Discussions at the UK Department for Education focused on social cohesion, cooperation between schools and child protection authorities, and collaboration in the field of foster care.

“Social inclusion cannot succeed in isolation. It requires cooperation between schools, social services, child protection authorities, and local communities. That is why it is important for us to learn from international experience and bring proven approaches into the Czech environment,” said Edita Stejskalová, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Government Commissioner for Roma Minority Affairs.

The delegation then continued to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London, where a lecture and discussion were held on the topic of the protection of minors abroad and child welfare systems in an international context.

“Deputy Minister Stejskalová’s visit is further proof that cooperation between the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom extends beyond trade and security to issues that have a real impact on people’s lives. The United Kingdom has extensive experience in the field of child protection, and I believe today’s meeting contributed to an exchange of the best practices our respective systems have to offer,” said Ambassador Václav Bartuška.

The programme then continued in Peterborough, where Honorary Consul Peter Torák presented the work of Compas Charity and introduced the local Roma community. Deputy Minister Stejskalová also met with the city’s mayor, Chris Harper.

The final part of the visit included a tour of Hovingham Primary School and a visit to CATCH, a community charity and youth centre that provides activities supporting personal development and mentoring for children and young people.

Deputy Minister Stejskalová has dedicated much of her professional career to prevention, social policy, and child protection. She has served as the director of a non-profit organisation, headed municipal social services, and worked as a social worker. She has also contributed to the development of social inclusion strategies and has represented the Czech Republic at the international level.