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A message from Matt Dunkley CBE:

30 November 2017 weekly update

30 November 2017

In his first e-bulletin as Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, Matt sets out his key priorities for the directorate as we head towards 2018.

In my first E-Bulletin as the new Corporate Director, I would like to warmly thank Patrick for his support during this transition period and for his continued support as we move to formally launching ‘The Education People’ Company in April 2018.

I am delighted to be joining Kent at this exciting time in its development, and to have the opportunity to lead its integrated services for children and young people.

In the short to medium term, I look forward to getting out and about next term to meet with headteachers and other colleagues and to take forward our important agenda for children and young people in Kent.

As you may be aware, my new role as Corporate Director has now been extended to cover the Council’s Statutory obligations as Director of Children’s Services. This involves ensuring that children’s safeguarding is a universal priority and that children and young people are protected from significant harm through high quality social work that is integrated with our key services and partners.

There are some exciting and challenging times ahead for this Directorate and I look forward to working with Kent Headteachers to ensure that we achieve our vision for Kent to be the most forward looking area in England for education, learning, early help and specialist children’s services so that Kent is the best place for children and young people to grow up, learn, develop and achieve.

I know that Patrick has been sharing the Directorate’s key priorities for 2017/ 18 at his recent Headteacher meetings and I with my team, look forward to moving these forward with you during 2018. The key priorities are:

CYPE Priorities for 2017/18

  • Continue the integration of Children Young People and Education (CYPE) Services
  • Implement new High Needs funding model and the National Funding Formula changes to school funding
  • Establish the Education Services Company in April 2018 as a new model for delivery of services
  • Continue to deliver the needed school places and broker sponsors for new schools
  • Improve access to CAMHS to provide timely support to children with mental health issues
  • Continue to develop proposals for LA supported local multi-academy trusts
  • Close the attainment gaps for disadvantaged pupils and further reduce NEETs
  • Address the recommendations in the ‘good’ Ofsted Inspection report of Children’s Early Help and Social Care Services
  • Reduce demand on social care by achieving more through Early Help.

Matt Dunkley CBE
Corporate Director
Children, Young People and Education