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NewsBeat

Every Ofsted school inspection report published this month in Greater Manchester

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Manchester Evening News

The government watchdog has issued its lates verdicts on schools across the region

Government watchdog Ofsted has released its last school gradings before the summer break. Education settings across Greater Manchester have received a mixture of praise and cautions, as some schools are told to do more to tackle low attendance or combat incidences of bullying.

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Schools such as The Greens ENS and Progress Schools Gorton were celebrated for helping youngsters who’ve suffered disrupted schooling rediscover a joy for learning by approaching pupils with ‘patience, care and humour’. And St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Stockport was named a ‘safe haven’ for Greater Manchester pupils of all backgrounds for its pupils ‘abundance of tolerance’.

Other headteachers were told aspects of their schools – from achievement to behaviour – ‘need attention’.

The schools are graded using Ofsted’s ‘new look’ report cards. The watchdog has moved away from one-word summaries like ‘good’, ‘outstanding’, or ‘requires improvement’.

Instead inspectors give a descriptive assessment aimed at guardians that ‘gives a clearer picture of what’s working well and where the next steps for improvement are’. The report cards show colour-coded grades for different areas like ‘attendance and behaviour’, ‘achievement’, ‘personal development and well-being’, and ‘inclusion’.

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These areas on a new scale of ‘exceptional’, ‘strong standard’, ‘expected standard’, ‘needs attention’ and ‘urgent improvement’.

Here are all the inspections published for Greater Manchester SEND, primary and secondary schools in the period between July 10 to July 24. The reports are by borough in alphabetical order. Not all boroughs are inspected during each period.

Manchester

The Greens ENS

202 Droylsden Road, Newton Heath, Manchester

Report published: July 15

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Expected standard:

  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Needs Attention:

  • Achievement
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance

Inspector’s Comments:

Many of the kids at Greens ENS had very low attendance at their previous schools, but now attend school regularly. The trusting relationships between staff and pupils help the kids feel safe and reach out for help in times of need.

They also benefit from tailored support to learn how to self-regulate their emotions. As a result, the school is typically calm and orderly, with pupils engaged in their learning activities.

However, pupils do not consistently receive the support or high-quality teaching that they need to learn successfully.

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Progress Schools Gorton

Hideout Youth Zone, 1 Queens Avenue, Manchester

Report published: July 15

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Inspector’s Comments:

Pupils at this school typically arrive after disrupted schooling and don’t value education. Yet, with patience, care and humour, staff help pupils to feel safe, welcome, understood and cherished. Pupils develop a deep sense of belonging to the school, which they describe as a family. They know that staff will not give up on them and, over time, many strive to make staff proud.

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All of the pupils have special educational needs that are well understood by staff. Youngsters receive the support they need to progress through the curriculum and many successfully transition back into mainstream education once leaving the setting.

Oldham

Bright Future School

Friezland Lane, Greenfield, Oldham

Report published: July 10

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Strong standard:

  • Personal development and wellbeing

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance

Inspector’s Comments:

Pupils at Bright Future School rarely miss a day and are keen to learn. The staff are caring and understand pupils’ special educational needs well. Leaders ensure that activities are expertly adapted to meet pupils’ differing needs, strengths and interests.

Christ Church CofE Primary School

Ellen House, Waddington Street, Oldham

Report published: June 23

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Expected standard:

  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Inclusion
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Needs Attention:

  • Achievement
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Early years
  • Leadership and governance

Inspector’s Comments:

This is a friendly and nurturing school where pupils demonstrate positive ‘can do’ attitudes’. There’s a warm and trusting relationship between staff, pupils and families create a secure sense of belonging.

But at times, kids don’t learn as well as they could because some lessons are not carefully considered. This includes children in the early years, who sometimes find the content of the curriculum too challenging.

Salford

St Luke’s RC Primary School

Swinton Park Road, Salford

Report published: July 14

Strong standard:

Expected standard:

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  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Inspector’s Comments:

Kids feel they belong at St Luke’s, where relationships with adults and peers are warm and friendly. They achieve well and talk confidently about what they learn.

