Children and Families Update
Dear Ambassadors,
I am pleased to inform you that, following an internal recruitment process and members’ committee, Sal Tariq has been appointed as interim Director of Children and Families. As you will be aware, Sal is presently Deputy Director of Children and Families and has been an integral part of the Leeds journey to ‘Outstanding’ since 2009. He is extremely well placed to continue to take forward our child friendly ambition and our approach of working restoratively with children and families. Sal will take up his new position on 1 February as our current Director, Steve Walker, moves into his new role leading the Leeds contribution to the national Strengthening Families, Protecting Children project as Project Director.
These appointments mark an important stage for Leeds as we build on our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspection and embark on work to support other councils to improve their social care services for children and families. I know you will join me in congratulating Sal on his appointment and continue to support our shared aim to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in.
Best wishes
Cllr Fiona Venner, Executive Member for Children and Families
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2020 Child Friendly Leeds Awards- shortlist revealed
The names of the people, places and organisations shortlisted for the seventh Child Friendly Leeds awards have been revealed. Planning for the awards has been carried out by a group of ten enthusiastic and dedicated young people, ‘Tentastic Productions’, who have been meeting at Leeds City Varieties each week to make all the important decisions on the organisation and running of the event. The group revealed the theme of ‘Space’ for the awards, which promises for an awards ceremony that is out of this world in February 2020.
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The awards are hosted by Leeds City Varieties and have been sponsored by aql; White Rose Shopping Centre; City Varieties Music Hall; Victoria Leeds; Trinity Leeds; Harvey Nichols; and First Direct Arena. Their commitment shows the continued dedication from the Child Friendly Leeds ambassador network. There are eight categories presented at the Awards, each with five shortlisted nominations - we're excited to reveal this years...
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Invitation to National SEND Employment Conference
The National SEND Employment Forum to be held on 27 February 2020, Civic Hall, Leeds. The first conference will equip delegates with the knowledge and tools to set up and run supported internships by hearing from some of the best schemes in the country. Please note, this event is now fully booked but a waiting list has been added. Please contact: info@nsef.co.uk or alternatively Light House Futures Trust: info@lighthousefuturestrust.org.uk.
https://www.nsef.co.uk/event-info/national-send-employment-forum-conference
The Ice Cube is back in Millennium Square
The Ice Cube, Yorkshire's coolest wintertime attraction returns to the heart of Leeds city centre in Millennium Square for 3 weeks of icy fun! Featuring a fully covered outdoor real ice rink, a cosy Skate Escape visitor café together with a range of themed rides and attractions suitable for all ages, the Ice Cube will be open daily between Friday 31 January until Sunday 23 February 2020. With ice skating sessions, a weekly Penguin Club especially for young budding skaters, ice skating lessons and accessible sessions, you are sure to find something fun to do on the ice for all the family! For skating session times, prices and all the information you need to know visit www.millsqleeds.com/icecube |
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Year of Reading and Upcoming Ambassador Events
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Leeds City Council staff and Law firms across the city have donated over 1000 books to children in Leeds. As part of the Year of Reading, staff were asked to donate good quality children's books that weren't being used. The books have now been donated to schools, refugee families, food banks and other organisations across Leeds. Great Preston Primary said 'Thank you ever so much for our fantastic books! We refurbished our school library over the summer and these books have really helped in our replenishment following the sorting that has taken place over the past few months.' Thank you to all staff that have donated in this initiative and we will be continuing this over the next year, please contact Mary.Gillespie@leeds.gov.uk if you would like to participate. |
Child Friendly Leeds will be inviting ambassadors to our event during Leeds Digital Festival in April following a successful event in 2019 'skills fit for the digital age'. The event focused on the importance of young people reaching their digital potential, and becoming empowered to pursue a career in the sector and how we can work together on this agenda.
In addition, we will be hosting an event in June focusing on Climate Emergency. We have been working with our partners both from Leeds City Council and external and will share what children and young people have to say about this issue, their ideas and recommendations following a youth summit.. The ambassador event will look at what we as a city, as organisations and as individuals can do to tackle climate emergency. More details to follow.
If you are interested in getting involved in these events, our enrichment work, city centre and play partnerships, business partnerships and sponsorship and or have any other key ideas you would like to discuss, please email Sadiya at childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk.
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