The pre-school was previously rated as requires improvement in 2025

A pre-school where children have a “sense of belonging” has improved its Ofsted rating. In March 2025, Cracker Jacks Pre-School in Kester Way, St Neots, was rated as requiring improvement across all areas by Ofsted.

Inspectors said the quality of education across the nursery was “not consistent” and organisation of nursery activities and routines required improvement. Following its latest inspection in February, the pre-school has improved its rating to expected standard.

It has been rated as an expected standard in all areas, including: achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; and leadership and governance.

The report said children who attend “achieve well” from the start, and gaps in children’s learning were “closing consistently”. Babies were said to “smile with delight” at the nursery.

Kim Seaman, nursery director said: “We are absolutely delighted that our nursery has now been recognised as achieving an expected standard, a result that reflects the passion, dedication and hard work of our entire team.

“After an unexpectedly early inspection in 2025, shortly after opening our new setting, we felt we had not yet been given the time many new provisions need to fully settle, embed routines and showcase everything we knew we could offer. Rather than allowing that to define us, our team remained committed to creating the warm, nurturing and inspiring environment our children deserve.”

Inspectors said staff have “high expectations” of the children’s behaviour, and they set clear and age appropriate boundaries for this. Staff were also said to create a “warm and nurturing environment”. Inspectors praised leaders for demonstrating an “understanding of curriculum quality and teaching” in its latest inspection.

The report added: “They make informed decisions to drive improvement as they regularly review and refine the curriculum in response to children’s needs.” It was also said that children show a “sense of belonging” when attending the nursery.

To improve its rating, Ofsted recommended a number of next steps. These were:

• Leaders should support staff to consistently allow younger children to demonstrate and practise their independence, giving them more opportunities to complete tasks on their own before providing support;
• Leaders should continue to build on staff practice to support older children to develop their critical thinking skills;
• Leaders should have a more focused approach to increasing children’s awareness of a healthy lifestyle.

Ms Seaman added: “This achievement is a wonderful recognition of how far we have come and the determination of everyone involved. It celebrates not only our staff, but also the incredible support of our families and local community who have believed in us every step of the way.

“Most importantly, this result reflects what we see every day – happy children, thriving in a safe, caring and stimulating environment. We are immensely proud of this milestone and excited for the future as our nursery continues to grow from strength to strength.”

“The language that once survived in whispers now thrives in classrooms, murals, and music”

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Violins and acoustic guitars are the typical sounds that come to mind when discussing traditional Irish music however this traditional perspective has shifted to trap beats and rap verses in the year 2026.

The modernisation of the language through music is something that has taken the industry by storm. And the global phenomena of West Belfast and Derry trio Kneecap are at the very heart of it.

Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próv aí are using Irish and English, humour and hard-hitting lyrics to drive a political message ranging from language rights and media representation to working class youth culture and stereotyping.

Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, and Naoise Ó Cairealláin’s music has resonated with the youth with hard-hitting influential topics taking priority in their lyricism.

And whether you think they are saints or sinners the group have left in a cultural legacy after signing with Heavenly Recordings in 2023. A Heavenly Recordings representative said: “So working with Kneecap has been completely different to working with any of our other artists.

“Obviously they’re political and the’re very upfront in what they think and what they do. They’re very creative in what they do. It makes campaigns a lot more interesting. It makes them different to the kind of standard rollout of something.

“At its core, Heavenly Recordings has always been a political label. Back in 1990, Heavenly were the, first label to sign the Manic Street Preachers, they were an anti-capitalist band known for supporting the labour party at a time when left-leaning leadership was dictating. Being signed to a label that wouldn’t censor their political stance was extremely important to Kneecap, as if there is one thing kneecap are not, it is censored.

“So, for them it is a priority to be signed to a record label that allows them to be unapologetically themselves and express their distaste for political injustice.”

Kneecap released their first single C.E.A.R.T.A in the winter of 2017, the song controversially called out anti-police narratives throughout the debut single. The song blends Irish street slang with a hip -hop beat. The modernisation of the language through the trio’s unique style made for a shift in language representation, as now it was not just being showcased through old history books, but it is now being represented in the form of modern media on a global scale, by a group of West Belfast young men.

The group have even created their own words in the language to ensure they could fluently express themselves in the modern day. A lot of kneecaps lyrics revolve around the use of party drugs, with Irish being an older Celtic language they often found themselves at dead ends when trying to depict party scenes in their native tongue.

