• Plan for improving and repairing Staffordshire schools over 2026/27 period approved by Cabinet.

• Capital Programme for Schools 2026/27 will see facility upgrades and building repairs at over 60 schools.

• Improvements also include sustainability upgrades to improve insulation and be better for the environment.

• Stafford-based organisation Baby Bank supports hundreds of families with essential items for babies and young children for free.
• The group relies on volunteers and donations from residents and businesses.
• Family Hubs provide one-stop-shop for a variety of services.

• Plan for improving and repairing Staffordshire schools over 2026/27 period to be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 15 April.

• Capital Programme for Schools 2026/27 will see facility upgrades and building repairs at over 60 schools.

• Improvements also include sustainability upgrades to improve insulation and be better for the environment.

• Robin Hall appointed Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills.
• He replaces Martin Murray, who is now Leader of the Council.
• Robin brings with him 30+ years’ senior industry experience.

• Libraries across Staffordshire will have their own Helpful Bear cuddly toy for children as part of a county council school attendance campaign

• Helpful Bear helps children express their feelings and has a backpack where children can place worries that they have written down

• The cuddly toy and associated workbooks, also available in libraries, have been used in schools successfully in helping children overcome barriers to learning

• People urged to have their say on local government reorganisation

• Consultation on proposals to replace county, district, borough and city councils with a smaller number of new unitary councils

• Deadline is Thursday 26 March

• Reform UK members have elected Martin Murray as their new Leader in Staffordshire.
• Martin will remain in his existing post until the county council's Leader is formally selected at Full Council.
• Hayley Coles has been appointed as Deputy Group Leader.

• The Ignite programme, teaching enterprise skills to young people, has returned for its sixth year.

• New to the programme is a Dragon's Den-style competition, where students will be invited to put together a business plan and pitch it to a panel of judges, with prizes up for grabs.

• Ignite has helped more than 30,000 young people across Staffordshire to develop business skills.

• Children can book their place for free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme activities.

• Runs from Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April 2026.

• Teenagers also can take part in development and training opportunities.

• Nine out of ten Staffordshire parents (93.2%) have been allocated their first choice secondary school for September, with almost 99% securing one of their top three preferences.
• The results exceed last year’s national and regional average of around 83% and reflect close working between the council, schools and neighbouring authorities.
• Families are being informed from today (Monday)