The Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission of Leicester Council was scheduled to discuss the draft revenue budget for 2026/27 and the draft three-year capital programme. Other key items included an update on SEND transport, the Leicester Safeguarding Children Partnership's yearly report, and the Fostering Service's annual report.

Draft General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27

The commission was scheduled to consider the City Mayor's proposed Draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27. This report outlines a three-year strategy for balancing the budget, which includes using one-off funds and reducing annual service spending through savings and efforts to curb growth in areas like social care and homelessness. The strategy aims to ensure financial sustainability for at least the next three years, though an ongoing budget gap persists. The report also details a proposed council tax increase of just under 5%, the maximum allowed without a referendum.

Draft Three Year Capital Programme 2026/27

The commission was also scheduled to review the City Mayor's proposed Draft Three Year Capital Programme for 2026/27. This report seeks approval for a capital programme totalling £129.8 million over three years for the General Fund element. The programme includes grant-funded schemes, works on council buildings, acquisitions for temporary accommodation, routine works, and other schemes. A significant allocation of £50 million is earmarked for temporary accommodation acquisitions to house homeless households. The report details the proposed spending by theme and funding sources, including government grants and borrowing.

Leicester Safeguarding Children Partnership Yearly Report 2024-2025

The commission was scheduled to receive the Leicester Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Annual Report for 2024-25. This report details the partnership's activities over the 12-month period, focusing on multi-agency priorities, learning, impact, evidence, and improvement. Key achievements in 2024-25 included forming a new Education Subgroup, expanding the Voluntary and Community Sector Forum, and implementing learning from national reviews. The report also highlights challenges such as implementing reforms from Working Together 2023 and capacity issues for audits. The LSCP's vision is for children and young people in Leicester to be safe, well, and achieve their full potential.

SEND Transport Update

An update was scheduled regarding the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transport service, including the implementation of the post-16 travel policy. The report details the outcomes of the policy implementation, the service transformation programme, and an early analysis of the forward plan. Leicester City Council supports transport needs through taxis, council-provided buses, and personal transport budgets (PTBs). The report notes that while there are no statutory requirements for post-16 transport, the council provides discretionary support. It highlights that the proposed draft post-16 transport policy statement for 2026-2027 will be subject to consultation, with no proposed changes to current entitlements. The report also addresses a Local Government Ombudsman's decision regarding a previous school transport application, which led to a review of the council's policy to ensure compliance with statutory guidance.

HNB Task Group Report and Recommendations

The commission was scheduled to consider the final report and recommendations from the High Needs Block (HNB) Task Group. This review evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of HNB funding for SEND provision in Leicester. The report highlights national challenges with SEND funding, with most local authorities experiencing deficit budgets. Evidence gathered from schools, council officers, SENDIASS, families, and young people identified persistent challenges such as delays in diagnosis and specialist placements, pressure on mainstream schools, and an adversarial culture around tribunals. The report also identified good practice and innovation, including early intervention models and inclusive behaviour approaches. The recommendations focus on improving transparency in funding allocation, prioritising early intervention, expanding local specialist provision, strengthening mediation services, promoting inclusive practice, and enhancing co-production with parents.

Fostering Service Annual Report and Statement of Purpose 2024/2025

The commission was scheduled to receive an overview of the activity and performance of the Fostering Service from April 2024 to March 2025. The report highlights that 64% of Leicester's looked-after children live in fostering households, with a diverse carer population reflecting the city's demographics. Key successes include recruiting 12 new mainstream fostering households and supporting 35 children to become Special Guardians. The report also details the service's aims, objectives, recruitment processes, support for foster carers, quality assurance, and safeguarding arrangements.

Children, Young People and Education Quarter 2 Performance (April-September 2025) and Quality Assurance

Directors were scheduled to present an update on performance in Children's Social Care and Education up to Quarter 2 of 2025-26. This presentation was to outline the department's quality assurance mechanisms and plans for improvement in 2026. Areas of risk identified include a rise in children subject to child protection plans and ongoing challenges with social worker vacancies. Positive performance was noted in EHCP completion times and low levels of children in unregulated placements. The report also details the Quality Assurance Framework, which draws on various data sources to oversee practice.

Work Programme

The commission was also scheduled to consider its work programme for the upcoming year, with suggestions for future topics including the Families First Programme, SEND Transport updates, Children's Services Finances, and the DSG/High Needs recovery programme.