They solved this issue by work using words that are similar for example, capaillin’ which means small horse instead of the word ketamine as it does not exist in direct Irish translation. These small details are what make kneecap influential in the modern language as they are pushing boundaries and modernising the use of Gaelige.

Prominent Irish teacher Maighréad Ní Chonghaile explains the process: “Their work challenges outdated stereotypes that Irish is a ‘dead’ or purely academic language and helps young people see it as something they can engage with confidently and creatively.”

Belfast City Councillor and Kneecap fan Eamonn McLaughlin also addressed the rise of the trio: “Kneecap are one of the most important cultural forces in recent years. I listen to their music and saw the film! They make the language feel bold, modern and exciting.

“Their influence has clearly encouraged young people to learn Irish, boosted interest at GCSE level, and brought Gaeilge into mainstream pop culture. They’ve made the language accessible – and cool.”

Kneecap’s influence on Belfast’s cultural relationship does not go unnoticed, murals and graffiti are displayed across town, confidently expressing the city’s love for the trio as they strive to normalize and actively modernise the language.

The pride in which their hometown projects is loud, however that does not mean their art has stayed confined within Belfast. Even though they tackle community wide topics while rapping in their native tongue the language and topics transcend the linguistic and cultural barriers and that is what sets the trio apart.

The Heavenly Recordings representative added: “We’ve witnessed them play a first on main stage festival slot to thousands of people, headline a hometown show in Belfast to a sea of 10,000, and perform in a packed-out sweaty basement at The Social in London to friends and family — who needed no persuading to turn out in force. Their name is known on both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond, Kneecap fill what was once a gaping Irish language rap-shaped void in our roster, and we can’t wait to share their spark with the world.”

And it was a good thing they didn’t buckle as Kneecaps 60-minute set attracted tens of thousands of ticket holders last summer.

Lead vocalist Mo Chara took to the stage and stated, “Us three have no right to be on this stage in front of this many people, rapping predominantly in a language that even people at home don’t even speak.”

Kneecap further detail Belfast’s relationship with the language, throughout their 2014 comedy-drama film. The film did exceptionally well and as a result was nominated for a range of awards throughout the award season. Due to the success the movie went on to win seven awards including a BAFTA.

Sean Mac Dermott stated “The language that once survived in whispers now thrives in classrooms, murals, and music. What we are witnessing in West Belfast is more than linguistic growth; it is the reclaiming of identity. The resurgence of Irish demonstrates that culture cannot be erased — it adapts, endures, and ultimately reasserts itself.”

When asked about what is next for Kneecap, Heavenly Recordings highlighted the roll out of their new album ‘Fenian’ which dropped on April 24. A rep said: “Their first album Fine Art is not necessarily an album that you would listen to at home, Fenian is a bit more like that and a bit more serious in tone.”

With language the theme – the final word goes to Mo-Chara who, when asked about the renaissance of Irish throughout Ireland, told me: “I think the resurgence has given Ireland a breath of fresh air.

“When you lose a language you lose a understanding of the land, your history and yourself.”

Fenians is available for pre order.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Killian Smith was reaching near the double the speed limit when he crashed into Jawar Khan who was crossing Bradford Street,

The horrific crash happened on April 19, 2024 when Smith was behind the wheel of a BMW.

Smith, 34 of Newby Road, Breightment, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was further sentenced to another 27 months for a separate incident of coercive and controlling behaviour that occurred later, to be served concurrently.

This involved Smith’s then-partner.

Also appearing alongside him was Jamie Mallen, who the court heard was speeding on the same road, although he did crash into anything or anyone.

Bolton Crown Court heard both men were driving at around 56/57mph in a 30mph zone.

Mallen, 29, of Tulip Avenue, Kearsley, who drove the red Ford which did not hit Mr Khan, was sentenced to nine-months in prison for driving dangerously, suspended for 18 months.

Addressing Smith, Recorder Andrew Long said: “The three-year sentence which should be the starting point is subject to reductions due to your guilty plea and other personal aggravating matters.”

Recorder Long was referring to the death of Smith’s mother, which the defendant had been out commemorating at the time of the collision, as well as an earlier incident in which his brother died by suicide.

Recorder Long then turned to Mallen: “You performed the same manoeuvre at the same time, and it is only by the grace of God that that you did not injure anybody else.”

Barrister Adam Brown, who prosecuted the case, explained that the cars were first seen by another driver on Bradford Street on the date in question.

The driver said that he saw the blue BMW pull up next to him while he was in traffic then speed off, followed by the red Ford, which did the same thing.

