The Young People, Learning and Employment Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss its work programme for the upcoming year and review the council's provision of facilities for young people and their families. The committee was also scheduled to examine the effectiveness of the council's school inclusion strategy.

Work Programme for 2026-2027

The committee was scheduled to discuss and shape its work programme for the municipal year 2026-2027. This would involve identifying key areas for scrutiny and oversight, with a focus on matters relating to children's safeguarding, schools, adult education, employment and skills programmes, libraries, and leisure services. The committee's terms of reference, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the agenda document committee-agenda-young-people-learning-and-employment-policy-and-scrutiny-committee-3-february-2026.pdf, were available to guide this discussion. Members were also to consider the establishment of task groups or single-member studies for more in-depth examination of specific issues.

Facilities for Young People and Their Families

The committee was set to consider how the council provides specialist facilities for young people and their families, and how these services are supported across the City of Westminster. This discussion was intended to complement a previous report on enrichment activities for young people. The agenda indicated a review of available facilities, including council-run properties such as Family Hubs, Children's Centres, and Children with Disabilities Centres, as well as commissioned providers like Youth Hubs and Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme providers. The report was also expected to cover the council's sports and physical activities offer, play facilities, and open spaces, noting that The City Plan requires that 'Major developments will be required to provide new or improved public open space and space for children's active play, particularly in areas of open space or play space deficiency.' ¹ The discussion was also to address gaps in facilities, particularly in supported accommodation for care leavers, and the council's plans to address these needs in line with its 'Fairer Westminster' commitments.

Attendance, Suspension and Exclusion: Effectiveness of the School Inclusion Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the implementation and effectiveness of the council's School Inclusion Strategy and associated action plan. The committee was to examine attendance, suspension, and permanent exclusion data trends across primary and secondary schools in Westminster. The agenda highlighted that Rates of attendance, suspension and permanent exclusion are closely monitored locally and by the DfE. ² The discussion was expected to cover the strategy's ambitions, which include reducing the number of children not attending mainstream education full-time, addressing factors that disproportionately affect certain groups, promoting evidence-based approaches like trauma-informed working, and improving outcomes for children who are excluded or move to alternative provision. The report was to detail initiatives aimed at addressing poor school attendance, specialist interventions for families at risk of suspension or exclusion, and future plans for supporting schools, children, and families. The Bi-borough School Inclusion Strategy committee-agenda-young-people-learning-and-employment-policy-and-scrutiny-committee-3-february-2026.pdf, launched in 2022, was central to this discussion, aiming to ensure all children receive an inclusive, high-quality education.