It’s that time of year

The leaves are turning. The days are shortening. The sun is weakening.

All of that means it is time to publish our Annual Report and Accounts. If all has gone to plan they will be laid in Parliament and we can promote them next week.

It is also the time to plan for funding next year - or at least what we would like to see for funding next year - so lots of work going on in preparation.

Good news today to hear about the proposed ban on smacking. While parents have a right to bring up their children as they see fit that has to be within parameters set by society. Within the children’s hearings system we have to adddress many cases where that parenting has been inadequate and detrimental to the child. Society/ Government and Parliament have to establish parameters setting out what is acceptable or not and where the state can and has to take action.

As we move to a greater understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences and their long term impact, as well as the benefits of attachment and prevention, it is right for society to adjust and redefine those parameters as to what is acceptable. To allow an adult to physically hit a child when that might be deemed assault against an adult is not right and personally I am pleased at the direction of travel.

It is also that time of year when the spiders emerge more, as this one in the bath this morning evidenced.