Lots of change in our schools from September. Expansion at Robin Hood Primary (where Im Chair of Governors), at East Ardsley Primary (where Councillor Renshaw is a governor) and at Thorpe Primary school. As well as new school places to accommodate the growing number of children in our area, universal free school meals will be rolled out for all children in the first three years of school. Universal Free School meals is a great scheme but sadly underfunded by the government so schools in Leeds are having to meet half the costs of the work to improve kitchen and dining facilities to accommodate the extra pupils taking dinner. For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities there will be new Education, Health and Care Plans brought in as a result of the Children and Families Act. A welcome holistic look at the needs of children and the families. Earlier this week alongside other school governors (who give their time for free) from across the city I had the pleasure to hear from Sara Clayton-Smithson who heads up EPIC a parent-partnership organisation supporting children with SEND and families in the city. Sara, who Ive known now for many years since she was the Chair of Robin Hood Residents Association, spoke powerfully and from the heart about her own personal experience and the difference that joined-up early intervention and support can make to children and families. What Sara had to say made a real impact on all the school governors and Councillors in the room. It will help to inform and improve the work that is being done to support other families across the city for years to come. Well done Sara and your team at EPIC! On Wednesday next week we will be discussing the implications of the Children and Families Act at the Health and Wellbeing Board for Leeds and hope to being a further focus to this in a workshop later in the year.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 09:24:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015