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June 2020 June 2020

In their ever-darkened world If we should burn a candle someone will prioritise the safety of their pupils and staff. This may mean that things will be
They can only hope and pray. see its light different to normal, for instance: part-time hours, staggered start and finish times,
and shorter weeks.
Others will light the darkness, for some
If we should burn a candle,
we’ll light up the night Dorset Council’s priority will continue to be ensuring provision for vulnerable
someone will see its gleam
Others will light the darkness, it isn’t Light up the night, light up the night for children and children of critical workers (of all year groups). Of this cohort,
us attendance continues to steadily rise with about 3.5% of children attending
just a dream
Light up the night, light up the night for school, including 634 who are deemed vulnerable. A third of early years settings
Light up the night, light up the night us. are open for an average of 500 children (75% children of critical workers, 25%
for us. vulnerable).

There is so much trouble Eileen Richardson
We must see that wars all cease Early help and safeguarding
Man must learn to live with love
Our family workers are supporting families with a variety of issues related to the
Let’s all light a candle for peace.
lockdown, including managing home learning, behaviour and boundaries,
keeping motivated and safe, and how to have socially distanced exercise. They
are seeing a significant impact on families ranging from financial difficulties to
2 POEMS BY ERNIE BRADSHAW mental health, access to food and medicine, and concerns around online safety
and the tensions of sharing limited computer equipment.
BERE REGIS The village is delightful, Concerns for vulnerable expectant mothers and 0-5s has led to some additional
It is full of old rustic charms, work involving all our partners whilst working with new government health
Shrouded under an ancient heath, guidelines. As with previous weeks, colleagues are maintaining our statutory
And if you fancy a drop, obligations and we continue to see children in their homes and communities as is
A part of old England lies beneath.
Right next to the shop, required. We have been making excellent use of online tools to stay in touch with
Divided by a glittering stream families, foster carers and conduct child protection conferences. Online
There’s the best pub, The Drax Arms.
That never sleeps, but makes us dream gatherings have also led to some improved outcomes in our engagement with

Of meadows sweet, and rural charms, children and families.
The locals are all very friendly,
Like walls of stone, and distant farms. Our Children in Care Council are meeting regularly but virtually, with higher than
They will greet you with a smile.
normal attendance and engagement. The Director has been meeting with foster
They make most of their own carers regularly to hear insights into being a carer during lockdown – and working
I have roamed around near and far,
amusements, together to shape services. There is some incredible work going on to improve the
And at last I’ve found my Shangri-La.
Which makes their lives worthwhile. way we work in response to this crisis that will leave an indelible improvement on
I have rambled on in terms verbose, our services for some time.
I’m not in Heaven, but Egdon Close Some Autumn Leaves have fallen
But some are evergreen. Useful information available
AUTUMN LEAVES I’ll be happy one day, There is a lot of information on the Dorset Council website, this includes contact
There are lovely hills in Dorset, To hear one of them say, information and ideas for things to do, including for children when they’re at
You can see them everywhere, “I’ve had a telegram from the Queen” home. Here are some of the links:
But the best are round Bere Regis, Online resources for families https://mailchi.mp/dorsetcouncil/online-resources
I know because I live there. Schools and families: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-
weather/emergencies/coronavirus/schools-and-families.aspx

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