The Children, Education and Families Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27, an update on the DSG deficit recovery plan, and the grant allocation for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Members will also scrutinise the draft budget for the Children, Education and Families portfolio for 2026/27, receive an annual update on the Youth Justice Service, and review the department's risk register.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Allocation for 2026/27

The committee is set to consider the proposed Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for the 2026/27 academic year. This grant is crucial for funding schools and early years provision. The report outlines the expected income and forecast expenditure for the DSG, divided into four blocks: High Needs, Early Years, Schools, and Schools Central. The committee will be invited to note the allocation and provide comments to the Portfolio Holder. The Schools Forum will also review the DSG income and forecast expenditure.

Update on Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit Recovery Plan

A significant item on the agenda is the update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Deficit Recovery Management Plan (DRMP). The report highlights the growing financial pressures on the DSG, particularly within the High Needs Funding block. While mitigation actions are in place and proposed, the plan indicates that the DSG is not forecast to return to balance within the next five years, with the overall deficit expected to continue increasing. The report notes that officers are in regular discussion with the Department for Education regarding the deficit position and recovery actions. The committee is asked to comment on and endorse the draft DRMP.

Grant Allocation for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

The committee will receive an update on the grant allocation for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. This Department for Education (DfE) funded initiative provides free places at holiday clubs during school breaks for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The report details the expected annual allocation for Bromley for the next three years, noting a reduction in the HAF-specific funding for 2027-28 and 2028-29. The agenda item also covers the integration of a school-age childcare (SAC) strategy, with a capacity grant included for the first year to fund a SAC Lead.

Children, Education and Families Portfolio Draft Budget 2026/27

The committee will scrutinise the draft revenue budget for the Children, Education and Families portfolio for 2026/27. The report outlines the financial forecast for the next three years, highlighting significant cost and demographic pressures that are not fully matched by government funding. It details the impact of the Fair Funding Review 2.0, which is expected to lead to substantial funding reductions for Bromley. The agenda also includes a summary of transformation savings, which are crucial for bridging the projected budget gap. The committee is invited to consider the draft budget, identify further cost-saving actions, and provide comments to the Executive.

Youth Justice Service Annual Update

An annual update on the work of the Bromley Youth Justice Service (YJS) will be presented. The report will cover the service's performance, achievements, and key areas of focus for the upcoming year. The YJS operates under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and is responsible for supervising young people aged 10-17 who are subject to court orders or out-of-court disposals. The agenda item will include details on the Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028, the Reducing Reoffending Strategy 2023-2026, and highlights from the Jack Petchey Awards 2025. Performance data on key indicators such as first-time entrants, reoffending rates, and custody figures will also be presented.

Children, Education and Families Risk Register - 2025/26 Update

The committee will review the current Children, Education and Families Risk Register. This report provides an overview of the high-level departmental risks that could impact the council's ability to achieve its priorities and objectives. The register details the risks, their causes and effects, and the existing controls in place to mitigate them, along with any further actions required. Key risks identified include failures in delivering the financial strategy and effective children's services, recruitment and retention challenges, and issues related to school place planning and SEND transport.

Children, Education and Families Contracts Register - Part 1 (Public) Report

An extract from the Contracts Register for November 2025 will be presented, detailing contracts with a whole life value of £50,000 or higher. This report allows for scrutiny of the council's procurement activity and contract management. The agenda item includes a summary of active contracts across all portfolios and a specific breakdown for the Children, Education and Families portfolio. Members are invited to review and comment on the register.

Performance Reporting - Children's Scrutiny Dataset Part 1 (Public) Report

The committee will receive a regular update on the performance of children's services through the Children's Scrutiny Dataset. This report provides a 'health check' on key areas of service delivery, with management commentary on indicators performing below expectation. As of the end of October 2025, several indicators were flagged as performing below expectation, including the percentage of children becoming subject to a second or subsequent Child Protection Plan, the number of in-house foster households recruited, and the stability of placements for Children Looked After. The report also details average caseloads in the Referral and Assessment Service.

Basic Need Update Report

An update on the Basic Need Programme will be provided, focusing on funding and capital schemes aimed at ensuring sufficient school places. A key discussion point will be the Department for Education's (DfE) offer of £9.044 million in additional High Needs Capital Funding as an alternative to their delivery of the Redwood Academy special free school. The report details the risks associated with the DfE's delayed delivery of Redwood Academy and proposes the Council's acceptance of the funding to deliver the required places through other means, such as establishing new SEN satellite schools. The report also outlines funding received and estimated future allocations for basic need and high needs provision.