KarenDunnLDR
@karendunnldr.bsky.social
This is my work account.
Local Democracy Reporter for West Sussex. Contact me via karen.dunn@nationalworld.com
Local Democracy Reporter for West Sussex. Contact me via karen.dunn@nationalworld.com
And that's the end of the meeting. Time to find a train @WSCCNews #LDReporter
a bunch of trolls are sitting on a train with the words `` all aboard '' written on it .
ALT: a bunch of trolls are sitting on a train with the words `` all aboard '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:15 PM
And that's the end of the meeting. Time to find a train @WSCCNews #LDReporter
This from Jodie Williams - Chair of Care Leavers Advisory Board @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 12:10 PM
This from Jodie Williams - Chair of Care Leavers Advisory Board @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
An example of how much progress has already been made - it used to be that an expectant mother would be referred to safeguarding (concerns about risks to the baby) just because she used to be in care @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 12:04 PM
An example of how much progress has already been made - it used to be that an expectant mother would be referred to safeguarding (concerns about risks to the baby) just because she used to be in care @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Committee is told that not enough young people leaving care are being made aware early enough about what their rights are @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Committee is told that not enough young people leaving care are being made aware early enough about what their rights are @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
The cabinet is due to approve the strategy at its meeting on 3 February @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:48 AM
The cabinet is due to approve the strategy at its meeting on 3 February @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Andy McGregor said 1 in 4 of the prison population is 'care experienced' & positive discrimination is needed to help care leavers avoid that path @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Andy McGregor said 1 in 4 of the prison population is 'care experienced' & positive discrimination is needed to help care leavers avoid that path @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Paul Linehan used to be in care and said this is one of the best things the council has done. Doesn't want it to take 5 years @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Paul Linehan used to be in care and said this is one of the best things the council has done. Doesn't want it to take 5 years @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
The draft strategy came about following a notice of motion passed by the council in 2023 to recognise the care experience as a protected characteristic - people who used to be in care should not be defined by their past @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:39 AM
The draft strategy came about following a notice of motion passed by the council in 2023 to recognise the care experience as a protected characteristic - people who used to be in care should not be defined by their past @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Next up is the proposed Ending Discrimination for People with Care Experience in West Sussex Strategy 2026-2031 @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Next up is the proposed Ending Discrimination for People with Care Experience in West Sussex Strategy 2026-2031 @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Maya from the Youth Cabinet doesn't like the use of the word 'disadvantaged' to describe some children/young people. It's an example of how language changes. Growing up in the 70s you can imagine some of things I learned that are now unacceptable @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Maya from the Youth Cabinet doesn't like the use of the word 'disadvantaged' to describe some children/young people. It's an example of how language changes. Growing up in the 70s you can imagine some of things I learned that are now unacceptable @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Andy McGregor talks about failing to hit MMR vaccine targets & if more could be done to encourage take-up. Also smoking/vaping @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Andy McGregor talks about failing to hit MMR vaccine targets & if more could be done to encourage take-up. Also smoking/vaping @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Dawn Smith is happy to see there was a 30% drop in the number of permanent school exclusions (primary and secondary) between the Autumn term 2023 and Spring term 2025. She asks for a further breakdown of the figures @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Dawn Smith is happy to see there was a 30% drop in the number of permanent school exclusions (primary and secondary) between the Autumn term 2023 and Spring term 2025. She asks for a further breakdown of the figures @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Emily Brock refers to the consultation responses which said the 5 priorities were the right way to go. They will have a discussion, though @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Emily Brock refers to the consultation responses which said the 5 priorities were the right way to go. They will have a discussion, though @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Andy McGregor questions whether the Plan covers all children. Re priority 3 he said it only covers those with SEND, inequalities & greater need "It's not really looking at all children. We should be helping people to fulfil their potential" @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Andy McGregor questions whether the Plan covers all children. Re priority 3 he said it only covers those with SEND, inequalities & greater need "It's not really looking at all children. We should be helping people to fulfil their potential" @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
The Plan is a strategic document with 5 priorities @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 10:52 AM
The Plan is a strategic document with 5 priorities @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
A consultation last year received 682 replies. One finding revealed that 62% of respondents were unaware of the existence of the Plan. @WSCCNews #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 10:49 AM
A consultation last year received 682 replies. One finding revealed that 62% of respondents were unaware of the existence of the Plan. @WSCCNews #LDReporter
Emily Brock, Ind Chair of the Children First Board, speaks about some of the progress made & demands placed on the system. There's been a 10% reduction in the number of domestic abuse re-referrals made with children in the family over the past two years @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 10:46 AM
Emily Brock, Ind Chair of the Children First Board, speaks about some of the progress made & demands placed on the system. There's been a 10% reduction in the number of domestic abuse re-referrals made with children in the family over the past two years @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
Still with Jacquie Russell who introduces the Children and Young People’s Plan 2026-29. @wsccnews.bsky.social
#LDReporter
#LDReporter
January 14, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Still with Jacquie Russell who introduces the Children and Young People’s Plan 2026-29. @wsccnews.bsky.social
#LDReporter
#LDReporter
Jacquie Russell is running through the latest Ofsted report following a focus visit re children's services. A full inspection will take place in the next few months www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/west-su... @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter
West Sussex Children’s Services recognised for strong progress by Ofsted - West Sussex County Council
Findings from recent focused visit
www.westsussex.gov.uk
January 14, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Jacquie Russell is running through the latest Ofsted report following a focus visit re children's services. A full inspection will take place in the next few months www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/west-su... @wsccnews.bsky.social #LDReporter