John Healey MP was able to witness the benefits of breakfast clubs first-hand during a visit to Rawmarsh Thorogate school ahead of the rollout of free breakfast clubs for children in primary schools Families across Rotherham will soon be able to access quality before-school childcare as the government pushes ahead with the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill to roll out free breakfast clubs across the country It comes as new research reveals that almost 23 thousand children in Rotherham could benefit from free breakfast clubs the clubs are set to support parents to work the jobs and hours they choose less restricted by school drop-offs and saving them money on childcare “Breakfast clubs boost parents’ work choices and children’s life chances improving attendance and attainment as well as keeping money in parents’ pockets “That’s why it’s a shame these clubs were only available in one in ten schools under the previous government We will make them available to every child “It was great to hear from school staff about the impact breakfast clubs can have on the community and see first-hand how much children get out of attending “Where you’re from shouldn’t determine where you end up These are values held by people across our area and it begins with free breakfast clubs.” John’s visit to Rawmarsh Thorogate follows the Second Reading of the Government’s Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill new legislation to ensure children and families have access to a free breakfast club at their local primary school Ministers have kick-started the programme through an early adopter scheme with applications having opened in November 2024 and rollout being delivered from April 2025 Funding was provided at the Budget to fix the foundations and deliver change which tripled investment in breakfast clubs to over £33 million The breakfast clubs form part of the government’s mission to break the unfair link between background and opportunity The government has pledged to get a record proportion of children school-ready – hitting key targets on personal social and physical development as well as communication make a fairtytale bookmark and find the characters that have escaped from the books in our World Book Day trail All content © 2025 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council You can ask me questions relating to a number of council services Artwork celebrating the industrial heritage of the area has been installed on Parkgate Roundabout as part of Rawmarsh East’s Towns and Villages Fund project Three sections of steel with cut out shapes showing a celebration 200 years of Parkgate with scenes of industry and a present-day view The roundabout marks the gateway into Parkgate and Rawmarsh – once the industrial heart of Rotherham and home to the first steel works in the town said: “It's great to be able to see such an evocative reminder of Parkgate's outstanding history as you travel into Parkgate from Rotherham The 'cut-out' shapes provide pictures of the area's great past in coalmining and iron and steel manufacture The people of Parkgate have much to be proud of The artwork was designed by the Council’s Landscape Design and Structures teams and incorporates the 200 Years of Parkgate logo and the view up Rawmarsh Hill It is made out of Weathering Steel which is designed over time to rust to a rich burnt orange The panels and structural framework were manufactured and installed by Avanti Steel Fabrications Ltd and the Council’s Highway Delivery team constructed the foundations and managed the overall construction of the artwork said: “It is great to see the artwork in pride of place on the roundabout but we also wanted to commemorate two hundred years of people in the area Parkgate and Rawmarsh is a very different place but many families have roots to the area and we wanted to pay tribute to this with this artwork.” said: “The Towns and Villages Fund project has allowed us to create this fantastic piece of history for the area made out of metal to pay homage to the materials created in the area I hope the artwork will be a iconic feature of the area much like the Heart of Rotherham in the town centre.” said: “Being new to the Rawmarsh Ward I am beginning to learn more and more about the history of the area It is great for residents to have something they can see with pride about their heristage they are also able to find out more about the area and their families who lived in the area before them.” said: “Having the artwork on such a major route into Parkgate and Rawmarsh will have a huge impact on local pride Coupled with the rest of the Towns and Villages Fund project further up the road on Broad Street it allows the Council to give back to our communities as well as giving residents public spaces they can enjoy.” the Towns and Villages Fund project saw new planters being installed along Broad Street in key areas – all featuring the Parkgate 200 logo The area also benefitted with a general refresh focused around the popular Acorn Park where new benches and plants have been planted to provide a more relaxing area for residents to socialise Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP John Healey officially unveiled two Poppy Buses at Stagecoach’s bus depot in Rawmarsh as part of the company’s remembrance tributes The Secretary of State for Defence also had the opportunity to meet with some of Stagecoach’s veteran colleagues and hear firsthand about their experiences The Poppy Buses are a key part of Stagecoach’s annual tradition of honouring the Armed Forces community and will be seen on bus routes across the Dearne Valley Both buses are decorated with poppy-themed graphics as a mark of remembrance and will serve routes across the region for the foreseeable future John Healey MP said: “Thank you to Stagecoach for inviting me to officially unveil its two Poppy Busses in Rawmarsh “It was great to meet and speak with veterans about their experiences and hear about how integral they are to the company and their families from across the country sacrifice so much for our security and safety It’s important to recognise their ongoing efforts and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country I encourage everyone to support the local poppy appeal and pay tribute to those who serve.” Stagecoach has long been a supporter of the Armed