The Children's Select Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including school attendance, support for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and the outcomes of a targeted free swimming trial. The committee was also set to receive updates from the Department for Education and review the council's forward work programme.

School Attendance

The committee was scheduled to receive a summary of progress towards the implementation of statutory guidance on school attendance, specifically the Working Together to Improve School Attendance 2024 guidance. This included an update on the Wiltshire Attendance Strategy 2026-2028, which aims for every child on a school roll in Wiltshire to be in school regularly, with a vision of achieving 97% attendance. The report detailed activity undertaken during the 2025-2026 academic year, including targeting support meetings with schools and pilot surgeries for emotional barriers to school attendance. Attendance data for Wiltshire schools for the 2024-2025 academic year was to be presented, comparing Wiltshire's figures to national and regional averages for overall attendance, persistent absence, and severe absence. The report highlighted that while Wiltshire generally performed well, secondary school attendance remained a concern. Interventions to address severe absence were also to be outlined.

Department for Education (DfE) Updates

An update on developments relating to children's services arising from the Department for Education between November 2025 and January 2026 was scheduled. This included information on British brands backing free breakfast clubs, with three Wiltshire schools participating in a pilot scheme. Guidance on providing supported internships for young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan was also to be discussed, noting Wiltshire's ongoing partnership with Wiltshire College and plans for a new offer with Fairfield College. The committee was to be informed about government actions to tackle childhood obesity and new curriculum plans aimed at equipping young people with skills for life and work. Additionally, an update on the roadmap to improve school attendance levels, including individual school targets, was to be presented, alongside findings from a survey on pupil experiences in school for the academic year 2024-2025. Finally, a policy paper on maximising value for pupils was to be reviewed.

Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) Annual Report 2024/2025

The committee was to receive the annual report on support for young people in Wiltshire aged 16 and over who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The report detailed the council's statutory duty to ensure all 16 and 17-year-olds participate in education, employment, or training (EET). It presented data on NEET and unknown rates for young people in Wiltshire, comparing them to regional and national averages, and highlighted a steady but moderate rise in NEET figures over the year. The report also focused on the September Guarantee, an offer of a suitable place in learning or training for every Year 11 and 12 student, where Wiltshire's performance was above national and regional averages. A specific section addressed NEET among young people with EHC plans, noting a rising trend. The report detailed the destinations of NEET leavers, with employment remaining the dominant outcome, and discussed provision for NEET young people, including referrals to re-engagement programmes. Recommendations for future action included expanding programmes, developing hybrid provision models, and strengthening partnerships with mental health services. The report also covered NEET prevention and early intervention services for Year 11 pupils at risk of becoming NEET, with positive outcomes reported for both the Year 11 Risk of NEET Service and the Summer Risk of NEET Service.

Targeted Free Swimming Trial Update

A review of the Targeted Free Swimming Trial initiative, piloted in Summer 2025, was scheduled for discussion. This initiative aimed to increase physical activity among children from low-income families, specifically those eligible for free school meals or attending the FUEL programme. The report detailed the methodology, participation overview, and take-up by age, gender, and area. It noted that 979 memberships were issued, representing 5.5% of the eligible child population. The highest engagement was observed in Salisbury, Melksham, and Devizes, with children aged 11-14 being the most represented. The report also highlighted challenges related to transport and rural participation, as well as the accuracy of attendance data. Feedback from a participant survey indicated that the initiative was well-received, encouraging new users and promoting family activity, although barriers such as membership costs and activity costs were cited for future usage. Recommendations included continuing the initiative and extending it to all primary-aged children eligible for free school meals, with a review of the membership processing methodology.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was asked to note the attached documents showing the relevant items from the Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programme and the latest version of the strategy list for the Children, Education and Skills directorate. This included ongoing task groups and rapid scrutiny exercises, as well as scheduled agenda items for future meetings, such as updates on the Families First Partnership, Secondary Education Performance Outcomes, and the Young Carers Annual Performance Report.

The meeting was scheduled to be preceded by a briefing session at 9:30 am on School Place Planning.