Essex Children in Care Council Take Centre Stage at Virtual School Conference 2026

Essex Children in Care Council Take Centre Stage at Virtual School Conference 2026

The 2026 Virtual School Conference, Learning Together: Innovations in Multi-Agency Practice, brought together professionals from education, social care, health and partner agencies to explore how we can improve outcomes for children and young people through stronger collaboration. One of the standout moments of the day was the powerful contribution of the Essex Children in Care Council, who both delivered a keynote presentation and facilitated their workshop, Through Our Eyes: The Care Journey.

Young People's Voices Leading Learning

The Children in Care Council keynote was described by delegates as one of the most powerful and memorable parts of the conference. Through honesty, courage and authenticity, care-experienced young people shared their perspectives on what it is really like to navigate services and highlighted the importance of professionals working together effectively around children and young people.

Their message was clear:

"We don't need more services. We need services to work together, with us, not around us."

The keynote challenged attendees to reflect on where communication can break down between agencies, how children's voices can become lost in professional processes, and what genuine multi-agency working should look like from a young person's perspective. Delegates were encouraged to leave not just with ideas, but with a commitment to take action and become allies for children and young people in their everyday practice.

Feedback from delegates demonstrated the impact of the session:

• "Great to hear from care experienced young people."
• "Very brave speakers."
• "Lovely to have the young people share their life experiences."
• "Wonderful and would like to take the session back to the team at school."
• "The council were fantastic."

The keynote resonated across all professional groups and reinforced the conference's commitment to keeping children and young people at the heart of decision-making.

Through Our Eyes: The Care Journey

Alongside the keynote, members of the Children in Care Council also delivered Through Our Eyes: The Care Journey, a workshop designed and led by young people to help professionals better understand the lived experience of being in care. The session used storytelling, practical activities and personal reflections to challenge participants to look beyond systems and procedures and recognise their role as corporate parents and trusted adults.

The workshop explored the emotional impact of the care journey, the importance of meaningful relationships, and how seemingly small decisions can have a lasting effect on a young person's life. Participants reflected on how language, understanding and connection can shape outcomes for children and young people receiving care and support.

Many attendees identified the session as one of the most memorable aspects of the entire conference, reporting that it strengthened their understanding of the care journey and challenged them to think differently about their practice.

Learning Together

Workshop sessions throughout the day were extremely well received, providing opportunities for professional reflection, practical learning and collaborative discussion. Delegates reported that the workshops complemented the keynote presentations and offered approaches and ideas that could be immediately applied within their own settings.

However, the contribution of the Children in Care Council stood out as a reminder of why participation matters. By sharing their experiences directly with professionals, young people helped shape understanding, influence practice and ensure that lived experience remained central to discussions about improvement and innovation.

The conference theme of Learning Together was brought to life by the young people who spoke so openly about their experiences and aspirations. Their leadership, insight and determination demonstrated the vital role that children and young people play in improving services, challenging assumptions and helping professionals see the world through their eyes.

A huge thank you to all the young people from the Essex Children in Care Council who contributed to the conference. Their voices inspired delegates, challenged thinking and reminded us all that meaningful change begins by listening.