Staff provide good pastoral care, supporting pupils who are more vulnerable to gain self-confidence. The school’s “LUKIES” values, which include being loving, kind and inclusive, help to shape a culture where everyone is welcomed, cared for and valued equally.

The school also successfully removes barriers to learning, including for disadvantaged kids and those with SEND.

St Paul’s CofE Primary School

Nevile Road, Salford

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Report published: July 16

Strong standard:

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Early years
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Needs attention:

Inspector’s Comments:

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Youngsters arrive at school happily and quickly settle into learning. They practice important skills such as handwriting and mathematical skills, and perform well in national tests. Pupils are supported well, including those who experience barriers to learning.

Pupils enjoy school. However, attendance is currently a concern for some.

Stockport

Greave Primary School

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire

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Report published: July 10

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Early years
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Inspector’s Comments:

Greave Primary School has calm and purposeful routines and a harmonious playground. Kids are encouraged to take on roles of responsibilities such as ‘rights rangers’ and ‘restorartive champions’ who help settle disputes between their peers. Staff also help kids sensitively with pastoral issues, supporting them to make their own decisions.

Leaders are ambitious for pupils to excel academically and personally, and most kids have a positive attitude to learning. Pupils’ attainment has improved over time and is now broadly in line with national averages.

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Acorns School

19b Hibbert Lane, Marple, Stockport

Report published: July 14

Expected standard:

Attendance and behaviour

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Personal development and wellbeing

Needs attention:

  • Achievement
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance

Inspector’s Comments:

Whether playing games together, such as ‘chase’ or chess, or sitting quietly and talking, the warmth and high regard between staff and pupils shines through their interactions. These positive relationships play a vital role in helping pupils who have typically had disrupted, and often negative, experiences of school in the past to re-engage with their education. Over time, pupils attend school more regularly.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Jacksons Lane, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire

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Report published: July 16

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Early years
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Inspector’s Comments:

The watchdog describes this school as a ‘safe haven for pupils’. A warm and nurturing environment helps kids feel a sense of belonging and security.

Most attend regularly and behave well. From the early years, children are taught to be curious and interested learners. And with an ambitious curriculum, they tend to leave well prepared for the next stage of their education.

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Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe online and develop confidence and independence through roles of responsibility such as school councillors, playground leaders and librarians.

Tameside

Audenshaw Primary School

Ash Street, Audenshaw, Manchester

Report published: July 20

Expected standard:

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  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Early years
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Inspector’s Comments:

Kids at Audenshaw primary describe their lessons as ‘interesting, enjoyable and challenging’. The pupils are taught to be resilient and eager to learn. This helps them to develop the knowledge and skills they need for success.

Pupils are proud to be part of the Audenshaw Primary School family.

Wigan

The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College

Frog Lane, Wigan, Lancashire

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Report published: July 15

Strong standard:

  • Personal development and wellbeing

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Post 16 provision

Inspector’s Comments:

Pupils behave with maturity and a quiet confidence that they can be themselves at this school. At social times, pupils treat each other with respect and tolerance. There’s a sense the school is a safe haven for everyone.

The youngsters also achieve well and benefit from effective teaching, even those who find learning difficult. They also have ‘expansive’ opportunities to develop their skills beyond the classroom. From leadership programmes to sports, such as the Year 7 rugby team recently playing at Wembley stadium, the teens are helped to become well-rounded young people.

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Sacred Heart RC Primary School

Lodge Lane, Hindsford, Atherton

Report published: July 17

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Early years
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing

Needs attention:

  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Leadership and governance

Inspector’s Comments:

Pupils have positive attitudes to learning and do well in their exams. They’ve been supported to attend school regularly and staff are adept at identifying barriers to learning and wellbeing needs.

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However, though many kids behave well, some aspects of pupils behaviour are not dealt with appropriately. Although uncommon, some incidents of bullying are not addressed well enough.

Bryn St Peter’s CofE Primary School

Downall Green Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan

Report published: July 17

Strong standard:

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  • Personal development and wellbeing

Expected standard:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance

Inspector’s Comments:

Pupils thrive here academically, socially, and emotionally. The school offers large grounds with plenty of activities for pupils to enjoy, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Pupils get along harmoniously. They encourage each other in a variety of activities such as sports, music and games.

