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Education and families

superhero corporate parents event

Corporate Parenting week

Bexley celebrated the borough’s eighth Corporate Parenting Week in October with children in our care, young adults transitioning from care, Council Staff, Councillors and community partners.

The week highlights the importance of fostering a nurturing environment where every child and young person feels valued, safe and empowered.

It launched with a special event attended by our Children’s Services teams, the former Leader of the Council, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Chris Taylor and Director of Children’s Services, Stephen Kitchman as well as members of Positive Journeys Seniors – Bexley’s children in our care forum.

The week ended with Bexley holding its Annual Achievement Awards which saw children and young people rewarded for the resilience, talent and effort they have demonstrated throughout the year.

We would like to thank the families, foster carers, social workers and support teams who helped to make the event such a success.

Thanks also go to our sponsors Fresh Start In Education Ltd, Matrix, Fleet Education Services, Charlton Athletic Community Trust and ITRM Ltd.

Challenger Troop helping children thrive

Bexley Children’s Social Care Virtual School is celebrating five years of working with Challenger Troop, a Kent-based educational activity provider, to deliver a six-day summer school programme of activity for young people in care.

The programme provides valuable life experience and learning for young people, helping to develop personal leadership and teamworking skills.

The Virtual School were delighted with the success of this year’s Challenger Troopers with participants attending a celebration ceremony to receive their certificates.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Chris Taylor, said: 

This is a wonderful programme which provides young people with the opportunity to gain new skills and be the best version of themselves.”

Find out more on challenger troop

Bexley’s SEND Transformation: A brighter future for every child

Over the past 18 months, the Bexley Local Area SEND Partnership has been taking actions to improve services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Following a joint Ofsted and CQC inspection in December 2023, the partnership launched a robust Priority Action Plan to address key areas for development. This included support to Prepare for Adulthood, better quality Education, Health and Care Plans and access to Therapies – aiming to ensure every child receives the help they need when they need it most.

Central to this progress is the SEND and Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Strategy 2024–2028. Co-produced with families, the strategy champions inclusion, collaboration, ambition and success. It outlines a shared vision across education, health and social care to support children from early years through to adulthood, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and those receiving SEN Support.

Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Caroline Newton said: 

The strategy is more than a document - it’s a commitment to listening, learning and evolving. With ongoing training for staff and active engagement with families, Bexley is building a future where every child with SEND can thrive.”

To learn more or get involved visit Bexley local offer