Sometimes news travels very slowly. We have only just learned of Dr Sonia Sharp's move from Sheffield to Victoria, Australia. Are there parents and conductors active in Victoria?
This is from the City Council website in March 2012.
"Dr Sonia Sharp is leaving Sheffield City Council after being personally asked to lead on services for young children for the State of Victoria, Australia - a more senior role than the one she currently holds.
She was appointed to this senior government role because of the innovative work she has done here at Sheffield City Council for the last four years, in particular the work done to create integrated services for early childhood development.
One of her first tasks will be to establish Multi Agency Support Teams (MAST) similar to ones she has been instrumental in setting up here and which have significantly improved child safety, health and early learning across Sheffield.
Four years ago the Australian government passed legislation to make its children’s services integrated and while good work has been undertaken, there is still significant opportunity for improvement.. Dr Sharp was singled out as the person to lead this work following a global search across countries including Canada, America, New Zealand and the UK.
An announcement will be made at a future date about establishing any replacement for the role of the Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families. "
Read more on the City Council website Children's leader to head up services down under
The Sheffield Telegraph reported the story on 23rd March, though the headline writer's ignorance of her role (Executive Director - Children, Young People and Families) does not reassure: "Education chief heads to Australia".
