Blog

On Wednesday I addressed England's Roman Catholic Diocesan Schools Commissioners in Lincoln and then visited William Farr School. Here I met the very active student council, the head, and some dedicated and enthusiastic staff. I was impressed by the determined inclusion of all comers, the view that people are people first with whatever issues they may have second, and the real involvement of pupils in decision-making. 

On Thursday I met some very impressive people at the NSPCC's conference in Leeds about involving children and young people in local safeguarding children boards. They included 18 year old Neketa who told her story of the care system. She is about to study at Manchester University, and was a great speaker who challenged us all.

On to Coventry for the evening to meet the city's young people's advocacy and representative groups: youth council, Youth Opportunity Fund team, Vibes mental health project, Grapevine learning difficulties group, and CIC Voice. They were passionate about their city, but wanted to feel more valued by the adults there. A great, sometimes challenging conversation.

Then I travelled to Birmingham to speak at the National College conference on Friday. The week ended with a drive up to north Northumberland to appear on BBC Radio 4's 'Any Questions?' A busy but rewarding week!

By Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England