SEND support, eat:Festival and Fashion Museum Bath’s dress of the year I was delighted to attend the Fashion Museum Bath’s Dress of the Year announcement today and meet selector Jess Cartner-Morley, The Guardian's Associate Editor for Fashion (pictured). The event is always a highlight in our cultural calendar and a reminder of the international reputation Bath enjoys for fashion, creativity and design. Events like this are not just about celebrating fashion, they help support our visitor economy and strengthen Bath’s reputation as a world-class destination. Cultural investment can be a powerful driver of economic success which is why we have ambitious plans for the new Fashion Museum Bath which over the summer secured £7 million in National Lottery Heritage Fund. It was a huge vote of confidence in our cultural future and represents far more than capital investment. When it opens it will not only breathe new life into the Old Post Office and the Milsom Quarter but also strengthen the region’s visitor economy. This week is Customer Services Week, which gives us an opportunity to recognise the outstanding work of our customer services teams. Every day they help you access the services you need, whether that is through phone calls, emails, online enquiries or face-to-face support. Their patience, professionalism and commitment make a real difference to our lives and I want to thank them all for their hard work. I am delighted that our Local SEND Reform Plan has been approved by the Department for Education, marking an important milestone for the council and our partners’ shared ambition for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Thank you to all the children, young people, families, schools, colleges, health services, voluntary sector organisations and parent carer representatives that have all been involved in it. The plan will improve outcomes for children, reduce the need for crisis interventions and ensure services are delivered in a cost-effective way. Getting approval for the plan comes just ahead of our Family Inclusion and Support Day on 14 October. It’s a chance to find out more about local support, meet organisations and services, and connect with other families. You can find out more here. Finally, this weekend is great for all foodies thanks to the first eat:Festival which the council is supporting. It’s in Midsomer Norton town centre which will be packed with more than 60 food and drink stalls, street food and entertainment. Have a great weekend. Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council | 
