Children and Lifelong Learning Directorate
The directorate has a responsibility to ensure that children and young people are healthy and safe in order that they are able to enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live.
We employ all the teachers and support staff in 400 schools. Primary and secondary schools are attended by around 120,000 young people. While the day-to-day running of a school is managed by the headteacher and governors, the Directorate provides a wealth of advice and support.
Our team of curriculum advisers helps every school support every young person to achieve their potential at school. We support schools with admissions, and provide education welfare services, as well as specific support to special schools. We run our own school meals service, four outdoor education centres and a major performing arts programme. We have a team of specialists who work to improve our school buildings, and other buildings belonging to the county council.
Nursery places are provided for children of pre-school age at Early Years Centres' and schools that have developed their own nurseries.
The directorate is also responsible for supporting vulnerable children in Staffordshire. In many cases children live in the family home with the support of Social Workers who monitor their wellbeing and help the family with difficulties.
The directorate also acts as the "corporate parent" of children who can't stay with their own family. Often these children will be placed with one of the County Council's foster carers, but in some situations suitable adoptive parents will be found. The directorate also runs residential homes for children in Staffordshire.
We also manage Staffordshire's network of libraries. This consists of over 40 libraries and 11 mobile libraries that service the needs of rural areas. Libraries are no longer just about borrowing books. Other services include the lending of CDs and DVDs and all offer free internet access.
The Arts and Museums Service runs the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford and runs a range of projects to ensure the county has a vibrant and diverse cultural life. The Archive Service provides historical information to over 20,000 people who make personal visits as well as providing a host of on-line services. The directorate is also home to the county council’s Olympic Co-ordinator.
The Adult & Community learning service works in partnership with schools, colleges and other organisations to provide learning opportunities for families and individuals over the age of 19.
The Youth Service operates youth clubs and also performs outreach work to provide advice on subjects such as contraception and drug abuse. It also co-ordinates voluntary schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
The Directorate also plays an important role working with other services in the county to ensure we are all improving the lives of children and young people. We are key partners on the Children's Trust and the Safeguarding Board.
General enquiries:
Tel: 01785 223121
Email: webmaster@staffordshire.gov.uk
Page Last Modified:
08/10/2008 11:07:46
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