Agenda item - Chair's Communications

21.1    The Chair stated:

In the meeting today the committee will receive an update on the summer examination results. These once again demonstrate the excellent work taking place in our schools. Across the different key stages and against most measures Brighton & Hove perform above national averages. We are now at the start of a new academic year and I would like to thank all staff, across our schools and within the Council for the work they have done last year and of course for their continued hard work this year.

At a committee we often receive reports related to the education of our children and young people. However, equality important, and in some ways more important is the work that we do to protect our children and young people and keep them safe. It is a very difficult task and I’m pleased that in the last few years our performance has significantly improved. A major reason for this is the vision and dedication that has been shown by Helen Gulvin, who as Assistant Director has led this area of service since November 2014. Prior to this she worked in an interim capacity from October 2013, initially helping to establish our multi agency safeguarding hub and then as the interim Assistant Director. Helen has now decided to retire and will be leaving at the end of the month. I would like to personally thank Helen for everything that she has done and wish her the very best for the future