7 July 2023 weekly update

Dear Colleagues,

Well done on getting through another week of disruption, sports days and celebrations.

I started the week meeting with Academy Chief Executives to update them on LA developments and my thanks to colleagues that attended in Ashford and Brands Hatch. Much of the rest of the week has been spent on planning for September and the next academic year, particularly for the SEN services. I am well aware you are still not seeing any improvement on the ground, but we have had our first thank you for a prompt and clear response from one of the MP’s office staff. A small step but definitely in the right direction.

I am glad to be able to share the presentation slides from the recent Headteacher Briefings, which you can find below:

• Headteacher Briefing presentation (PDF, 4.4 MB)
• Marsh Academy presentation (PDF, 5.3 MB)
• Malling School presentation (PDF, 909.7 KB).

For those of you in East Area, you will be aware that sadly Marisa White will be retiring at the end of the year. Just to reassure those of you who have asked, we are planning to go live with the recruitment process week beginning Monday 17 July with a new title for the post, which will change from Area Education Officer to Assistant Director Education. We are also currently in the process of recruiting a new Executive Support Assistant to the Director of Education, find out more on the KCC Jobs website

For my grandson’s birthday I bought him a sleepover at the Science Museum - and tonight’s the night! So when I shut down my laptop at the end of the day I’ll be heading off with him and his friends for an exciting night of activities followed by sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, with a wake-up call at 6am, breakfast then more activity until museum opening time at 10am. I’m sure it will certainly take my mind off of work!

Hope you have a great weekend.

Christine McInnes
Director of Education