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Headteacher, Gill (centre), and Assistant Head & Senco, Alison, shared their plans for doing all they can to welcome the growing number of children with EHCPs choosing Goldsworth Primary because of their acknowledged success with children who have additional educational needs. Such an impressive approach requires extra resources dedicated to ensuring that staff numbers are at the right level and special training is provided as required – not an easy task in the current budget-restrained times. Gill and Alison are finalising their thoughts and have asked that all possible High Sheriff ‘connections’ are utilised with relevant charities and other Heads successfully adopting such pragmatic but inclusive agendas – they will indeed be made!

I was fortunate to meet the Pupil Parliament, who provided some brilliant, thought provoking input – watch out for another blog over the coming days with the photos!

A pleasure to have the opportunity of sharing the thoughts of ‘new’ Leader of the Council, Tim Oliver, who was keen to discuss the prime responsibility of his challenging role – ‘overall vision and strategic direction’. As the strategic lead for the Transformation Programme, Tim’s insights into both the immediate priorities, and also the medium term challenges and opportunities, were most valuable. We certainly share a belief that true partnerships will be an essential element of a successful future for the county.

A great pleasure to present the High Sheriffs Youth Award certificate to Jane Cronin, a Senior Trainer at Surrey Care Trust’s renowned ‘STEPS to 16’ programme based at their Woking Learning Centre. Jane has led the impactful Drug Awareness Module, funded by HSYA, under the leadership of Richard (left), Manager of both the Learning Centre and the powerful ‘STEPS to 16’ initiative, which gives a second chance to 14-16 year olds who have been struggling in mainstream school. Richard has a brilliant way of describing the purpose of STEPS to 16 -‘Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed through being motivated and inspired’.

Internationally renowned trainer John Edwards (behind Nike! – and below) ensured that the impressive club boxers of all ages provided a knock-out welcome! Situated in Park Barn, John has many impressive ideas for delivering even greater outreach activities for local young people through the Club. Local Community action at it’s best!

Irrepressible Centre Manager, Dee Graham (second left) and Sarah (centre) welcomed the Chairman of Tandridge, David Cooley, and Consort, Pam, as we all paid a visit to the now-famous Woodhouse Centre in Oxted. The charity was founded by Betty Woodhouse all the way back in 1971, and is still as popular as ever, maintaining their proud position in the community as ‘The Local Charity that Supports Local People’. All retired and disabled people are made to feel right at home and the tales they can tell will keep you entertained for weeks on end! We even met a couple who have now become engaged, having met at the Woodhouse Centre – our very best wishes for their future together. Becoming almost as well know is the ‘Men in Sheds’ initiative, enabling men (or indeed women!) to get together and carry out any practical initiatives they are interested in. More pics will follow, but for now here is what a ‘Men in Sheds’ strategy session looks like – I was told that their most important tool is a mug!