As we are approaching half-way through the term of the Alliance Group’s time in office at County Hall, News OnTheWight approached each of the Cabinet members offering an opportunity to highlight the work of their portfolio and their hopes for the coming year.
We began with Isle of Wight council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, followed by Cllr Jonathan Bacon and Cllr Julie Jones-Evans.
Up next is Cllr Debbie Andre, whose portfolio covers Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills. In her own words. Ed
Since taking over the portfolio for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills in May 2021, there have been many challenges.
It’s one of the largest portfolios that currently form the administration of the Island and one that is very close to my heart, as I am passionate about our children and young people and delivering the best possible service to them that we can.
A strong advocate for our young people
As the political lead for Children’s Services, I’m a strong advocate for our young people. I have committed to giving our children and young people a voice and have very much enjoyed meeting with the different groups to hear their views and opinions.
I now regularly meet with the Youth Council, the Sandown Youth Forum and sit on both the Adoption and Fostering panels
Corporate Parent for our Children in Care
As an elected member, I’m a Corporate Parent for our Children in Care, a role that I fully commit to. I have high ambitions for our children in care and delight in their successes.
I recently had dinner with two of our University graduates who have already achieved so much and whose ambition will take them even further.
Our foster families are at the heart of changing our children’s lives for the better and they are all amazing in the work that they do, and the impact that they have on our children’s futures is incredibly positive.
Early intervention is key
If we are to prepare our young people for the challenges of life, we need to support and equip them with the tools that they need. Help and support for families and early intervention is key.
Parental involvement in their children’s education from birth will ensure that children get the best possible start in life.
Our Family Hubs, commissioned through Barnardo’s, were set up to support families with children aged 0 – 19 and offer a range of parenting programmes and services to cover all ages and stages including online courses and workshops.
Understanding the issues facing education
I’ve already visited many of our Island schools and am planning to continue my visits.
Speaking with headteachers and seeing teaching in action helps me to really understand the issues that we face delivering education on the Island. I’m working closely with officers to try to address these issues.
Government involvement
I’m grateful to Bob Seely MP for his support in speaking to ministers regarding Island education, especially for his support with our bid for a new Special School on the Island.
In addition, a bid has been submitted by officers for the Govt School Rebuilding Programme which, if successful, will benefit several Island schools, although at the time of writing, this hasn’t been confirmed.
Schools Bill
It’s disappointing, however, that the Schools Bill will not be progressing to its third reading and therefore many of the ambitions of the Schools White Paper will not be realised.
In the White Paper, the Government recognised that the existing education system is fragmented and that councils have a continued role at the centre of local education systems with powers to match their duties around place-planning and ensuring pupils out of school return to the classroom as soon as possible.
I will continue to lobby the current education Secretary of State, Gillian Keegan, through the Local Government Association, for such changes to be forthcoming.
Youth MP champions the voices of our young people
I’m indebted to our Youth MP, Oliver McClean, for championing the voices of our young people. His enthusiasm and determination is an inspiration.
Although only elected in May of this year, Oliver has already been involved in many youth projects including presenting on a film where his talent shone through and he wouldn’t have looked out of place as a presenter on Countryfile. He’s also connected with other Youth MPs around the country to raise and discuss common issues.
Youth Council
I’m grateful to our Youth Council for inviting me to some of their meetings and for the work that they are doing in several areas of importance to us all, such as transport, the environment and diversity.
Being involved with our Youth Council is part of our commitment to young people as an administration and a great way to hear their views and ensure that their ideas are woven into our policies.
Achieving the best outcome for our Island children
Building relationships with partners is key in triangulating evidence making informed decisions and I make time to visit and speak with as many groups as I can. Central to any decision is achieving the best outcome for our Island children.
That’s why we now have a section on our report template that considers the impact on our children and young people and future generations.
Upskilling parents
Education and aspiration go hand in hand and parental involvement is key. Projects are ongoing to upskill parents so that they are better equipped to support their children such as the Multiply offer which is fully Govt funded. Go to the IWC Website to apply.
As always, there is a wide range of courses available through our Adult Community Learning hub at Westridge and at other venues around the Island. Every year an incredibly inspiring awards event is held to celebrate the achievement of our adult learners.
Fully committed
I am fully committed to my role as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills and will continue to be a strong advocate for our children and young people in everything I do.
They are our future and we must give them a voice.
