the cast and crew of famous West End shows or going behind the scenes at amazing theatres.
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Davina, who attended last year’s Legally Blonde workshop and show with her daughter, said: “We had such a great day! My daughter did the jump rope workshop this morning which was fun and boosted her confidence to join in with things – she can’t believe she’s been on the stage in the West End...the day was so special!” Kids Week guarantees a fantastic theatre experience for all the family. So don’t miss out, visit www.kidsweek.co.uk now. You can also be part of the Kids Week community by signing up to our fan page on Facebook (search for Kids Week) or following us on Twitter (@KidsWeek).
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
West End LIVE
2011 – 18 and 19 June Europe’s largest outdoor theatre festival, West End LIVE, is back on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. This year we’re planning to top last year’s amazing line up, which included performances from over 20 of the West End’s most famous shows. This year, West End LIVE will again showcase the very best entertainment that London has to offer – all LIVE and all FREE. This June – for one year only – we’re moving to Trafalgar Square, right in the heart of the city. As well as amazing live performances from West End casts, we’ll have special appearances from much loved children’s characters Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina. PLUS you’ll get the chance to experience the magic of some of London’s most famous cultural institutions in our interactive marquees. So for a spectacular array of West End musicals, live bands and stage performances, make sure you come along on 18th or 19th June. To find out more, visit www.westendlive.co.uk
WIN a family ticket to see Legally Blonde Now in its second fabulous year, Legally Blonde is the award-winning sensation that has taken the West End by storm. You could be in with a chance to win a family ticket (four people, maximum two adults) by emailing your name, phone number and address details to childrenfirst@westminster.gov.uk by 31st August 2011*. Please include Legally Blonde competition in your email subject line. * Valid Mon-Thu performances until 29th December 2011,
Westminster Children IssueSubject 12, Spring/Summer 2011 excluding schoolFirst, holidays. to availability.
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What’s on in the
school holidays? Take a look at what’s on this summer with our round up of just some of the free and low cost activities for children and young people of all ages. For more information on summer activities visit westminster.gov.uk/wow or call 020 7641 7929.
Play The Playhut
The Playhut, Elkstone Road, W10 Drop-in play sessions plus NEW ‘tiny green fingers’ gardening and healthy living activities Date and time: Weekdays except Wednesdays from 2 – 5pm. Possible extended opening hours for the summer, please call for details. Age: 0 – 6 Cost: FREE Tel: 020 8960 7894
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Sparkle Time
Bayswater Children’s Centre, St Mary of the Angels Primary School, Shrewsbury Road, W2 5PR Drop-in sessions for children with disabilities including autism. Specialist workers will run fun and engaging sessions for you and your child Date and time: Fridays from 1 – 3pm (except 26th August) Age: Under 5s Cost: FREE Tel: 020 7641 1350
Youth Phab at Churchill Gardens Youth Club Churchill Gardens Road, SW1W 8RU
Activities including sport, art and craft, cooking, dance and drama and days out. Date and Time: Sundays 11.20am – 2pm Age: 8 – 18 years Cost: £2 per session Tel: 01825 749 826
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
Libraries
Summer activities at St. John’s Wood Adventure Playground
St. John’s Wood Adventure Playground, 51-56 St. John’s Wood Terrace, NW8 6LP Activities including arts and crafts, table tennis coaching, sports day and off-site trips. Date and time: Please check website for details. Age: 5 – 12 Cost: Please call for details Tel: 020 7586 1884 or visit www.adventureplayground. org.uk
Yaa Summer Fun
Yaa Asantewaa Arts & Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN Date and time: Weekdays from 26th July to 18th August from 9.30am to 4.30pm Age: 8 – 16 Cost: FREE to Westminster residents
WECH Summer Festival
Tamplin Mews Gardens, W9 Food, competitions, sports and activities Date and time: 10th July, 1 – 6pm Age: All Cost: FREE Tel: 020 7266 3347
The Pimlico Toy Library
The Pimlico Toy Library, 133a Lupus Street, SW1V 3EN Play and toy-loan sessions to help your child to learn and have fun through play. Date and time: Monday to Wednesday from 9.30am to 5.30pm and Thursdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm Age: 0 – 5 plus school holiday sessions for ages up to 11 Cost: £12 joining fee plus 20p per toy loan Tel: 020 7834 3356
Sport and leisure Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Why not make all the activities you are doing count towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award? Complete four challenges once a week for three to six months to achieve the award. The award is widely recognised by colleges, universities and employers and will help you to learn new skills, help others and experience adventure.
Summer camps
Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Rudolph Road, Kilburn, NW6 5AW Football, tennis, basketball and cricket camps at Pad Rec plus multi-sports camp at St. Augustine’s. Four funfilled days of sport coaching and games. The camps are popular so early booking is advised. Enrolments are taken at the main reception of each venue. Date and time: 10am to 3pm on 26th – 29th July/ 2nd – 5th August/9th – 12th August/16th – 19th August/ 23rd – 26th August/ 30th August – 2nd September Age: 5-15 Cost: £25 for four days for ResCard holders. Additional family members receive a further 50% discount with a ResCard (£47.75 for non-residents) Tel: 020 7641 3642 Find more information about summer sports on p14 –15.
