Regional Update – May 2026

From Wolverhampton’s DCS:

I am writing this month’s Regional Update as we head towards the early summer Bank Holiday and half term. With some welcome good weather on the horizon, I hope there is an opportunity for you all to take a well‑earned break and enjoy a moment of pause during what continues to be a very busy period across our services.

It feels as though SEND reform is at the forefront of all our work at the moment, and understandably so. The scale and pace of change can at times feel all‑consuming, but it is important that we continue to ground ourselves in the purpose behind this reform—creating a more inclusive system that enables children and young people with SEND to achieve, thrive and feel supported in their communities. Across the region, it has been encouraging to see the strength of partnership working, particularly the way local areas are bringing schools together, including through workshops with Headteachers, to collectively shape more inclusive approaches and shared solutions.

I am also conscious of the continued pressure within schools and education settings at this time of year. As always, our colleagues in education are working tirelessly, and our role in supporting them through this busy period remains critical.

Alongside SEND, we continue to respond to a wider programme of reform, including developments in Youth Justice, Fostering Hubs and the Regional Care Co‑operative. These are significant pieces of work, and while they bring complexity and pressure, they also present real opportunities to improve outcomes for children and families. As ever, it is important that we hold onto why we do this work and the difference we are striving to make.

There has been a great deal happening across the region in recent weeks. I would like to extend congratulations to Sukriti and colleagues in Coventry on their recent Ofsted ILACS judgement—an outstanding achievement and recognition of sustained hard work and strong leadership. At the same time, we know that inspection activity continues across the region, with recent SEND inspections in Worcestershire and Warwickshire, and a SEND thematic in Shropshire. We all wish colleagues well as they await publication of the reports, and hope they feel the full support of the regional network.

It was also a pleasure to see colleagues coming together at the recent Families First Partnership session, which provided a valuable opportunity to share practice and learn from one another. Moments like this reinforce the importance of our regional approach—leaning on each other, sharing what works, and working collaboratively to address shared challenges.

Finally, I want to echo a theme that has come through strongly in conversations across the region—the importance of wellbeing. This is an intense and demanding time for Children’s Services. I have been particularly struck by the focus in areas such as Wolverhampton on actively supporting staff to look after themselves and each other. This is something we should all continue to prioritise. Taking time to check in, to support one another and to be kind—to ourselves as well as our colleagues—it is essential if we are to sustain our efforts over the long term.

Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment, collaboration and support.

Kind regards

Alison Hinds

Wishing all colleagues who will be supporting and celebrating Eid al-Adha next week a joyful and meaningful time. May this special occasion bring peace, happiness, and reflection, and may your kindness and generosity be rewarded. Thank you to everyone working to support and accommodate others during this important period, your efforts help create a truly inclusive and caring environment. Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating!

Families First Communities of Practice:

Regional colleagues recently came together for our Communities of Practice with a lens on reforms. The day was led by our senior officer for SLI Sandeep Virk & our regional SEND leads Tammy and Natalie. We bought together representatives from police, health, education, SEND, probation and Families First leads from across the region. The session provided an opportunity to reflect on progress, share learning and strengthen partnership working as local areas continue to develop and implement the reforms. Discussions focused on building joined up systems that improve outcomes and experiences for children, young people and families, with a strong sense of shared commitment and collective momentum across agencies. Together we are building a stronger regional community which is centred around relationship, connection and learning. 

Innovate and Grow MACPT Future Model Workshop:

Plans are continuing for the upcoming Innovate and Grow MACPT Future Model Workshop taking place on 20^th July. Developed following feedback from the regional Community of Practice, the workshop will focus on the development of MACPT and how the model can continue to grow in a practical, consistent and sustainable way across local systems. The session will bring together strategic and operational colleagues, including team managers and key partners involved, to share learning, reflect on practice and explore how MACPT is working in different areas. Building on the wider Families First Pathfinders, the day is intended to be practical and collaborative, with clear outcomes and learning that can support ongoing local development.

