Stoke Rochford Hall

Participation in Action

The Participation in Action event is part of the 'Every Child Matters Change for Children Regional Learning Project where 'strategic leaders of children's services in education, social care and health to work and learn together'.

Strawberry Tartlets

If asked to recall one thing from the Participation in Action event at Stoke Rochford Hall, near Grantham yesterday, it would unboubtedly be the strawberry cheesecake tartlets.These scrumptious bite sized cheesecakes were perched on the buffet table, screaming to be eaten. I thought at first they were savoury somethings, so I dipped one in to a blob of seafood dip. Hmm!

I can, of course, recall  much more than participation in lunch. For example audience participation with stand up, sit down and shout out interactivity; participation of three confident young people, and the launch of two interactive CD roms resources showcasing good practice in encouraging participation of children and young people in services in the East Midlands:

Participation Works: Promoting Positive Behaviour Creatively

Promoting Participation in Induction and Workforce Development

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Early Years and Chidcare Event planning. Research, Evaluation and Professional Development Training

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Marshall-Duckett and Simms

Kerri Marshall-Duckett and I buddied up for the day. Kerri is developing a new post within Northamptonshire County Council.  Kerri and I had much in common, and quickly developed a freshional relationship which we intend to maintain.

Another of my favourite people at the event was Beth from Children's Links. We talked at length about the differences between engaging young people and young children in participation.

Andrew Cooney, Chief Executive Officer of ICE introduced himself to me along with this his colleague Ben Cleworth, Youth Director of ICE.  Searching for the common ground is one of the secrets of successful networking. What did we have in common? Well, Andrew has been to the South Pole, my former neighbours Fiona and Mike Thornewill were the first married couple to walk to the South Pole; now Mike, Fiona and Andy are neighbours.

Many thanks to Pete Chilvers of the School Development Support Agency (SDSA) for smoothly and cheerfully facilitating the whole day and to CWDC for their part in organising another successful networking opportunity.