National Association of Virtual School Heads' annual conference

Last week I attended the National Association of Virtual School Heads' (NAVSH) annual conference in London.

Over 200 delegates representing more than 120 local authorities witnessed presentations by Nadhim Zahawi, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, Matthew Brazier, Ofsted Lead for Children, Anne Longfield, Children's Commissioner and representatives from Adoption UK, Coram and the National Consortium of Examination Results (NCER).

It also offered a great opportunity to speak to other Virtual SchoolHeads from local authorities across the country, share some great ideas and discuss issues affecting us all. It was good to talk to representatives from the Department for Education, in particular regarding new statutory guidance and our extended remit for previously looked after children.

It was a very useful two days that left us all feeling inspired, emboldened and enabled; re-invigorated to meet the challenges before us.

Tony (Virtual School Head)

Leicestershire Matters

Young people in three Leicestershire schools will have the opportunity to have their say in the future of health research and meet a Great British Bake Off star as part of a new project.

Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Leicestershire hosted its first event with members of the public in March 2025.

We're introducing a series of learning sessions to help improve research skills.

Money to help boost research into Leicestershire's health given go ahead.

Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Leicestershire hosted its first research skills conference for Leicestershire County Council staff on 14 November 2024.

The ASK Programme are hosting a series of free events during National Apprenticeship Week.