Age: 14 – 25 Cost: £20 registration and expedition courses start from £120 (financial support may be available) Tel: 020 7641 4030
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
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Take the
Summer allenge h C g n i d a Re r local library at you
Libraries
Every year, thousands of families all over the country are involved in the UK’s biggest reading event for children in libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge. This summer, 750,000 children will join the greatest show on earth by joining Circus Stars at their local library. The aim of the challenge is to get children of all ages to read six books from their library during the summer holidays. To get involved, head to your local library at the beginning of the summer holidays. It’s FREE and every child will receive a membership card or pack. Every child who completes the challenge will get a certificate, and there are lots of other rewards and prizes along the way, from stickers and wristbands to yo yos and medals. Pop along to your local Westminster library to find out more. Libraries will be hosting FREE events and activities throughout the holidays. Including theatre and circus workshops, crafts, story times and rhymes and lots more. To find out what’s happening at your local library, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/ libraries or call 020 7641 1300.
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Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
Green fingers
for little gardeners
...there are other wa get your li ttle ones g ys to ardening in the cit ‘Tiny Gree y, including n Finge Playhut, W rs’ at the See p8 for 10? details
Even in the heart of London we can keep things green and growing – and the in the Ebury Bridge Estate, children have been getting muddy to create green spaces for everyone to enjoy. The Ebury Bridge Estate Children’s Gardening Club was set up by local resident Mike Smith in 2007, and since then the estate has been transformed. At the same time as making the estate a more pleasant environment for all the residents, the young members have been taught about food, flower, plant and herb growing, as well as local wildlife and pond building. And it’s not just their fingers that are turning green, as Ebury’s little gardeners have also learned innovative ways to recycle – including reusing old fridges to plant a herb garden. The club is supported by Groundwork London, who in 2008 helped secure £6,000 in funding from Magic FM’s ‘Cash for Kids’ programme. The club used the funding to start a vegetable garden behind Hillingston House. Mike said: “I’m impressed with our progress because when we started we didn’t have anything, then we got Groundwork on board. It’s nice when you see the kids planting seeds and finally taking the potatoes and other vegetables home.” The club is open to all ages on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm – 6pm during the school term and from 12midday – 3pm during half term. On Thursdays, 5 – 8 year olds from Marsham Street child minders group meet to play wildlife quizzes and take part in pond dipping to identify different plants and animals. To find out more or join the club call Jan Wood on 020 7239 1288
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
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Childhood asthma – learn more
Asthma is a common illness which affects over a million children in the UK. Asthma affects the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs, and causes coughing and shortness of breath. If your child suffers from asthma it is important to know how to control it and prevent attacks. There is no single cause of asthma, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing it, including: • a family history of asthma or other related allergic conditions • developing another allergic condition such as a food allergy • having bronchiolitis as a child • being exposed to tobacco smoke as a child, particularly if your mother smoked during pregnancy • being born prematurely • being born with a low birth weight.
What makes asthma worse? Certain triggers, including cold weather, animals, dust mites, second hand smoke, exercise and colds, can make asthma worse. Triggers can bring on an asthma attack, which is when the lungs do not have enough air to breathe. 12
Spot the symptoms of an asthma attack Your child might be having an asthma attack if they: • are having trouble breathing • are wheezing • are coughing • are experiencing chest pain or can feel a tightness in their chest. You should also be concerned if your child is coughing a lot at night, before, during or after exercise or if they are prone to a lot of coughs. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. With the help of a doctor, you can control your child’s asthma to ensure they stay active and healthy. Remember: If your child has asthma, let their school know so that they can support you and your child. Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
H
HEALT
Three steps to preventing asthma attacks.
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“By helping your child to use their asthma treatment regularly and avoiding things which make their breathing worse you can control their asthma. Your children should be able to exercise and enjoy playing without their asthma troubling them. If your child is having difficulties speak to your doctor or contact Asthma UK for advice.” Kathryn Powrie, an asthma and allergy nurse specialist in Westminster.
Talk to your doctor, who can work with you to assess the risk of asthma to your child. They can help you identify triggers in your home and talk about ways of getting rid of them. Your doctor will also be able to help you and your child choose the right medicine.
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Make an asthma plan. Your doctor can help you with instructions on how to use asthma medicines, what to do if your child has an attack, when to call your doctor and emergency telephone numbers. Creating a plan like this can help your child when you are not around – for example when they are at school or with a babysitter.
