MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES

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Sent on behalf of Tolis Vouyioukas, Corporate Director, Children’s Services Directorate

Dear Colleagues,

As we move into week 8 of the lockdown period and in advance of the government announcement on Sunday, I wanted to update you on the work that is underway as part of the joint work between the Local Authority and the Chairs of Partnerships. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be circulating a series of documents which are intended as guidance and support for your staff and school community as we all move into the next stage of this experience. These will include:

  • Principles of future planning
  • Provision options for Special Schools
  • Information regarding a CPD offer for all staff as we get used to the new normal
  • Standard secondary transition form
  • Reopening checklist

    The purpose of these documents is to provide clarity during these uncertain times. In addition, Jo Cassey, Gareth Drawmer and Hero Slinn will be attending the upcoming PEB, BASH and SSHT meetings to talk to this work and respond to any queries you may have. I know from my discussions with many of you and feedback from my team, that you and your staff continue to work tirelessly to support our children and young people and I am truly grateful for all that you have done throughout this time. I appreciate the toll that this will be having on you individually and collectively. I know that some of you will be working over the Bank Holiday to provide vital care for children of key workers and our most vulnerable.

    I also wanted to let you know that some of the stories that you have shared with me about the various acts of kindness shown are truly inspiring and there isn’t enough space here to refer to them all. There is one example of kindness though that stood out for me this week from one of our Y11 pupils who sent an Amazon voucher for our hospital to purchase gowns. This was from money that he probably didn’t have!

    Finally, our new permanent Service Director for Education, Simon James starts on 18th May. I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Jo Cassey for working with me and the team covering this role during the last several months.

    I will write to you again next week after the Prime Minister’s announcement.

    Take good care and thank you again.

    Tolis Vouyioukas
    Corporate Director
    Children’s Services Directorate
    Buckinghamshire Council

    01296 383 104
    tolis.vouyioukas@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

    The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury HP19 8FF