Message from Kevin Crompton, Interim Director for Education and Skills

Dear colleagues,

I am very pleased to have been appointed interim Director for Education and Skills here at the Council.  I come to this role after an extensive career in local government during which I have been a Director of Children’s Services and a Chief Executive.  Between 1990 and 1997 I was part of the education management team here in Birmingham during which I learned much that I applied elsewhere I think to good effect.  I hope I can now bring some of my experience back to Birmingham as we work to deliver the Council’s new delivery plan.

Whilst I am here as an interim I believe I have the opportunity, working with you all, to make a contribution to the future.   There are some immediate issues to be addressed; for example, our services for children with special education needs and we are now preparing for the Ofsted / CQC re -visit which will evaluate our progress against the written statement of action agreed after the 2018 inspection.  We are preparing for the recovery phase of the pandemic. The portfolio for the role also covers adult education, libraries, culture and working to ensure the Commonwealth Games leaves a legacy for the community.

I have always recognised the importance of partnership working and of visible leadership.  In this respect, and as soon as covid rules allow, I intend to get out and about to share views on how we continue to make the city a great place for children and young people to grow and fulfil their potential.

I look forward to meeting many of you - virtually or otherwise – to talk about how we build on current strengths and work together going forward to ensure we deliver for children, young people, families and carers.

I am very happy to hear your views so please do get in touch (kevin.crompton@birmingham.gov.uk) – for openers if there were three things the City could do to improve life chances / life experiences for children and young people what would they be?

Kevin Crompton

Birmingham Children’s Partnership: Peer to Peer Abuse survey for schools and colleges

Schools will be aware that Ofsted is currently undertaking a review of safeguarding policies in schools and colleges in relation to sexual abuse which will look at whether schools and colleges have appropriate processes in place to allow pupils to report sexual abuse concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

In order to ensure that schools and colleges are adequately supported to put appropriate processes in place, Birmingham Children’s Partnership is asking for this survey to be completed by the deadline of 11 June 2021. This survey does not replace the s175/155.

Any schools with queries can contact Micho Moyo, Head of Education Safeguarding (Micho.H.Moyo@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk). Post 16 settings can contact Hannah Redfern,

Acting Head of Service, 14-19 Participation and Skills Team (hannah.redfern@birmingham.gov.uk).