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Asthma-proof your home. Triggers are a part of everyday life but you can ensure that your child is protected with simple changes like: 1 cleaning mould off shower curtains
How you can help children with asthma Asthma UK looking for volunteers to speak to local groups and schools, or campaign for local asthma services to raise awareness and help sufferers understand their illness better. If you can spare just a few hours each month, and would like to volunteer and help Asthma UK continue their vital work, please call 0800 121 62 55 or email info@asthma.org.uk Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
2 frequentlyvacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture 3 washing stuffed toys. Make sure that they are completely dry before giving them back to your child 4 not smoking in your home or car 5 keeping any pets you have out of your child’s bedroom and frequently vacuuming any areas of the house that they use.
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Summer sports
in the city ...you can jo book page in our Facefor the late updates? Search Ac st tive Westmins ter
Keep active this summer with our free and low-cost sports programmes. Call 020 7641 2012 for more information.
Parkour/freerunning camp Perfect the art of movement at parkour summer camp. When: 25th – 29th July from 10am to 1pm 8th – 12th August from 10am to 1pm and 22nd – 26th August from 10am to 1pm Where: Parkour Park at Westminster Academy, Academy Sport, Torquay Street, W2 5EZ Age: 8 – 19 Cost: Free Tel: 020 7641 2012
Edutain sports programme When: 25th July – 26th August from 10am to 3pm (Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays) Where: Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ Churchill Gardens Youth Club, The Annexe, Churchill Gardens Road, Churchill Gardens Estate, SW1V 3AL Age: 8 – 13 Cost: £1.50 per day Tel: 020 7641 2012 Join our Facebook page for the latest updates. Search Active Westminster. 14
Priority Olympic tickets for schools One in eight London school children can receive FREE tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games if their school joins the Get Set Network. Get Set is the official London 2012 education programme for 3 to 19-year-olds to bring the Games to life for school children UK wide. By joining the Get Set Network, your child’s school will get first refusal on some great opportunities that London 2012 has to offer plus access to free educational resources and competitions. Some Get Set Network schools have already had visits from 2012 mascots, Olympians and Paralympians and taken a tour of the Olympic Park. To register and join the network FREE schools should visit www.getset. london2012.com Visit the Get Set site yourself for more details and make sure you tell your child’s school.
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
Join the School Sports Club Programme The School Sports Club Programme is looking for your help to develop sport activities outside school for children and young people. Once you register your interest, the council’s Sports Unit will bring you together with other volunteers, local sports clubs, providers and sponsors to develop activities. They will also support volunteers to develop their skills for personal and professional development. The first project is already underway with the indoor cricket school at Lords pledging at least two hours of access for local school children. Teachers across Westminster are also being trained to deliver high quality cricket coaching. The Lords programme is part of a group of 10 community-led projects being launched by the council through its version of the Big Society: Civic Community. If you are interested in joining or would like more information call Andy Durrant on 020 7641 5885 or email adurrant@westminster.gov.uk
Children from Gateway Primary School talked to Children First about their experience at Lords:
“I’ve been playing cricket for three or four years. The thing I enjoyed most about today is learning to bat properly. It’s really good being able to play at Lords”. “I really like bowling and batting. I play cricket every day. When I grow up I want to be a professional cricketer and play for England”. “I really like playing cricket. I most like being a wicket keeper because I like to get people out by stumping them.”
Anas, 10
a, 10 Tahmin
Ikram, 1 0
www.westminster.gov.uk/schoolsports
Olympic heroes inspire local school children Sporting heroes including long jumper JJ Jegede and sprinters Montell Douglas and Rikki Fifton are coaching and mentoring Westminster school children as part of a new programme to inspire more children to take part in sport.
coaching sessions to develop skills and improve performance and confidence.
Children from Westminster schools will have the chance to meet the Olympic hopefuls and will take part in athletic
For more information call Lauren Meakin on 020 7641 5864 or visit www.olympic-heroes.com
Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
The pilot programme was launched by British sprinter Montell Douglas at The Grey Coat Hospital in April.
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Essential council numbers for parents Westminster City Council Family Information Service Children with disabilities
www.westminster.gov.uk/fis 020 7641 7929 www.westminster.gov.uk/disabilities 020 7266 7090
Libraries www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries 020 7641 1300 www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 020 7641 1816/1817
Special Education Needs
www.westminster.gov.uk/sen 020 7641 5348
Westminster Sports Unit
www.westminster.gov.uk/sports 020 7641 2012
Youth Service
www.westminster.gov.uk/youthservice 020 7641 1591/1592
NHS Westminster Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
0800 587 8818
Breastfeeding helpline 0844 20 909 20 (National) 0777 184 0488 (Westminster Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm) Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
020 8746 8000
NHS Direct for general health advice and support
0845 4647
Out of hours GP or district nurse
020 8969 7777
St. Mary’s Hospital
020 3312 6666
Stop smoking support
0800 328 8537
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Westminster Children First, Issue 12, Spring/Summer 2011
PG-16-G-0111
School Admissions