6 March 2020 – ESL Briefing

Dear Colleagues

Fantastic news – after 12 months of planning and 3 full days of assessment by an appointed assessor this week, I’m delighted to report we have successfully achieved the DfE Matrix national quality standard for information, advice and guidance services. This process has been expertly led by Delyse Taylor and Kirstie Mallett, with support from colleagues across all ESL teams. The Assessor congratulated ESL for unique, imaginative and innovative practice. Following so soon on from our excellent Ofsted inspection result, this again provides clear evidence across all our teams of the great support, advice and services we are providing to young people and adults that is so impactful and helping change lives.

This week there has been some really great sharing of our fantastic work to wider audiences:
On Monday, Paul spoke at the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) Preparing for Adulthood Conference in Exeter, outlining the Bristol WORKS for Everyone programme which supports people with learning disabilities into paid employment. The session was really well received and highlighted the innovative approaches that we are undertaking in this area. For more information about this programme I do recommend that you take a look at: www.bristolworksforeveryone.org.

Yesterday, Hayley was asked to be a headline speaker at the National Careers Guidance Show at Ashton Gate Stadium – talking about Bristol WORKS as a case study of good practice and outlining ideas on how schools can be more creative with careers. Again there was a great turn out and the input was shared widely through our WORKS twitter account too. How fantastic for Hayley to speak at an event where she has attended as a careers leader over the last few years – Hayley said ‘this was super scary but really glad I did it!’

And yesterday Robin McDowell from Economic Development joined me, Darren, and a number of colleagues across ESL teams in organising two important partner workshops held at the Gatehouse Centre – exploring how we can work more closely with local employers to improve job and skills opportunities in South Bristol. Alison Hurley did a great job setting the strategic context and outlining all the great services that ESL is providing for young people and adults in the area.

Best wishes
Jane Taylor, Head of Employment, Skills and Learning