Kids are keen to attend school and most do so regularly. They’re attentive and curious, and are encouraged to work hard and to be resilient.

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Man in court accused of murdering dad in Hartlepool

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Man in court accused of murdering dad in Hartlepool

Steven Streeting, 50, died after suffering a serious head injury at 3am on Sunday, May 25, in the Church Street/Church Square area of Hartlepool.

A second man also suffered injuries and was treated in hospital before being discharged.

Aaron John Hopper, of Winterbottom Avenue, in Hartlepool, has since been charged with murder and attempted grievous bodily harm.

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The 32-year-old was not asked to enter a plea to either of the charges.

Judge Francis Laird, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, remanded the defendant in custody until a further case management hearing on September 18.

In a tribute, Steven’s family previously said: “Steven was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, but above all else, a devoted husband and loving father.

“He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.”

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A provisional trial date has been set.

The hearing will take place on November 23.

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Lisandro Martinez explains why Argentina players turned their backs on Spain’s World Cup lift | Football

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Lisandro Martinez explains why Argentina players turned their backs on Spain's World Cup lift | Football


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Beat The Heat With YETI’s Must-Have Coolers For Frosty Beverages On The Go

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Beat The Heat With YETI's Must-Have Coolers For Frosty Beverages On The Go

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

In case you missed it, we’re heading straight for our fourth heatwave of the summer. I’ll let that sink in.

That means, no matter what you have planned, you’re almost definitely going to cancel all your plans so you can laze around in the coolest spot possible. At least, I know I am.

Unfortunately for me, I live in a city, which means my best option (when I’m not in bed with the fan pointed straight at me) is to lie around in the park and hope that’s enough to keep cool.

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And while I’m all for a picnic of a hot summer’s day, if there’s one thing that holds me back, it’s the threat of a lukewarm drink.

Thankfully, there’s a solution to that: drinkware brand YETI.

To make sure you can always have an icy cold drink in your hand wherever you are in the world, it has created a whole range of cooling bags, boxes, and backpacks.

Whether you’re scaling the side of a rock face, or lazing around on the beach, it has a container for every experience.

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Made with top-of-the-line insulation, and dent-proof technology, YETI has made sure you’re only consuming fresh food and drink that’s completely unaffected by the outdoors this summer.

While we’ve been fans of YETI here at HuffPost for a hot (or cool) sec, I’m particularly excited about its new limited edition purple colourway.

So, ahead of the heatwave, I’ve selected my favourite YETI products that will help you beat the heat. Happy sipping!

If you’ve gone to all the effort of having a day out, you deserve a cold drink in your hand when you want it.

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This small version of YETI’s classic Roadie cool box was made specifically for those moments. From days on the beach to hikes in the wood, it’s designed with portability in mind, with a strap or handles to carry it.

The inside boasts plenty of space, which can fit wine bottles and two litre bottles on their side, loaded with freezer-quality insulation to keep them frosty.

Ramblers need to keep hydrated; that is this bottle’s sole mission. Lined with double-wall vacuum insulation, it keeps your drinks icy cool (or piping hot) no matter what’s going on outside.

Thanks to the stainless steel exterior, it also won’t puncture or rust, so you can drop it as many times as you like and it’ll still be in pristine condition.

Whether you’re running through mountains or in the car, it’s easy to sip from, as it has a flip top straw – plus the whole thing is dishwasher-safe so you don’t have to fuss around with cleaning.

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I’m also a huge fan of the fact the mouth is wide enough for ice cubes to squeeze through, because we all need a cold drink for longer in this heatwave!

Even when you’re in the wilderness, not everything should be drunk out of a bottle. To give you a sense of home wherever you are, this cup is perfect for your morning coffee or evening wine alike.

Just like the bottle, it offers long-lasting temperature maintenance. But instead of a straw, the top is kitted with a sliding lid, to keep your drink protected on bumpy roads. It’s also stackable, so you can store it easily when you’re done.

I’ve been campaigning for picnics to be taken more seriously this summer; I’ve found the ideal excuse. This nine litre box has enough space to fit even the most extravagant of meals – with all the accoutrements.

