Visited the fifth (and final!) Pupil Referral Unit in Surrey on two sites in Guildford, Pewley Hill for those aged 5-11 and Southway for 11-16 year olds. Very similar objectives and ethos to the Reigate Valley PRU under the same leadership of David Euridge. Amazing staff really caring on a 1:1 basis. As one staff member told me “What we do with what we have makes a big difference to the lives of these young people”. He went on “I love my job because I am making a difference”.
Invited to speak at a Forum of Dorking, Ashtead and Leatherhead school governors and Heads. A forbidding audience, what is the collective name for a room full of head teachers?
I talked about my journey of learning about the issues surrounding children being excluded from school, more importantly we had excellent presentations from the practitioners. They explained positive interventions from pregnancy, through the importance of attachments at primary schools and of Home School Link workers to what it really means to be an inclusive school dedicated to reducing the number of pupils permanently excluded. All excellent examples of best practice as evidenced by our host, the Head Teacher Mrs Rachel Gibb.
Visited North West Surrey Short Stay School (Pupil Referral Unit) in two sites, Pyrford and Woking, which is under the dynamic leadership of Jo Ashworth. As with other PRUs, they work with young people who are at risk of exclusion from main stream schools with a focus on behaviour programmes. Their mantra is to be in partnership (“our children”) with the secondary school of a student with the aim together to eliminate permanent exclusions from schools. Pupils spend their time in the PRU on restorative work with the focus being very individual oriented, to quote Jo”We know our children”.
The Youth Engagement Scheme of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service brings groups of young people from Surrey schools for a week learning the basic skills of fire fighting from the experts. In the process they develop life skills of team working, communication, personal awareness and confidence. Visited today the passing out ceremony of six such lads at Gomshall Fire Station when they carried out various activities with fire hoses, smoke and a mock car accident. Family members, including a great grandfather who had been a fireman in the services, were justifiably very proud.
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Second visit to a Voluntary Police Cadet unit, this time at Kings college in Guildford. One of the three new groups but already as in Woking their turnout was very smart (see photo) and their drill was coming together. They listened to a fascinating talk by a Transport Police Officer about crime around stations and on the tracks with video and stories of trespass which held their attention. Thanks again to the volunteer police officers who run these sessions.
Step by Step is a homelessness charity working across Southern counties concentrating on young people aged 18 and under. They provide a comprehensive range of services of which
the most significant in Surrey is “Talent Coaches” encouraging c100 young people pa in
Guildford and Waverley to “opt into life” and over time improve their self esteem. This 1:1 support will reduce the risk of these individuals facing the prospect of being excluded form schools and all the consequences thereof. Really valuable interventions.
Visited the Woking unit of Surrey Voluntary Police Cadets at one of their weekly sessions at Bishop David Brown School under the guidance of a team of three Police Officers volunteering their time and expertise. The drill parade was very impressive as was their attention to a discussion of health and safety issues.
Met two of the Home Start Surrey Trustees. The charity Home Start provides early help to families who are struggling with young children and thus help prevent domestic crises. Across the County 400 (yes 400!) trained volunteers do amazing work helping each year some 800 families and 2,000 children. This early intervention will improve parenting which will in some cases help young people off a pathway which otherwise might end in exclusion from school and from society. Say thank you to these volunteers.
Monday was the opening of the new Brooklands Aircraft Factory and Flight Shed . The centrepiece of the new exhibition is the Loch Ness Wellington. That and many other exhibits are fascinating. Do visit and do thank the hundreds of volunteers who work at the Museum. All under the brilliant leadership of the Director Allan Winn. With great justification this new hangar is being named after him.
Paraded, laid the first wreath and read a lesson at the Cranleigh Remembrance Service. A very large crowd inspite of the cold wind! The lesson from Micah has the wonderful words: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”. A very well organised event by the Royal British Legion.