November 2011:

New hospital on hold: With work due to start on the creation of a new community hospital in Clevedon this year, NHS North Somerset announced the project had been delayed. The hospital was due to be completed by the summer of 2013 but health bosses were unable to say how long the delay would be for. The plans have had to be revised to take into account Government changes to the NHS.

An iPad for every pupil?: Clevedon School is hoping all of its pupils will soon have their own iPads for use in lessons. The school launched the proposals to parents after a trial, which began in May, proved successful. The school hopes to roll out the use of iPads for lessons and homework if parents are willing to pay for them.

Young people protest in an effort to reverse youth cuts: More than 30 teenagers from Portishead descended on Weston’s Town Hall to protest against proposed cuts to the district’s youth service. Several of the teenagers spoke during a North Somerset Council meeting. The council is recommending cutting its youth worker budget completely, to then allow �280,000 a year to be redirected to fund youth work aimed at vulnerable young people.

School to pioneer driving education qualification: Nailsea School became the first in England to offer its pupils a BTEC qualification in Driving and Driver Education. Available to students aged over 16, the course is aimed at emphasising the importance of not only being a safe driver but also a safe passenger. The pupils will also learn about car maintenance and driving hazards.

Pounds for Pudsey: Spotty fundraisers across North Somerset took part in some weird and wonderful activities to collect cash for the annual BBC Children in Need appeal. Schools, businesses and individuals got into the fundraising spirit for the cause, which sees money donated to children’s charities and projects in the UK.