Mental Health Survey for Care Experienced Young People:

The COLLAGE study is inviting care-experienced young people aged 13–25 across England to take part in an important mental health survey. The research explores young people’s experiences of finding and accessing mental health support, aiming to improve services and outcomes. The anonymous online survey takes 10–20 minutes to complete, with participants entered into a £25 prize draw. Designed with care-experienced young people and led by the University of Birmingham with partner universities, the study seeks diverse voices to share what works—and what doesn’t—when accessing support, helping shape more inclusive and effective services.

Please pass on details, as appropriate.  More information can be found here.

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership:

The Staff College’s new Emotionally Intelligent Leadership programme supports public service leaders to strengthen relational leadership and build trust in complex environments. Blending practical coaching approaches with emotional intelligence, the programme focuses on improving everyday conversations, enhancing self-awareness, and creating more accountable, human-centred cultures. Delivered through a flexible hybrid model, it includes virtual sessions, in-person learning, and optional coaching support to embed practice. Participants will develop skills in listening, reflective practice, and intentional communication, enabling them to lead with clarity and compassion while shaping positive team cultures and improving outcomes across their organisations.

For more details follow this link.

Staff College Festival 2025:

Bookings are now open for the Staff College Festival 2026, a free annual event running from 16^th–26^th June. The festival offers a diverse programme of virtual, interactive sessions focused on leadership, inclusion, wellbeing, and managing change across public services. Designed for professionals in education, children’s services, and wider public sector roles, sessions combine strategic insight with practical development to support effective leadership in complex environments. Attendees will gain actionable tools, hear from expert speakers, and connect with peers from across the sector, making it a valuable opportunity for learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

Book your sessions here.

Sandwell EDI: Care Experienced as a Protected Characteristic annual training

The Sandwell Corporate Parenting Board would like to extend an invitation to join Sandwell EDI: Care Experienced as a Protected Characteristic annual training in-person on 17^th June. Participation leads will be joined by members from the Sandwell Corporate Board partnership, wider partnership, Council and Trust staff. We kindly ask that each local authority nominate one participation lead to represent them at the training.

Training Purpose:

Sandwell EDI: Care Experienced as a Protected Characteristic annual training raises awareness of care experience as a protected characteristic across the partnership and wider network, including SMBC senior leaders and the Corporate Parenting Board (CPB). It aims to strengthen understanding across the whole partnership to highlight how every service can support care experienced young people and individuals. Recognising care experience in this way is important as it helps services better understand the barriers care experienced children and young people may face, promotes more inclusive and responsive practice, and reinforces our shared responsibility to improve outcomes, reduce disadvantage and ensure they receive the support, advocacy and opportunities they need to thrive.

The training will be delivered in two parts:

• Part 1 will provide an EDI refresher with a focus on intersectionality

• Part 2 will explore Care Experienced as a Protected Characteristic in Sandwell

If any participation leads are interested in attending, please confirm your attendance by emailing rosa_dasilva@sandwell.gov.uk directly, who will share further information and the formal invitation. 

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Big Thinking Event 2026: Residential Workforce Special – 4^th June – FREE:

The WM ADCS Big Thinking Event focuses on strengthening children’s residential services through improved recruitment, retention, and workforce development. Bringing together Registered Managers, Responsible Individuals, practitioners, and residential leaders, the event offers collaborative workshops and innovation sessions aligned to the Regional Residential Strategy. Key themes include trauma-informed care, reflective practice, inspection readiness, and supporting teams through service expansion. Attendees will explore practical solutions, share learning from across the region, and help shape peer support networks. The event provides a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build a resilient, skilled residential workforce across the West Midlands.

To book a place click here.

Principal Social Workers Conference 2026 – 2^nd July - FREE:

The Principal Social Worker Network Annual Conference 2026, themed “Creating Change – what makes a difference?”, brings together social workers, practitioners, leaders, and families for a collaborative day in Coventry. The event focuses on co-production, inclusive practice, and effective communication with children, young people, and families. Featuring interactive workshops, experiential learning, and sessions co-produced with individuals with lived experience, it aims to inspire meaningful, practice-led change. Attendees will have opportunities to reflect, share insights, and develop practical approaches to improve frontline practice and outcomes across the West Midlands.

For more details, and to book visit this link.