Forces and actively engaging with its employee-led Veterans Network Managing Director said; “We are proud to welcome John Healey to our Rawmarsh depot to help launch our Poppy Buses which are a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community “This is just one of the many ways we show our support for veterans and service personnel and we’re especially honoured to have veterans within our own workforce We’re committed to recognising their contributions both in our company and across the country through initiatives like our Veterans Network and free travel during Remembrance Weekend.” Free travel will be available on all Stagecoach bus services across the UK for military personnel and veterans on the 10th and 11th November 2024 The offer applies to any serving personnel or cadet in uniform and veterans wearing medals or veterans’ badges attending remembrance services 2,264 former mineworkers across Rawmarsh and Conisbrough constituency receive first pension increase as Government ends the injustice of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Former mineworkers in Rawmarsh and Conisbrough are seeing justice as their pensions rise by an average of 32% following the Government’s landmark decision to overturn the historic injustices of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme 112,000 pensioners and their families will benefit The pension uplift follows the £1.5 billion transfer of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme ensuring fair payouts and restoring dignity to those who powered Britain for decades local MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough welcomed the announcement “I am delighted that 2,264 former mineworkers across the Rawmarsh and Conisbrough constituency will be receiving a significant uplift in their pensions “I’ve campaigned over the last 15 years alongside the National Union of Mineworkers and other South Yorkshire MPs for changes to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and its so-called ‘surplus-sharing arrangement’ between the government and members “Today marks a victory for the relentless campaigning of the trustees and will make an immediate difference to people across our area.” Former mineworkers and their families have fought for justice for many years the fund – worth £1.5 billion – has been handed over to the pension scheme ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades are finally getting the just rewards from their work Secretary of State for Energy Ed Miliband said: “This Government has kept our promise to return money rightfully owed to ex-miners and their families- and today thousands of people will receive the money they deserve in their pension as a result “Today marks an end to a decades-long injustice that has denied thousands across the country the decent pension that they so undeniably deserve “We have delivered on our promise to right this wrong and I hope members and their families are able to enjoy the victory that they have waited far too long for.” Mind the Gap: Join the Place North Viability Gap Campaign Located on a 30-acre site north of Rawmarsh all of the houses would be affordable and developed in conjunction with Vico Homes Vico was previously known as Wakefield District Housing Rotherham Council has yet to set a date for a decision on the estate which would consist of a range of two- to four-bed houses split between detached Areas of green space and cycleways are also planned Read our comments policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The developer’s plans to build an 18-storey 164-apartment block in the South Bank area will be reviewed by Leeds City Council on Thursday following a viability assessment that concluded the project will only be possible if no affordable housing is included The 65 affordable-home development is three miles from the city centre and was brought forward in a £13.1m land-led deal in partnership with Together Housing Register for free Yorkshire property intelligence Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Stay updated on the latest news and views in Yorkshire property views and opportunities in Yorkshire property By subscribing, you are agreeing to Place Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" John Healey MP with shopworkers (from left to right) Sharron Wheat and Sundari Balakrishnan Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey cut the ribbon to officially open the new post office on Clay Pit Lane in Rawmarsh It’s after John campaigned to retain vital Post Office services in the area He worked behind the scenes to persuade Post Office UK to find a new location for the Kilnhurst Road branch The branch has now been officially opened at the Nisa store on Clay Pit Lane in Rawmarsh alongside the retail counter of the convenience store John Healey said: “I want to thank the new Postmaster for re-opening the shop and taking on the Post Office “This is part of the fight to keep services local Many people can’t or don’t want to do things online and residents in this part of Rawmarsh were upset when they heard their Post Office was closing it’s very good news that this local Post Office branch has now reopened at the Nisa store on Clay Pit Lane close to its original location.” Parameswaran Suthaharan took on the former Co-op shop in October and when he heard of the opportunity to take on a Post Office Mr Suthaharan said: “As an experienced retailer we recognised the potential to re-open a convenience store in this area of Rawmarsh Post Office and the community asked if I could add Post Office services I already knew how well a convenience store and Post Office work together I was quickly able to adapt the shop to add a Post Office counter Local residents and businesses are very happy.” The opening hours of Clay Pit Lane Post Office are: Monday – Sunday: 8am – 8pm The ever-popular Horse and Jockey in Rawmarsh has reopened as it welcomes customers back following a £215,000 refurbishment the venue’s new look interior sees its seating areas refurbished giving a new lease of life to the pub With a number of large TVs throughout all areas of the pub there’s no better place in town to catch all of the best sporting action live with your friends and family as The Horse and Jockey enjoys the start of the new football season Also entertaining guests will be the venue’s freshly updated