Guests:
Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Children & Young People Committee
Tapiwa Julius, Children’s Principal Social Worker at Cambridgeshire County Council

Cllr Bryony and Tapiwa join Edwina and Ross in this episode to discuss the discrimination that some of our learners' face. They explore care experience as a protected characteristic and intersectionality for learners who currently have the support of a Social Worker, or who have had support from a Social Worker.

Cambridgeshire County Council have adopted the approach of considering care experience as a protected characteristic - Cllr Bryony talks to us about why this is, how we have made this happen and what this means for Cambridgeshire children in care. The recent Barnardo’s Report on Double Discrimination is also explored in relation to the impact of intersectionality, unconscious bias, and low expectations for our learners.

The overriding message is one of hope - that if we can continue to reflect on our own practices and biases, we can better support and empower our learners to achieve their maximum potential.
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/news/double-discrimination-barnardos-calls-change-report-highlights-young-black-people-who-have

Meet Andrea and Kaitlyn. Edwina and John describe them as "Our best guests yet!"

We are so proud to be able to share this podcast with you. Andrea and Kaitlyn describe their educational experiences and what they want their Designated Teachers to know and do. 

- "Don't pull us out of lessons!"
- "Face the problems and don't shy away!"
- "PEP meetings can be tiring!"

Don't get jealous when you hear about Japan and India!

Cambridgeshire Virtual School receives support and challenge from the Virtual School Management Board. In turn there is an expectation that school governors and trustees ensure that they hold schools and trusts accountable for the educational outcomes of all children known to social care.

Andrew Read is the Chair of Cambridgeshire Virtual School Management Board. He joins Claire Hiorns,  Virtual School Head Teacher, to discuss governance and accountability with John and Edwina.

They determine that strong governance is key to promoting educational outcomes and consider the structures and processes in place within both the Local Authority and at a school and trust level.

Governors (Cambridgeshire Virtual School) - Learn Together (cambslearntogether.co.uk)