The main pocket is just big and sturdy enough to keep your picky bits packed tightly, without you having to worry about leaks and a lukewarm meal. The soft walls are filled with coldcell flex insulation, which is powerful enough to keep your food cold for an entire day.

Not to mention that the inside of the lid is home to plenty of pockets, ready to stash your favourite hot sauce or cutlery in for a pub-worthy meal in the wilderness, while there is a pouch for your phone, wallet, and keys on the outside.

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There’s nothing worse than your sandy suit spilling over everything in your rucksack. To keep your gear organised and, let’s face it, separate from your other belongings, this tote is the perfect all-purpose bag for every occasion, from the gym to lake side swims.

Made from a waterproof and puncture-proof shell, which is easy to wipe down and won’t get destroyed when you’re off doing your thing.

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From cocktails to kids clubs- why this Wexford hotel is perfect for a family getaway

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Belfast Live

We couldn’t have timed our visit better—a rare Irish heatwave hit right as we arrived, making for the perfect weekend of exploration

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Finding a hotel that seamlessly balances adult relaxation with child-friendly fun is the holy grail of family travel, and we felt we struck gold on our recent visit to Newtown Park Hotel in Co Wexford. Formerly the Maldron, the Newtown Park has undergone extensive renovations inside, and work is continuing to revamp other areas of the hotel in the coming months.

Situated just a short 10-minute drive from Wexford town centre and 20 minutes away from the famous Curracloe beach, where an iconic scene from the Oscar-winning movie Saving Private Ryan was filmed, we found it the perfect base to explore the sunny south east.

The first thing that struck me immediately on entering Newtown Park was just how family-friendly it is. The first thing you see in the foyer is a beautiful fairy garden, which immediately caught my children’s attention. Again, as you move into the main reception area, you can clearly see the information board about the Newtown Ninjas kids club at the hotel, which offers a range of activities to keep the children entertained during your stay.

We couldn’t have timed our visit better—a rare Irish heatwave hit right as we arrived, making for the perfect weekend of exploration. Our second-floor room was exactly what we needed: clean, spacious, and perfectly configured for our family of four, with a large double bed and two singles. It even had a beautiful balcony overlooking the fountain and outdoor terrace, which was a lovely spot to unwind.

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The bathroom was a little on the small side and a little dated, but I was happy to compromise on that for more space in the main area of the bedroom. And as I previously mentioned, the hotel is currently upgrading a lot of its facilities, with the main restaurant next on the agenda as well as the guestrooms.

The hotel itself is packed with family-friendly activities, including a large swimming pool, two outdoor playgrounds, and even mini golf on site.

The Newtown Ninjas Kids Club also runs each evening from 7-9pm so parents can dine in peace if they wish! There’s also a free movie in the cinema room each night from 7pm.

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The bar and restaurant at the hotel has recently been refurbished, and it is simply stunning. A beautiful mix of relaxing and chic is how I’d describe both the decor and the vibe. The hotel has a beautiful seating area off the main bar as well, which was perfect for a sunny cocktail beside the fountain. The other bonus is the children’s playpark and mini golf is just around the corner, so the kids won’t be bored!

We had dinner in the Courtyard Bar, included in our stay on both nights, and I honestly couldn’t fault it. The menu has a great variety of options, and the dining is in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families with little ones.

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There are also lots of big screen TVs in the Bar area and plenty of seating, which was perfect for our stay during the World Cup, as we could easily keep an eye on the games while we ate.

We tried a few of the menu options over the course of the two evenings, and my personal favourite was the Fish and Chips. I rarely eat seafood when I’m out unless I’m close to the coast, as I know it’s fresh and the Haddock was just that. A beautiful light, crispy and not greasy thin batter with the most flaky, white fish underneath, it was beautiful alongside their fresh chips and tartare sauce.

My husband and I both had the steak on the second evening and again it was cooked perfectly to our liking with a gorgeous pepper sauce and the usual trimmings of onions and mushrooms.

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The children’s menu was also fantastic with a range of dishes to suit all tastes, from pasta to pizza and chicken and sausages as well as mini roasts, there really was lots of choice.

The highlight for the children, though, was of course the dessert and the cookie sandwich was a big hit on both nights with them. I also had to have a simple bowl of fresh Wexford strawberries and ice-cream, impossible to resist in a county famous for its berries!