darts area with an illuminated dartboard creating the perfect opportunity for a little competition between friends The venue’s previous large DJ booth has also been removed to make the seating area more spacious and comfortable for guests Externally the pub’s garden area has seen new seating added and a new look to freshen up the outdoor offering along with a new TV added to allow customers to not miss any of the best sporting action while enjoying the summer sun The Horse and Jockey is open everyday from 10:30 am so it’s the perfect venue to pop in and have a refreshing drink this summer national and international names most notably offers on Carling at £2.95 a pint and John Smith at £2.50 giving plenty of value to the pub’s guests The drinks menus feature a good choice of interesting low and no-alcohol drinks too The Horse and Jockey is a standalone pub that is situated in the middle of Rawmarsh Rawmarsh is based in Rotherham which was most popular and developed during the industrial revolution it was known as a coal mining town as well as a contributor to the steel industry who has been with Craft Union for a number of years running the Ye Olde Sunn Inn Retford and most recently the Fox and Duck Sheffield With the day to day running of the bar coming from Christie who has worked with Alex at the Fox for the last six months and has worked in various pubs prior to joining craft around the Retford area Alex Dallas-Brown said: “It’s a great feeling to welcome guests back to The Horse and Jockey once again after the exciting refurbishment I’m thrilled and very proud alongside Christie who will be alongside me running the bar to oversee this fantastic local pub through it’s redevelopment we really couldn’t be more pleased with how it has turned out We’ve had a great response from our guests on the new appearance and we’ve been as busy as ever since reopening the doors Both Christie and I have a real passion for both people and pubs so to be able to see this place busy again is fantastic.” The Horse and Jockey in Rawmarsh is part of the award-winning Craft Union Pub Company who were named the Best Community Operator at the 2022 Publican Awards Keep up to date with all the events and offers on the pub’s website and social media account: http://www.craftunionpubs.com/horse-and-jockey-rawmarsh http://www.facebook.com//horseandjockeyrawmarsh To take part in the Stonegate Group Challenge, showcasing the next big thing in food and drink, please complete this form. 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Hosted by MVG Media Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey called in to Unity Gym in Rawmarsh to look at the work the boxing club is doing to support young people’s mental health Today (10th October) is World Mental Health Day and the Boxing Centre on Aldwarke Lane runs several different sessions aimed at getting young people to talk about their mental health issues Unity has also become an official partner with Rotherham and Barnsley MIND and has been developing its women and girls’ provision with several young women recently becoming carded fighters John Healey said: “Unity Gym has been working hard in the community to create a safe and inclusive environment for young people to talk about their mental health as well as taking part in fitness sessions “It was great to see the work that Abdul and the team do with young people at a recent boxing session “Their help has made a difference to the lives of a number of people locally and it’s good to see they are continuing to expand the different sessions they offer.” the brother of Rotherham professional boxing champion Kash Ali Abdul has been open about his own struggles with depression following the death of his father five years ago and encourages others to speak out if they need help Abdul said: “There are a lot of people who hold their feelings inside and what we say to young people at the gym is that it’s best to talk about it whether that’s through boxing sessions or just sitting and talking “There’s more to the gym than just turning up and punching a bag and we hope we can help as many people as possible open up about their problems and support them with what they’re going through.” John Healey MP is backing ITV’s Britain Get Talking campaign which encourages conversations between children and their parents and carers by reinforcing the power of a proper chat to help make young people’s worries more manageable It follows a survey of schools by John across the constituency in which all secondary schools and a majority of primary schools said there had been a rise in anxiety reported mental health problems for both students and staff since his original survey in 2018 had the opportunity of a lifetime as he spoke in the House of Commons during a recent UK Youth Parliament debate The 18-year-old was at the dispatch box as a Member of Youth Parliament for Rotherham Curtis is a former work experience student at John Healey MP’s office and concluded a section on the ‘Food for learning bill’ while in the Chamber John Healey MP said: “We’re all very proud of Curtis and seeing him speaking from the dispatch box in Parliament was such a special moment “He’s worked hard to get this chance and has often been out and about with me talking with people across Rotherham as well as getting experience of what it’s like working in my office in Wath “He is a fantastic example to other young people from across the borough and is the first I can remember to get this opportunity – he certainly won’t be the last as I hope other local young people can be inspired and follow in Curtis’ footsteps.” The UK Youth Parliament is open to 11-18 year olds that have been elected as Members of Youth Parliament by their communities and provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning Curtis said: “Speaking in Parliament is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often “To stand in the same place as all those former Prime Ministers and speak was a surreal but exciting moment “I was proud to speak on behalf of young people across Rotherham and would encourage others to get involved in local politics to help change things for the better.” You can find out more information about Rotherham Youth Cabinet online at www.rotherham.gov.uk/homepage/218/rotherham-youth-cabinet You can watch Curtis speaking in Parliament below.