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4 April 2025: Racists' rage, Silent portfolio, and Fool's fool. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and has told us what he thinks of it all...

Chris Page savours a riot of sounds and visions as part of a new initiative at a fashionable hotel

A new pothole machine will give Bedford Borough Council a “great start”to repairing roads this spring and summer, a meeting heard.

Footwear retailer Pavers Shoes is stepping into Bedford with the opening of a brand-new store at Bedford Interchange later this month. The new branch will stock a wide...

A shoe shop is giving customers the chance to win a pair of shoes every month for a year as it gets ready to open its newest store.

The Jigsaw Service, which provides statutory education for primary-aged children who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools, works to support children and prevent further exclusions. In recognition of its dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments, the service has been accredited as an ADHD Friendly Provider by the ADHD Foundation (the UK’s leading neurodiversity charity).

This accreditation highlights the service’s proactive approach in supporting children with ADHD and broader social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

As part of this initiative, Jigsaw Service took part in a comprehensive training programme provided by the ADHD Foundation. In addition, the service extended this opportunity to ten lower and primary schools in Central Bedfordshire, fully funding their participation to expand ADHD support in the wider community. To date, four schools, including Dunstable Icknield and Leedon Lower Schools, have achieved ADHD Friendly status, with others actively working towards the same goal.

The accreditation is based on six key pledges, including ongoing staff development with the ADHD Foundation, implementing effective interventions, promoting physical activity, teaching self-calming techniques, and empowering families with support and resources.

Councillor Steve Owen, Central Bedfordshire Council Executive Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety, said:

We are incredibly proud of the Jigsaw Service for receiving this important accreditation. The team has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that children with ADHD receive the best possible support. This recognition reinforces Jigsaw’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that children with ADHD receive the tailored support they need to thrive. This achievement also reflects the commitment of both the Jigsaw staff and the wider school community in Central Bedfordshire to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students, which I’m sure will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of children across the area.

The ADHD Foundation Trustees praised the Jigsaw Service for its comprehensive approach, particularly highlighting the range of resources available to children for physical activity and self-regulation, as well as its plans to establish a parent support group.

They commended the outstanding daily practice carried out by the Jigsaw team, stating:

The submission was excellent, and the Trustees were particularly impressed by the range of resources and equipment available for children, as well as your commitment to establishing a parent support group. There is clearly outstanding practice happening every day in the Jigsaw Service. Thank you for everything you are doing to support children with ADHD.

A Shortstown couple have been banned from keeping animals for five years after RSPCA officers found 115 rabbits living in cramped, filthy conditions at their home near Bedford...

One in 10 working age people in Bedford are claiming disability benefits, new research suggests.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has stressed that it is vital to report crime.

Trading Standards officers have issued a warning following reports from residents who have received suspicious WhatsApp messages.

New figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request have revealed that Bedford Borough Council has collected over £460,000 from residential parking permits over the...

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