He then heard a loud bang, which he soon found out was the blue BMW – driven by Smith – hitting Mr Khan.

Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

Smith came to a complete standstill upon colliding with Mr Khan, and remained at the scene, making no attempt to flee, which Recorder Long said indicated genuine remorse.

The red Ford driven by Mallen continued on – he was later found to have a small amount of cannabis in his system, and was driving on a provisional licence.

Paramedics were called to the scene, and another witness saw a young woman shouting ‘it’s my dad, it’s my dad!’

This young woman was Mr Khan’s daughter Sophia, who witnessed her father being hit by Smith’s BMW.

Mr Brown read out a statement by Ms Khan: “My father was departing from mosque with his brother-in-law when he was hit by the car while crossing Bradford Street.

“Even though I had seen him after his stroke, I immediately knew this time was it was more serious.

“He was treated in hospital by medical professionals until December 4.

“He was found to have a traumatic brain injury due to the collision caused by his brain rotating in his head. We were told it is not likely to heal.

“From leaving the hospital to now his condition has only deteriorated.

“He was initially able to take his medication orally, but now it has to go in through a drip – he used to respond to us speaking to him, he now doesn’t.

“He used to have very healthy teeth, but his teeth are now black and crumbling due to the medication.

“He used to be very independent, now he relies on his wife and children and needs 24-hour care.

“My mother provides 90 per cent of the care, which is impacting her health – she is now confined to the house as much as my father is.”

Recorder Long also described the abuse that Smith subjected his then partner to, which led to her getting a restraining order against him for 10 years.

On one incident, he pushed her against a wall, injuring her head in the process, causing her to ring the police against him.

Smith’s defence barrister Richard Brigden explained that, at the time of the collision, Smith had been out for an event commemorating the death of his mother.

Mr Brigden brought up other mitigating circumstances which were affecting him at the time of the domestic violence, including finding the body of his brother.

His character since the arrest was also brought up as indicative of positive change.

The court heard how Smith acts as a mentor for young prisoners, and how he is undergoing therapy which has helped him understand his previous criminal actions.

Ms Tanya Elahi, the defence barrister for Mallen, spoke about the defendant’s issues with cannabis, for which she requested he undergo a cannabis awareness course.

Recorder Long gave Mallen a nine-month suspended sentence, less than ‘most judges’ would have given in a similar situation, he said.

He instructed Mallen to use his freedom ‘wisely’.

Mulgrave has finished building four energy-efficient homes in Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton.

The site, named Apletona, is located off Hornby Road on a 1.26-acre plot at the western edge of the village.

Debbie Foster, sales director at Mulgrave, said: “We began work at Apletona in October 2024 and the site team has successfully delivered an exclusive collection of high-quality, low-carbon homes within a sensitively designed extension to the village.

“These spacious, energy-efficient homes will help to meet the recognised local demand for bungalows, enabling retired households to downsize and free up housing for families seeking to live in the area.

“There is a particular need for two-bedroom bungalows and these are the first two-bedroom properties to be built in Appleton Wiske for more than 20 years.”

The development includes two- and three-bedroom bungalows, ranging from 1,300 to 1,700 square feet.

Homes are fitted with air source heat pumps and high-quality glazing to improve energy efficiency.

A contribution of £50,700 has also been made to North Yorkshire Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy to support local services and facilities.

The bungalows have been designed to complement the character of Appleton Wiske, using red multi-brick and grey roof tiles.

The overall landscaping provides a gentle transition from the village to the surrounding countryside.

Native hedgerow and species-rich grassland have been planted, with swift and bat boxes integrated into each property to boost biodiversity.

Ms Foster said: “Apletona has been created in a sustainable location with the local pub, post office, and village hall all within a short walk of the new homes, giving residents easy access to local amenities without having to use a car.”

One of the three-bedroom bungalows and both two-bedroom homes are currently available for reservation, with prices starting at £500,000.

More information can be found by visiting the Mulgrave Properties website.

BBC’s new six-part drama Half Man stars Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and Billy Elliot legend Jamie Bell.

Half Man has landed, delivering an “explosion of violence” to television screens following lots of anticipation.

The BBC‘s newest hard-hitting drama chronicles the lives of mild-mannered Niall (portrayed by Jamie Bell) and volatile Ruben (Richard Gadd) across their complex three-decade relationship.

The opening episode begins at Niall’s wedding with a charged exchange between the pair who regard themselves as brothers, united not by blood but by shared experience.

The series subsequently transports BBC audiences back to their teenage years, examining how their friendship formed and where it fractured along the way.

