ARC Chair Update - December 2024

A reflection on the gathering pace of developments around supporting our children and young people since the new Government took office emphasises the need to connect the approaches across sectors as highlighted in our Annual Conference. In reviewing the last four months, referencing a number of reports, I would like to encourage the ARC community to continue to develop relationships, with each individual and across the professions linked to their engagement.

The EEF/NFER Report (here) illustrates that the adverse impact the pandemic has had across school-aged children continues to need intense work, support, intervention and enhanced approaches. The concerns raised from the DfE attendance data (here), which has seen the introduction of new terminology - number of severely absent pupils. This has been supported by the Centre for Young Lives (here) demonstrates how solutions to these challenges can be best achieved by ensuring schools are well supported by other sectors across the system to begin to minimize the complex challenges faced. An additional focus on SEND raises further concerns (here) & (here) highlighting that many individual needs are not being met and the need for urgent reform. There could be similar references to suspensions and exclusions, Initial Teacher Training, Youth Justice, Mental Health and workforce development.

I have reflected on these areas, as I feel we are currently at a pivotal point. There are many colleagues across Education, Health, Social Care and Youth Justice that are doing excellent work at a local and regional level. It is imperative that we continue to help to ensure that we lead upwards, informing and modelling across our networks, maximising the resources we have. In doing so we can start to link together approaches from different sectors to benefit both our children and our workforces. I am confident the ARC community can help in this work., and we will continue to help create collaboration and connectivity.

I have been absolutely delighted to see so many professionals engage with the Learning programme this term. This has showcased our growing number of Learning Hubs, partner organisations and other initiatives. These are all recorded and are available on the ARC website. In addition to the second round of webinars being presented in the Spring Term, a new podcast offer will be launched too.

I am also looking forward to see increased numbers of schools nominated for the ARC Timpson Awards now they have become regionalised. These will link across the country at a number of events, where we can support the priorities of each region. I welcome your support at these events. Furthermore, please continue to join us on social media which provides some very encouraging personalised links.

Finally, I wish you all a very restful, happy and well-earned break over the festive period.

Happy New Year to you and your families.

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