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Question Time comes to UEL

Monday 25 October 2010

Question Board

A scathing top-level report uncovering major shortfalls in child welfare in the UK was recently discussed at a special event hosted by UEL.

This followed the publication of findings by UNICEF which showed the UK languishing in last place on a league table of how the world’s richest nations faired in safeguarding child wellbeing.

With the Netherlands performing most successfully in this area, according to researchers, a delegation of Dutch teachers was invited to debate the issue at Woodbridge High School in Redbridge. This was followed by a Question Time-style session.

Event organiser Helen Mitchell, UEL Director of Continuing Professional Development and Principal Lecturer, said: "With such a widespread discrepancy in the experiences of UK and Dutch children, and as part of UEL’s on-going work in researching the social impact of child policy both here and abroad, it seemed natural to invite teachers from the Netherlands to share their knowledge. The ultimate goal is to examine what we could be doing differently to improve our children’s health, safety and well-being."

The event was held in conjunction with several Redbridge schools – Seven Kings High School, Oaks Park High School and Woodbridge High School – who are working in partnership with the UEL through a bespoke Masters programme for teachers in these schools.

School representatives revealed the event could hold benefits for the borough’s youngsters.

Kevin Wyre, Deputy Head Teacher of Oaks Park High School, said: "As an institution we are dedicated towards life-long learning and we are delighted to have the opportunity to compare notes with our colleagues from the Netherlands.

“It was been very interesting to examine the research to see if it is an accurate comparison of child welfare in our two countries. The staff from schools in both countries who are working towards a Masters degree will be able to establish links that can sustain collaborative practice in relation to these issues and more."

Steven Hogan, Assistant Head Teacher of Woodbridge High School, added: "We are extremely pleased with the work we do as a school to improve the wellbeing and life chances of young people, but there is always more to do. The teachers in our school who are working towards their Masters are keen to learn from the Dutch teachers' experiences and share their research with them."

Chris D’Netto, Assistant Head Teacher of Seven Kings High School, said: “The whole experience has been extremely positive both in terms of the lessons we have learned from the visiting teachers and the feedback we have received to many of our questions. We aim to ensure that the knowledge we have gained has a beneficial impact on the way we go about our day-to-day jobs.”  

As part of the initiative the Dutch tutors from the University of Applied Science in Amsterdam spent four days exploring the issue with their British counterparts.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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