I was asked to support the ongoing Beacon bid on tackling child poverty by attending the assessors visit to the East Leeds Family Learning Centre...

I had been asked to talk to the assessors about the work we are doing that contributes to this vitally important work. After the session I received this e-mail from Lisa Martin who is Service Development Manager in our Early Years Service.

"Dear all , Many thanks for yesterday. The stalls looked stunning and key points were communicated well to the assessors and addressed the things that they had said they wanted to hear more about. In addition, our work and services were really brought to life by the people who attended the focus groups. So thanks also to everyone who encouraged the children, young people and parents to come along and speak to the assessors. We will get formal feedback from the visit on 9/12/08 and our presentation to the assessors in London is on 12/1/09. However whether or not we achieve Beacon status for Tackling Child Poverty, the importance of acting in a more coordinated and focussed way has been underlined and the joint work that has been put into this bid will assist greatly the Child Poverty Outcome Group. Best wishes, Lisa."

I spoke to Paul Rogerson, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, as well and he agreed that the marketplace was really impressive and a tremendous advert for the partnership working we are doing around some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged families and whatever happens the young people and families showed us that what we are doing to tackle child poverty and close the gap is making a real difference. Well done to everyone involved.
Chris