It is VJ Day. 80 years ago today, World War Two ended after six long years of terrible sacrifice in the desperate struggle to defend our country. We owe a huge debt to those who fought so bravely so that we could live free from the yoke of fascism. VJ Day can sometimes be overlooked compared to VE Day, the proximity of the war in Europe means that victory over the Nazis seems to hit closer to home than the war in the far east. This happens to the extent that some of those who fought there are sometimes known as ‘The Forgotten Army’. Today I can confidently say that I and so many others have not forgotten and will never forget what they did, fighting in appalling conditions, with so many killed and even many who survived suffered being prisoners of war and appalling treatment by their captors.
The celebrations in 1945 lasted for days on end, the victory must have felt so sweet after the years of grinding war, on the front around the world and at home too, where everyone had to pull together to support the war effort. It is likely to be the last major anniversary of VJ Day that living World War Two veterans will be around to see, they are at least in their late nineties now. We should be forever grateful. I will spend the rest of this column talking about children and young people, I think it’s fitting to think of our future given all that was sacrificed to protect it.
Yesterday was A-Level results day. It’s a hugely important day for everyone involved, and I hope that you got the results you were hoping for when you opened the envelope. It’s the last step on the road through school and that road now branches off in different directions, whether you’re going on to University, an apprenticeship or other training, straight into the world of work or off travelling, I just want to say good luck to you as you start out in adult life. I’ve talked before about the incredible talent we have amongst our children and young people here in Solihull, you have so much potential, now is your time to go and make your mark.
I wrote a letter last week to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP and the Minister for English Devolution and Local Government, Jim McMahon MP. I explained the issues with the current system of SEND funding and how they impact us as a council. I am calling for changes in the way it is worked out to ensure that the funding given to councils across the country is fair. I also want to see improved funding and focussed support from central government on things like staff training to ensure that most children’s needs are met in a mainstream school but if not they have access to alternative and specialist provision.
Finally, I explained that I want to see the whole support system for children with SEND, including councils, healthcare, and schools, partnering more effectively to ensure that assessments happen quickly and support is put in place and reviewed regularly. Things cannot continue the way they are now, we must all work together to make sure we are doing the absolute best we can for our children.
On Monday, we launched our new Family Links fostering service. Family Links is a ‘short breaks’ service which provides fun, safe and happy places for children with disabilities in the home of carers. We'd love to hear from potential carers who have previous experience of caring for or providing support to children with a disability. Please take a look - Family Links foster carers
Tuesday 12 August was International Youth Day, a celebration of the creativity and potential of young people everywhere. We’re delighted to mark the occasion with the launch the new Solihull Youth webpages. Here, young residents and their parents can find all the information and support they need in one place, from helpful resources and signposts to external agencies, to details of youth clubs and the youth outreach programme. The site also offers advice for those interested in a career in youth work, making it a hub not just for activities and guidance, but for inspiring the youth leaders of tomorrow.
Finally, and fittingly given I’ve talked a lot about children and young people this week, our new Director of Children’s Services, Rasheed Pendry, joined us on Monday. He has hit the ground running and brings a wealth of experience and ideas to the role. He previously worked at Wandsworth Council, a social worker and family therapist, he has been working with and for children and young people for nearly three decades. I want to welcome him to Solihull and look forward to working with him as we continue to make improvements to children’s services.
Thanks for reading, enjoy the sunshine this weekend.
Karen.