Winter 2018 25
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Putting children f irst and foremost Meet Carol Cammiss, our new Director of Children’s Services. Carol’s responsible for local authority education services, children’s social care, and early help in Wokingham. “With the growing number of academies, local authorities’ role in education is changing. We want to foster and maintain close links with academies and work together with all the Borough’s schools to ensure the best education for all our children. “The majority of our children do well in school, which is fantastic. But we’re also doing all we can to help the small number who, despite living in our prosperous Borough, aren’t achieving their potential. “I’m also responsible for ensuring children with special educational needs get the best support possible, which is why school planning is so important – making sure our provision meets their needs so they can be educated close to home. ‘’In the care of their parents and families, sadly some children suffer significant harm. Where possible, we work with children to safeguard their wellbeing at home. If home isn’t an option, we secure permanent, safe and nurturing arrangements to meet the needs of individual children and keep them as close to their community as possible. “We also offer early help services, supporting children and families to address issues before they escalate. “We’re one of the lowest funded local authorities and, like all other councils, regulated by stringent Ofsted inspections. We need to work hard to achieve our ambitions for our children, and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to improve the lives of children and young people in the Borough.” If you have concerns about a child’s or young person’s safety contact the police if they’re in immediate danger, or contact us on (0118) 908 8002. After 5pm, or at weekends, call (01344) 786 543). More information: www.wokinghamlscb.org.uk
Did you know? Just over 30 per cent of Wokingham Borough’s population is under 25 We spend £22million a year in the Wokingham Borough protecting vulnerable children whether disabled, with special educational needs, with emotional health issues, young offenders or those in danger of neglect or exploitation.
Executive View Cllr Pauline HelliarSymons, Executive Member for Children’s Services “Huge congratulations to our year 11 students and sixth formers who yet again gained excellent exam results this year, and heartfelt thanks to their teachers and parents helping them through their studies. And to any young person who didn’t get the results they wanted, I also wish you my very best in finding your alternative route to the success you want. Don’t worry, you will find your way.”
