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Issue 4: December 2008

News in brief

Nursery world awards
The Nursery World Awards 2008 took place on the 21 November raising the profile of the sector and providing an excellent opportunity for professionals to get their hardwork, innovation and dedication recognised.

CWDC was proud to be associated with such examples of best practice in early years education and child care. We would like to congratulate all the finalists, together with the winners of our sponsored categories. 

Full details and photos from the ceremony can be found here:

It’s good to share
Government guidance on information sharing has been updated to include advice for practitioners working with families, children and young people.
Information sharing is key to the government’s goal of delivering better, more efficient public services, and is a vital element in improving outcomes for all. 

The revised guidance, which include case examples, training material and legal advice, aims to support good practice and clarify when and how information can be shared legally and professionally to improve outcomes.

To view the pocket guide to information guidance or view other available materials, click here

Integrated working explained
CWDC has recently published a new booklet  designed to provide an overview of what is meant by integrated working, the different tools, advice and guidance available and how it can benefit you.

The booklet  explains the background to integrated working and includes a brief overview of the integrated working tools and guidance documents available which will help to ensure that a child or young person only has to tell their story once to get the support they need.

Copies can be downloaded on the CWDC website  or to request a hard copy email info@cwdcouncil.org.uk 
 

Welcome to CWDC News

Time to reflect …

Welcome to the final edition of CWDC News for 2008.

As the festive season draws near, this is a time to reflect on the progress we, and the children’s workforce as a whole, have made during the last 12 months.

The publication of the 2020 Children and Young people’s Workforce Strategy on 11 December will undoubtedly influence the shape and direction of our work in 2009 and beyond.

As a member of the Expert Group which supported the development of the strategy, I was delighted to see so much of CWDC’s pioneering work included in the document. The drive towards a graduate-led workforce and reforms we are leading in social care and the youth workforce remain prominent features of the government’s vision for the children’s workforce.

While everyone at CWDC has welcomed the strategy as a positive development, both my colleagues and myself  were equally saddened by the case of Baby P.  This case sent a shockwave through the country and left everyone at CWDC stunned and distressed. Protecting children is at the very heart of all our work and, although cases of this nature are always sickening, it is vital all learning is used to inform our future work. 

CWDC will play its part in making sure the findings and the lessons learned following Lord Laming’s report in February will become embedded in the theory and practice of the children’s workforce.

It is these very cases that strengthen our resolve to continue the work we have begun with you to create a world class children’s workforce, making a positive difference to the outcomes of children and young people.

I would like to wish you and those close to you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Jane Haywood
Chief Executive

Children and Young People Now Awards

CWDC was delighted to sponsor the 2008 Children and Young Peoples Services Awards which took place on the Thursday 20 November. 

Find out more here 

 

Children's Services Summit

CWDC was involved in the Children's Services Leadership Summit which took place on 20-21 November 2008. 

Find out more here

Early Years events provide a friendly ear

A series of regional events for Early Years training providers and local authorities were hosted throughout October.

The events updated delegates on our recent progress, including the latest news about Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) . 

Find out more here

Major funding secured for North East projects

The Regional Efficiency and Improvement (REIP) Programme has pledged £500,000 towards four key workforce reform projects in the North East. 

Find out more here

CWDC opens its doors on Takeover Day

Following last year’s success, CWDC was once more involved in the nationwide Takeover Day – 7 November 2008, a national initiative organised by 11 million. This annual event invites children and young people to ‘takeover’ from adults. 

Find out more here

Diversity work reaches for the stars

CWDC's continued commitment to diversity across the children's workforce included a recent brush with the stars.

Kelly Rowland, international singer and former Destiny's Child member, made a special appearance at the CWDC-backed XCEL Awards. 

Find out more here

Understanding parents and carer's views

CWDC is working with ECOTEC a research organisation, to collect information on existing consultations with parents and carers about the children's workforce.

CWDC wants to include the views of parents and carers in their work programme.

Find out more here