UPDATE NO 301 11 May 2018

Consultation on 2018-19 DCS Peer Challenge Arrangements

The SESLIP Steering Group (which includes two DCSs, one lead member, one chief executive from the region and improvement advisers from the LGA) met this morning to consider proposals for meeting the new expectations on Regional Improvement Alliances.

A number of actions have been called for, and I will circulate information to DCSs in due course.

The report was informed by the responses to the consultation undertaken earlier this year, and an excellent debate followed. The main conclusions were that we should accept the direction of travel indicated by ADCS nationally, and that we should embrace contributions from Lead member and Chief Executives. There will be a “trial run” at creating a regional improvement plan for 2018-19, and I will be in touch separately with DCSs to explain how that will be created.

UASC Conference – Thursday 28 June – Maidstone

Kent Specialist Children’s Services Conference 2018 – “Our Journeys – Travelling Towards Success Together”

How your Local Authority can make a difference for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children & Young People.
Utilising Kent’s experience with Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Young People to focus our minds towards achieving excellent placement, educational and well-being outcomes and community integration.

Venue: Oakwood House, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8AE

Date and Time: Thursday 28 June 2018, 9.15am – 4.00pm

Who should attend:
Local Authority Members Education Professionals, Social Work Practitioners, Virtual School Professionals, Fostering Practitioners, Accommodation and Health Professionals, Supporting Networks.
Fee:
£75 for one delegate or £50 per delegate for 2 or more. Includes lunch.
Accommodation (limited) is available for the night before / night after the conference at the conference venue at a discounted rate. Contact Oakwood House Hotel (01622 620720) and quote ‘UASC Conference’.

Download the flyer here or the booking form here.

For more information please contact Rachel Calver at Kent Virtual School.

SE DCS Peer Challenge 2018

Planning is underway for 3 Director’s Peer Challenges in 2018. The confirmed participants and dates are in bold on the accompanying chart. 

For more details please go to the SE ADCS Peer Challenge page. Colleagues requiring a more detailed briefing should contact Anna Wright (details below).

The 2018 MoU is now available for particpants to download, sign and return. Thanks to Bracknell Forest and Brighton and Hove for returning a signed MoU.

I now have one vacancy to join the team to visit Hampshire in November; thanks to colleagues from Brighton and Hove, Kent, Bracknell Forest and Southampton for volunteering to join the teams. Please contact Richard Tyndall in the first instance if you wish to join the Hampshire team.