A conference dedicated to supporting children who have faced adverse experiences and early life trauma that took place earlier this month has been described as ‘magnificent’, ‘informative’ and ‘inspirational’.
The fully-booked event, run by the Isle of Wight Council’s Virtual School, titled “From Safety to Success through Everyday Connection, Care, and Education,” was open to all social care and education professionals, adoptive parents, special guardians, kinship carers, foster carers, and others supporting vulnerable children on the Island.
180 delegates came together on 11th March to develop their understanding and practice alongside building connections with others who share a vision to see our children supported to success.
The council’s director of children’s services, Ashley Whittaker, opened the conference highlighting the importance of a collective approach to the best possible provision and support for the children who need additionality.
Dr Kim Golding CBE, a renowned clinical psychologist, author, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) consultant and trainer followed with her keynote speech.
Dr Golding shared her expertise with delegates, reminding listeners to ‘slow down’ and be PACEful (PACE stands for Playful, Acceptance, Curious and Empathetic) in all that we are when supporting children and young people, especially with those who have lived experiences resulting in trauma.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Corporate Functions said:
‘‘We are extremely proud to facilitate this conference where the care and support of vulnerable children was at the forefront. The team at the Isle of Wight Council’s Virtual school may be small but they are making big impacts with their dedication and hard work.’’
Article continues below this advertisement ‘‘The feedback we have received from attendees of the event has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have stated how impactful and inspiring the speakers were. I’d like to thank everyone involved, from the team pulling the event together to the speakers and also those that attended.’’
Attendees participated in three workshops, exploring essential concepts for fostering connection, care, and repair from relational trauma, delivered by Dr Kim Golding, Josh Connolly and Adopt South. Feedback from the sessions was overwhelmingly positive with 84% of respondents, to the post conference evaluation, rating the sessions Excellent or Good.
The Isle of Wight Virtual School is responsible for supporting access, engagement and outcomes in education for care experienced children on the Island.
