The Family and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 8 January 2026, to review reports on the education of post-16 residents, cared-for children, and care leavers, as well as progress on the installation of sprinkler systems in schools. The committee also considered the Forward Plan and the work programme for the committee.

Northumberland Skills Self Assessment Report 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to receive the Northumberland Skills Annual Self Assessment Report for 2024-25. This report provides an overview of the education and training provided to post-16 residents in Northumberland. It covers various aspects of the service, including the quality of education, behaviours and attitudes of learners, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, apprenticeship training programmes, and provision for learners with high needs. The report aims to inform members about the experiences of learners and does not require a decision.

Virtual School Headteacher Annual Report 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to review the Virtual School Headteacher's Annual Report for 2024-25. This report focuses on the education of Northumberland's cared-for children and care leavers. It details their educational achievements, the challenges they face, and the support provided by the Virtual School. The report highlights the impact of relational practice, the education of children in residential homes, interventions to accelerate progress, and the education of children with a social worker. It also includes an evaluation of Pupil Premium Plus funding and outlines the next steps for the Virtual School in 2025-26.

Sprinklers in Schools

A report was scheduled to advise members on the progress of installing sprinkler systems in schools across Northumberland. The report outlines the current legal requirements for sprinklers in schools across the UK, noting that England does not mandate them by law, unlike Scotland and Wales. It details Northumberland's history of including sprinklers in new school designs since 2007 and highlights recent projects where sprinklers were not included due to changes in Department for Education guidance. The report also discusses the benefits of sprinklers in fire safety and the potential for developing a local planning policy to mandate their inclusion in future school builds.

Reports of the Scrutiny Officer

The committee was scheduled to review the Forward Plan of forthcoming Cabinet key decisions for January to April 2026. This plan outlines key decisions to be made by the Cabinet in the coming months, covering areas such as council tax, the environment, airport governance, capital proposals, housing revenue accounts, corporate risk management, biodiversity, and school admissions.

Additionally, the committee was to consider the Family and Children's Services OSC Work Programme and Monitoring Report for 2025-26. This report details the committee's terms of reference, responsibilities, and the planned scrutiny activities for the upcoming year, including regular updates and themed scrutiny sessions.