MORE than 100 staff from Thurrock Council and partner organisations attended a special conference showcasing a new approach designed to better support children and families in the borough.

Held at Orsett Hall Hotel, the event provided an in-depth introduction to the new Families First Partnership Programme, a national initiative led by the Department for Education.

The programme aims to transform Children's Social Care and Early Help services by strengthening early intervention, improving collaboration across multiple agencies, and ensuring families are placed at the heart of decision-making.

Attendees heard from a range of keynote speakers, including National Kinship Care Ambassador, Jahnine Davis, Leadership Coach, Jeffrey Wotherspoon, Thurrock Council staff, and partners such as the Thurrock Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety, said: "This conference has been a fantastic opportunity to bring together staff from across the council, alongside our partner organisations, to explore how we can continue building on our outstanding Children's Services.

"It's brilliant that so many people were able to attend. I'm confident everyone left feeling more connected, more informed, and more inspired to continue delivering the best possible support for children and families in Thurrock."