The Newtown Park was honestly a fantastic base for us, there was lots to do at the hotel and in the immediate vicinity. We spent a day in Curracloe beach, which was stunning and has incredible facilities, for changing, showering and a brilliant shop and cafe where you can get cool treats, hot food and pizzas to enjoy by the sea.

We also explored Wexford town, which is so quaint with its little streets bustling with shops and a lovely harbour area to watch the boats.

I’d highly recommend a coffee from The Pantry as you walk around town, followed by the most amazing chips I think I’ve ever had from The Cheeky Cod by the harbour in the sun.

Breakfast at the Newtown Park was another winner, with the chefs making special pancakes to order for the children, which they loved!

We finished our weekend by taking in the Wells House Food Festival situated in the beautiful Wells House & Gardens, just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. There were plenty of food and drink options, as well as local market stalls selling their wares. It’s well worth a visit for its brilliant playground and little farm alone not to mention the beautiful walks around the grounds. The fairy trial was a big hit with our five-year-old.

All in all, our stay at the Newtown Park Hotel was a resounding success. It strikes that elusive balance between keeping the kids constantly entertained and allowing parents space to unwind. With its prime location for exploring the wonders of Wexford and the exciting ongoing improvements to its facilities, we are already looking forward to a return visit to see what’s next for this gem of a hotel.

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Pregnant woman among three stabbed in Paris knife rampage

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The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene

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Three women, including one believed to be pregnant, were stabbed in the street near Porte de Clichy in Paris, France on Monday morning at around 11.30am. 

They were ‘treated by emergency services and transported to the hospital,’ the police said. One of the victims is in critical condition.

The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene following a police operation. 

He was armed with two knives, local media reports. 

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Videos shared on social media appeared to show a man in the area wielding two knives before he is pinned down with a chair by bystanders.

One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons. 

The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene

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One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons

One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons

French police and rescuers walk down a street after a knife-wielding man wounded three people in Paris

French police and rescuers walk down a street after a knife-wielding man wounded three people in Paris

This is a breaking news story. More to follow. 

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Center Parcs is making a major change to villages across the UK

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Center Parcs is making a major change to villages across the UK
Center Parcs visitors are keen for a more ‘premium experience’ (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Center Parcs fans heading to one of the UK villages soon might notice a big change to the food and drink offering.

That’s because the holiday company has revealed it’s going to be adding something new to its sites across the UK.

Back in 2024, Center Parcs introduced a gastropub called The Dozing Duck to its Sherwood Forest village, and it’s proved so popular with visitors that they now want to open more. 

And there are already a few specific spots lined up to get their own gastropub soon. 

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A Center Parcs sign
The holiday company is making some changes (Picture: Scott Aiken/Shutterstock)

Center Parcs has revealed it’s looking to open a gastropub in Longford Forest, and then later in 2027 they’ll be looking to do something similar at Elveden Forest in Suffolk too.

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Those familiar with the Elveden village will know it already has a pub-style venue, known as Foresters’ Inn, which will be the site of the new gastropub.

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According to Suffolk News, plans have already been lodged with West Suffolk Council to transform Foresters’ Inn into The Dozing Duck.

If the proposal is approved, the pub will be extended and refurbished, with a new dining space added, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, shuffleboard, and crazy pool.

A new lobby and an extended terrace with four dining pods and a buggy park would also be on the cards.

A spokesperson for Center Parcs told Propel Hospitality that The Dozing Duck has ‘gone from strength to strength’ since it opened and is now ‘the blueprint’ for other villages. 

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They continued: ‘Our guests were clear in their feedback to us – they were willing to pay more for a premium experience and environment.’

Each of the gastropubs will have bespoke theming and a local focus, with designs reflecting local heritage. 

While Center Parcs is clearly loving The Dozing Duck, reviews online are pretty mixed, with the gastropub only earning a rating of 2.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.

Some have claimed the food is ‘lovely’ and ‘delicious’, while others think it’s ‘school dinner quality’, ‘overpriced’, and ‘average’.

