The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee of Trafford Council met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to discuss the Ofsted ILACS update, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) area inspection readiness, and youth services across the borough. Key decisions included noting the progress made in SEND improvements and supporting the relaunch of Trafford Youth Service.

Ofsted ILACS Update

The committee received an update on the recent Ofsted inspection of children's services, known as ILACS (Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services). Councillor Rob Duncan, Vice-Chair of the committee, highlighted concerns about the prioritisation of contacts and the timeliness of responses, particularly for children at risk of significant harm. The Corporate Director of Children's Services, Jill McGregor, acknowledged the significant increase in demand and staffing challenges that had impacted the service. She assured the committee that improvements were being made, including a new approach to coordinating strategy meetings and additional capacity being recruited to the front door service. A walk through of the front door service with colleagues from Manchester Children's Services was commissioned to focus on decision-making, leadership, and demand management.

Councillor Shaun Ennis, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group, raised concerns about communication breakdowns between the service and council leadership. The Leader of the Council, Councillor T. Ross, acknowledged that key information had not always reached senior leaders and stated that this was a central part of the diagnostic work being undertaken by the Department for Education (DfE) Appointed Expert Adviser.

The committee also discussed the availability of school places for children with SEND, with the Leader of the Council noting the ambition to expand capacity. Councillor Maitland raised concerns about staff being able to raise concerns confidentially, and the Corporate Director confirmed that processes such as whistleblowing mechanisms and a Practitioner Forum were in place, though these would be reviewed in light of the inspection findings.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Area Inspection Readiness

The committee received a report on Trafford's preparedness for an area SEND inspection. Delyth Mathieson, Interim Director for Education, Inclusion and Early Support, explained that the focus was on demonstrating improvements made since the 2023 inspection, rather than solely preparing for Ofsted. The report highlighted that Trafford had issued 47.4% of new Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within the statutory 20-week timescale in 2025, which was above the national average. However, it was noted that EHCP numbers had increased significantly, presenting ongoing challenges.

The committee was informed that the Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF) for SEND was being refreshed to better reflect the system's strengths, weaknesses, and impact on children and families. This refresh would involve engagement with schools, health providers, social care, young people, and the Parent Carer Forum. Key areas for improvement identified in the SEF included health outcomes, EHCP quality, participation of young people, and preparing for adulthood. The committee was asked to support the revision of the SEF and endorse a whole-system expectation that all stakeholders contribute to improving SEND provision.

Youth Services Across the Borough

Andy Zilkha, Service Manager for the Youth Engagement Service, presented a report on youth services across the borough, based on a comprehensive Needs Analysis. The analysis revealed that while Trafford has a broad range of youth provision, there are significant issues with visibility, accessibility, and equitable reach. Many young people and families are unaware of available services, and barriers such as cost, transport, and confidence limit participation.

The report outlined eight recommendations developed with young people, including improving access to sports facilities, co-designing youth club activities, enhancing information and communication, ensuring inclusion and diversity, improving parks, offering life skills development, addressing safety and transport concerns, and improving library access. The committee was asked to support the planned relaunch and rebrand of Trafford Youth Service in Autumn 2026, which aims to provide a more visible, inclusive, and accessible offer. Councillor Waseem Hassan PhD, Cohesion Lead Member, raised concerns about the accountability of partners in delivering youth services, emphasizing the need for effective teamwork.

Councillor Mark Tobin, representing Lostock and Barton Ward, highlighted the lack of youth services in his area and questioned how geographic differences in service availability would be addressed. Mr. Zilkha acknowledged the need to target effort in areas of deprivation and low participation. Councillor Sheridan raised concerns about the underutilisation of facilities like the Limelight library and café in Old Trafford, and the need for extended opening hours. Mr. Zilkha confirmed that the Youth Service was working with partners to improve access to facilities and involve young people in their development.

The committee also discussed the financial implications of the proposed recommendations, with Mr. Zilkha explaining that the service was working smarter with existing budgets and seeking partnerships to expand provision. Councillor Rob Duncan raised concerns about the difficulty of placing vulnerable children with SEND in appropriate settings and asked about the vision for increased interaction with children with SEND. Mr. Zilkha highlighted the relaunch of the Out Loud SEND engagement and participation group and the ongoing work to make community-based youth work nights more accessible.

Committee Work Programme Update

Harry Callaghan, Senior Democratic Support Officer, provided an update on the committee's work programme. He explained that changes had been made due to the Ofsted ILACS outcome, including the scheduling of two extraordinary meetings. A more formal work programme was expected in the coming weeks.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking officers and members for their contributions and work in preparing for the meeting.