Lisa's blog

14 May 2009

I suppose it is because of the bank holidays in May - but it always feels like a month that flies by particularly quickly. The time when our colleagues in the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will be transferring into Children's Services is getting nearer and we are making sure that we are well-engaged with the LSC at regional and local level to ensure that this goes smoothly for all concerned. It is always a difficult time, but in Norfolk we have the advantage of having worked hand in glove with colleagues in the LSC and with the further education colleges for some considerable time as we have developed the hugely expanded 14-19 curriculum offer for our young people in Norfolk. We therefore have a really positive context in which to make the changes that are required. I think we are all also relieved that (at least in terms of revenue funding for sixth forms and colleges) the previously announced reductions in funding were reversed following the budget. We still await clarification around the important capital bids for some of our colleges and will do all we can to support them in the prioritisation process.

I was down at the Bishop's Primary School in Thetford, together with the rest of the County Council's Chief Officer Group last Thursday. We try to prise ourselves out of County Hall to have our meetings when we can. It gave us a great opportunity to really focus on the issues across the Board in Thetford, and a central part of the discussion was about the exciting developments we are hoping to secure in terms of secodary and post-16 education for the town. If it all comes off, it would be a significant plank in the regeneration of a town that should be seen as a key gateway into the county . After the meeting, a few of us went off to visit the Ancient House Museum. It was fascinating and, as is usual with our staff it seems, we met two of the museum staff who, as well as doing their day jobs, had been stitching clothes and knitting mittens in aid of celebrations of Tom Paine that are happening this year. I bet that isn't in their job description, but they were doing it anyway - talk about above and beyond!

At home, it is GCSE time...need I say more.

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Lisa Christensen
Director of Children's Services

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14 May 2009