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Dishes on the menu include pub classics such as toasted sandwiches, black pudding scotch eggs, fish and chips, burgers, sausage and mash, and apple crumble.

Do you love a Center Parcs break?

This isn’t the only change the holiday company is looking to make to its villages in the near future, though. There’s also going to be more fun and games, with The Entertainment Hive being rolled out to other sites.

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The concept features immersive gaming experiences, such as The Bat Cage (a high-tech batting experience) and The Arena (a mix of games and physical and mental skill challenges). 

Known as a ‘competitive socialising space’, The Entertainment Hive first launched in Woburn Forest in 2025, with a second one being introduced in Whinfell Forest at the end of last year. 

According to Center Parcs, The Entertainment Hive has already generated more than £1 million in revenue, and The Arena has an average daily occupancy of 95 per cent. 

Metro has contacted Center Parcs for further comment.

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Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

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This Morning star’s tribute to Bill Oddie following his death ‘he was a good guy’

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Daily Mirror

A sweet tribute was dedicated to TV personality Bill Oddie on ITV’s This Morning following his death at age 85

This Morning guests pay tribute to Bill Oddies after his death at 85

This Morning shared a touching tribute following the death of wildlife presenter and comedian, Bill Oddie.

The TV star, who found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, died on Saturday (July 25). Bill went on to host wildlife programmes for the BBC, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Sharing the sad news on This Morning during the segment Morning Views, presenter Dermot O’Leary said: “Bill Oddie has passed away. Naturalist, broadcaster, comedian, died at 85, his agent revealed this morning.”

Dermot then handed the reins over to guest Gyles Brandreth, who said: “I certainly knew Bill Oddie and I, of course, loved The Goodies.”

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Gyles went on to speak fondly about the show The Goodies and how he loved the concept. He added: “The great thing for Bill Oddie is that he had a second public life, his passion – he had several passions – but one of them was art, he was a great painter. But also nature, he loved the outdoor world, he was a proper birder.”

Gyles ended his tribute by labelling Bill a “good guy”.

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Presenter Alsion Hammond then said: “What a lovely way to remember him. Our thoughts are with his wife and his daughters. Thank you so much.”

Viewers who tuned in to This Morning also shared their condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter. One viewer wrote: “RIP Bill. Thanks for the memories. I will always remember the Funky Gibbon.”

Another penned: “Sorry to hear that comic and ornithologist, Bill Oddie has died.”

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On Monday (July 27), a statement from his friend and agent, David Foster, was released to announce Bill’s passing. The statement read: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.

“Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.

“He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.

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“As Bill’s agent I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

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The Odyssey movie causes steep rise in people learning Greek

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The Odyssey movie causes steep rise in people learning Greek

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey has become a cultural juggernaut, but it’s not just inspiring conversation: since its release, there has been a surge in people learning Greek.

The film is a certified box office smash, exceeding expectations by making more than $640m (£480m) at the global box office after just nine days.

While the film’s historic status as the first film to be fully shot in IMAX has certainly helped those figures, it’s also evidence of the enduring appeal of Homer’s ancient poem, composed almost 3,000 years ago.

According to Google Trends, searches in the UK for “learn Greek” have risen by 5,000 per cent in the last fortnight as anticipation for The Odyssey reached fever pitch.

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'The Odyssey' has seen a surge in people wanting to learn Greek
‘The Odyssey’ has seen a surge in people wanting to learn Greek (Google)

A language trends expert for Preply, Madeline Enos, told The Times: “Homer’s Odyssey was composed in ancient Greek, which differs significantly from the language spoken in Greece today.

“Ancient Greek offers the opportunity to engage more closely with Homer’s original text and the wider classical world, while modern Greek can help people connect with contemporary Greek culture and communicate with speakers today.”

She credited The Odyssey with creating a spark that “can lead to a deeper understanding of Greece’s linguistic and cultural heritage”.

Sales for published copies of The Odyssey have risen by 70 per cent from last year, with 35,000 more copies sold this year in Britain compared with just 5,000 in 2025.

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While many were excited for The Odyssey ahead of release, scholars swiftly directed criticism at Nolan after the unveiling of first-look images and trailers.

