The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met on Wednesday 07 January 2026 to review performance data for the second quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year and to receive an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The panel also discussed the commissioning of future reports.

Quarter 2 Performance Monitor 2025-2026

The panel reviewed the Quarter 2 Performance Monitor for Children's Services, which covers key areas such as educational achievement, SEND support, children missing education, risks outside the home, and children in care. Overall, the report indicated that most performance indicators were either meeting expectations or showing no significant concerns.

In terms of educational achievement, the report highlighted that 98% of Greenwich schools were judged as good or outstanding for leadership and management, a figure that is above both London and England averages. Provisional Key Stage 4 data showed a slight improvement in Attainment 8 scores for Greenwich, outperforming national trends.

However, challenges were noted in the area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The number of new requests for assessment for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) remained high, and the issuing of these plans within the statutory 20-week timeframe continued to be a challenge, with only 35% of new plans issued within this period in Q2.

Suspension rates in primary and secondary schools were also a point of discussion, with rates for primary schools showing an increase compared to previous years. The report also detailed data on first-time entrants to the Youth Justice System, noting that while the rate per 100,000 remained above London and England averages, it was in line with the council's comparator group.

Performance regarding children at risk, suffering harm, or in care showed a mixed picture. While the number of repeat child protection plans decreased in Q2, the overall figures were tracking above previous years. The number of children in care remained relatively stable, but the rate of children becoming looked after during the period saw an increase.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Update

The panel received a comprehensive update on SEND provision within the borough. As of January 2025, 23% of the school population had identified SEND needs, with 5.2% having an EHCP. The number of EHCPs in Greenwich has seen a significant 75% increase over the past five years, a rate higher than both London and England averages. This growth is attributed to a variety of factors, including increased parental requests for assessments and a desire for better support within mainstream settings.

The report detailed the primary SEND needs, with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) being the most prevalent, particularly in Greenwich compared to London and England averages. White British pupils were noted as being overrepresented within SEND cohorts.

Timeliness in issuing EHCPs remains a concern, with delays primarily attributed to the time taken for Educational Psychology (EP) services to complete reports. The STARSS (Stronger Together for an Ambitious Resilient SEND System) programme, a partnership with Newton, is underway to address these systemic issues, focusing on improving support offers, family experiences, and system capacity.

The report also highlighted pressures on specialist provision, with a growing demand for places for children with autism, severe to moderate learning difficulties (S/MLD), and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. This has led to an increasing number of children remaining in mainstream schools or requiring expensive out-of-borough placements. The council is actively developing new specialist provisions and expanding existing ones to meet this demand.

Secondary transfer for pupils with EHCPs presented significant challenges, with a notable number of young people awaiting school places, particularly those with severe learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, and SEMH needs. The report detailed the outcomes of admissions panel consultations, indicating high demand for specialist settings like Willow Dene School.

The council is investing in developing more specialist provision, including a Post-16 Transitional Learning Centre and expanding existing special schools and Local Authority Resource Provisions (LARPs). The STARSS programme is also working to build capacity within the SEND system and improve the experience for families.

The Supported Internship Programme, now in its fourth year, continues to provide valuable work experience and employment opportunities for young people with SEND, with a high percentage securing employment after completion. Travel assistance for young people with SEND has seen a slight increase in recipients, and new procedures are in place for assessing applications.

The number of SEND Tribunal appeals for Greenwich has risen significantly, reflecting the growing number of EHCPs and the lack of specialist places. A new Parent Carer Forum, Greenwich SEND Voice, has been re-established to foster better communication and collaboration between parents and the council.

Commissioning of Future Reports

The panel noted the work items scheduled for its meeting on 11th March 2026, which include annual reports on Education Standards and Achievement, Elective Home Education, Suspensions and Exclusions, and Children Missing Education, as well as an update from the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and a report on Early Years Sufficiency. The panel was asked to consider the scope of these reports and specify any detailed requirements.