ARC Chair Update - November 2024

I was absolutely delighted to meet all delegates at our Annual Conference in Birmingham. The importance of supporting our children and young people with strong and effective relationships has never been more vital than it currently is. There are many concerns that have been expressed around disengagement and the issues that arise from this. Add to these the rise in poverty and the constraints of limited resources and there is a strong need to ensure that a more connected and strategic approach is required. This, being the focus of the conference, helped delegates to reflect on their roles and settings, stimulated by the exciting and informative programme of key notes and workshops. The challenge for all is how delegates translate this into action to ‘Create a Relational Solution’ so we can see improving outcomes for children and young people through connecting the Education, Health, Social Care and Criminal Justice systems.

The quality and connectivity of our speakers Paul Dix, Baroness Floella Benjamin (supported by Humpty), Ellie Costello, Maureen McKenna OBE and Belinda Hopkins clearly demonstrated both the need how clear examples of effective practice are already happening. The panel of Sue Johnson (NAVSH), Arti Sharma (Nurture UK), Jim Simon (Restorative Justice Council) and Stephen Gabriel (ASCL) placed these presentations with the strategic framework that is in place and what would benefit from changing to help more inclusive practices. The extensive workshops enhanced a wider understanding and awareness of current excellent practise. An excellent programme, an excellent day, and a big thank you to all in attendance.

I would like to congratulate all the shortlisted schools and settings of the ARC Timpson Award. A particular ‘Well Done!’ to all the winners, and a further encouragement to all to look to be nominated by your Virtual School next year. This will be the last year in its current format with the introduction of regional awards across five regions:

Midlands

North West

North East

South West

South East, including London

The winners of each of these regions will then be automatically shortlisted for the national awards at next year’s annual conference.

I have been very privileged to represent ARC at some conferences this month. The importance of Higher Education Institutions, in not only evidence-based approaches but also workforce development – both Initial Teacher Training and Post Graduate education – featured in a workshop at the UCET event. This was facilitated alongside Andy Bloor from the University of Derby and included delegates from across the sector and the UK. A second event, the restorative Justice Council held in Cardiff, has allowed awareness to be enhanced about the importance of connected and complementary relational approaches benefitting our children and young people.

The extensive ARC Learning programme is increasingly attracting a growing audience. The excellent webinars provided by the family of ARC Learning Hubs will be enhanced further by a new podcasts offer in the new year. Furthermore, there are more new Learning Hubs being launched in 2025 – all linked to the ARC Timpson Award nomination process.

There have been a number of discussions around the Curriculum and Assessment review that ARC have been involved in too over the past few weeks. This has allowed the response submitted by ARC on behalf of its members is aligned and connected to other national organisations. I would like to thank all those that have made a contribution. The ARC response will be made available on our website.

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