Sunderland College hosts DfE Board meeting

Sunderland College recently hosted the latest Improving Education Together (IET) Partnership Board meeting.

Chaired by Bridget Phillipson MP, the Secretary of State for Education, IET brings together unions, employer representative organisations and the Department for Education (DfE) to create an approach to improve education and boost opportunities for all.

This collaboration aims to break the link between young people’s backgrounds and their future success, ensuring that every child and young person can achieve and thrive. Additionally, the initiative supports the recruitment, retention, and development of the school and college workforce, enabling them to better support every student.

The Board’s subgroups are tasked with detailed work in specific areas, initially focusing on accountability, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion, and the education workforce.

Ahead of the meeting, Toni Rhodes, Deputy CEO of Sunderland College’s parent group, Education Partnership North East, also outlined its remarkable journey towards Ofsted Outstanding, its changemaking impact within local communities, and innovative, sector leading curriculum which transforms lives through education, skills and training.

Toni Rhodes said: “We are incredibly proud to have hosted the Improving Education Together conference at our City Campus.

“Bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders to work towards a common goal of providing a world-class education is truly inspiring.

“A huge well done to our college staff for their efforts in helping organise and facilitate such a high-profile event.”

Delegates also enjoyed lunch prepared by staff and students from the college’s critically acclaimed City Bistro.