When is BBC Half Man next on?

Half Man’s opening episode initially launched at 6am on Friday, April 24, before its BBC One debut this evening, Tuesday, April 28, at 10.40pm.

Half Man will maintain this broadcast pattern throughout the remaining six-part series, with episode two becoming available on Friday, May 1, via BBC iPlayer and Tuesday, May 5, on BBC One, at the identical time.

Below is a complete guide to Half Man’s anticipated episode transmission schedule, assuming no unforeseen programming changes.

BBC iPlayer:

Episode One: Friday, April 24

Episode Two: Friday, May 1

Episode Three: Friday, May 8

Episode Four: Friday, May 15

Episode Five: Friday, May 22

Episode Six: Friday, May 29

BBC One:

Episode One: Tuesday, April 28

Episode Two: Tuesday, May 5

Episode Three: Tuesday, May 12

Episode Four: Tuesday, May 19

Episode Five: Tuesday, May 26

Episode Six: Tuesday, June 6

Richard Gadd’s Half Man comes after his worldwide sensation Baby Reindeer, which launched on Netflix two years ago.

Before both programmes, Gadd had contributed briefly to series including The Last Leg, Netflix’s Sex Education and Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier.

As for his acting work, the 36-year-old has appeared in Humans, Code 404, Clique and Outlander, portraying a character named Duff in series five.

Half Man is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

There has been just one ‘illegal wastewater’ conviction in Northern Ireland over five years

Concerns over Northern Ireland sewage pollution have revealed a “shocking” lack of prosecutions despite an estimate of thousands of illegal connections in the UK.

Only one conviction in NI has been made of an unauthorised link up to the wastewater system in the last five years.

The enforcement statistics have been revealed through a Freedom of Information request to Northern Ireland Water by a Mournes elected member.

READ MORE: Newry river bank fears of more collapses prompts inspection call.

READ MORE: Campaign for Carryduff pool gains support amid new council spend statistics.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale said:”Only one prosecution in five years is a shocking figure.

“It clearly shows a need for more enforcement and funding around this particular area with NIW, which has such far reaching consequences for housing, construction and jobs.

“I requested this information because, illegal connections, be they through changes of use or an existing building or new projects without the necessary permissions, are a contributing factor to the overloading of the existing NIW infrastructure.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates up to 500,000 UK homes are suspected to be illegally mis-connected.

Pressures on the wastewater network have been publicly announced by NIW with major housing developments in multiple council areas now impacted.

In the last five years, the FoI also shows 12 continuing NIW investigations of unauthorised connections and one ongoing prosecution.

The water authority also listed five cases with insufficient evidence to proceed and three warning letters handed out as well as one formal caution.

The Department for Infrastructure is due to bring forward legislation under the Water Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill to address unlawful connections.

In some instances foul water pipes can be connected to the wrong drainage system ultimately leading to the pollution and contamination of streams, rivers, and coastlines.

Councillor Truesdale added:”While the Bill is very welcome it lacks detail on funding and enforcement of illegal connections.

“Foul drainage connected to surface water is discharged at its final destination be this a river or the sea, without treatment, and surface water drainage connected to foul drainage would overload the system and require treatment so in effect money is being spent on treating rainwater.

“Illegal connections may cause pollution of watercourses as well as hinder development by overloading the system.”

The FoI statement from NIW reads: “NI Water’s approach to enforcement is in line with the principles of better regulation.

“This will help consumers, both domestic and commercial, to understand the nature and extent of their responsibilities and comply with the law voluntarily.

“However, there are times when conformity with the law needs to be sought by formal enforcement action.

“The effective use of enforcement powers is important to secure compliance with the legislation and, where necessary, to ensure that consumers are held to account.

“NI Water’s Enforcement and Prosecution Policy sets out the options available to the company.

“The options available to NI Water range from advisory letters and warning letters to formal cautions and prosecution.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla continued their state visit in Washington DC on Tuesday, by meeting members of President Trump’s cabinet, before the King gave a speech to both houses of US Congress to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

They ended the day with a state dinner at the White House, where Trump praised the United Kingdom for the ‘richest inheritance one nation could give to another’, while Charles gifted the president a bell from his WW2 submarine namesake, ‘HMS Trump’.

It is the first such visit by the reigning monarch to the US since Queen Elizabeth II met President George W Bush in 2007.

The King and Queen will journey to New York City tomorrow, to participate in a memorial service for victims of the 11 September 2001 attacks.

Read the BBC’s analysis of Charles’ speech to Congress here