They were left frustrated over production details, including costume design and the use of contemporary English language, including the fact that the male characters in the film wore trousers and not skirts, and also the use of the word “dad” over “father”.

The finished film has split these purists down the middle, with some calling them key omissions and others more accepting of Nolan’s artistic licence. Nolan himself told Time that he wrote an alternative ending to Homer’s poem in the film as the original “is so grim and so misogynistic”.

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Christopher Nolan’s film ‘The Odyssey’ has become a huge blockbuster hit
Christopher Nolan’s film ‘The Odyssey’ has become a huge blockbuster hit (Universal Pictures)

“I had to exclude some of that material,” he said. “But I didn’t want to completely take it off the table in terms of what it is saying about men and the way they wage war.”

The film has become one of the Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar and Oppenheimer filmmaker’s best-reviewed from his entire career. It’s also on course to become his most bankable, beating The Dark Knight Rises (2012), which made $1.085bn (£814m).

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Transfer news LIVE: Vinicius Jr to Arsenal FC twist, Guimaraes boost; Man Utd deal; Liverpool plot Barcola bid

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Transfer news LIVE: Vinicius Jr to Arsenal FC twist, Guimaraes boost; Man Utd deal; Liverpool plot Barcola bid

Manchester United have signed Kit Margetson and agreed personal terms with Manu Kone as they still eye Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, while they also have growing interest in Carlos Baleba and Ollie Watkins. Chelsea are preparing a new bid for Alex Scott after clinching a deal for Maxence Lacroix, with John Stones said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Liverpool are plotting a huge offer for Barcola, though Yan Diomande is joining Real Madrid and Maghnes Akliouche looks to have chosen Paris Saint-Germain.

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Police search for second suspect after Seattle festival shooting

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Police search for second suspect after Seattle festival shooting

SEATTLE (AP) — Police searched for a second suspect Monday after gunfire erupted at a crowded food festival beneath Seattle’s Space Needle, leaving three people dead and four others wounded, including a toddler. Another suspect was earlier arrested.

Investigators believe the two suspects were shooting at each other Sunday and, although one remained on the loose, Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis told a news conference Sunday night that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Police did not have a description of the outstanding suspect, he said.

“We’re still trying to figure this out,” Davis said. Police did not immediately respond to phone and email messages early Monday.

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Two people died at the scene and a third died at a hospital. They were described as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman.

The four wounded, including a 2-year-old boy, were hospitalized and in stable condition early Monday, police said. The rest of the wounded were adults. Davis couldn’t say if any of the victims were involved in the confrontation.

The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. Sunday in the waning hours of the Bite of Seattle, an annual three-day festival that draws hundreds of food and retail vendors and performers.

Dozens of officers were providing security at the event and some saw one of the suspects firing, Davis said. One suspect surrendered at the scene, but the other fled. Law enforcement searched the grounds to no avail.

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A large number of police and emergency crews responded and began evacuating the area around the sprawling Seattle Center campus.

Faith Adia Hunter said she and her friends had just gotten food from a crepe vendor when gunfire broke out. She realized a shooter was near them. She and others found shelter in the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum.

“We were right next to him when it started so we took off running,” Hunter said. “So we took off running too into the building with the crowd.”

In the chaos, many vendors bolted toward the exits, abandoning their food stands. Hours afterward, some milled outside the police tape, wondering when they would be allowed to return to collect their tents, food and cooking gear.

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Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the event, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers before people began yelling “shooter” and frantically running.

“Suddenly everything was empty,” he said. “People were freaked out.”

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After the initial panic, new guests continued to arrive unaware of what had happened and were told by police to leave, he said.

Estan Wakonabo said he and his girlfriend were at the festival waiting in line for a photo booth when he was shoved from behind and he turned to see a rush of people fleeing.

“People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,” Wakonabo said, adding that was when he heard gunshots.

“Once I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ that’s when I knew it was a shooter,” he said.

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After he escorted his girlfriend to safety, he returned to the scene to take photos and saw multiple victims on the ground, Wakonabo said.

The festival started in 1982 and draws 350,000 attendees, according to its website.

___

Associated Press journalists Manuel Valdes and Lindsey Wasson in Seattle, Annika Wolters in Bangkok and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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