The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting children and young people in the county. Key topics included the future of Great Alne Primary School, performance reports, mental health services, child poverty reduction, and the draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Great Alne Primary School

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals concerning the future of Great Alne Primary School. A report detailed that the school has experienced a significant decline in pupil numbers, from 102 in 2020/21 to just 12 in February 2026. This has resulted in the school having 89% unfilled places and a forecast cumulative deficit of £0.422m by August 2026. A statutory process for the potential closure of the school had commenced, with a Cabinet decision scheduled for April 2026. The report also noted that the school's site environmental performance was poor and would require substantial capital outlay for upgrades.

Quarter 3 Integrated Performance Report 2025/26

The committee was set to review the organisational performance at the end of Quarter 3 (April – December 2025) against the Council Plan 2022-2027. The report indicated that 67% of Council Delivery Plan (CDP) deliverables within the committee's remit were on track, with 17% delayed and 17% not reported. Positive performance was noted in areas such as WCC-owned children's home placements being occupied, meeting the target of 80% occupancy. However, challenges remained in areas such as the completion of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Services reporting to the committee were forecasting a cumulative net service overspend of £8.858m.

Recommissioning of Children and Young People's Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service Update

An update was scheduled on the commissioning of children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing services in Warwickshire, set to commence from August 2026. The current service, known as Rise and delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT), was contracted until July 2026. A new model, based on the Thrive Framework, has been developed, focusing on early intervention and prevention. This model will include three services: Service One for early intervention and prevention, Service Two for children in care or at risk of entering care, and Service Three for a specialist clinical offer. Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT) was awarded the contract for Service One, with services expected to align by 2029.

Development of the Warwickshire Child Poverty Reduction Strategy 2026 to 2030

The committee was to consider the proposed approach to developing a Warwickshire Child Poverty Reduction Strategy for 2026 to 2030. This strategy aims to provide a coordinated approach to reducing child poverty and improving life chances. It will be supported by a cross-party Child Poverty Commission and a pilot Child Poverty Impact Assessment. Evidence presented showed rising levels of child poverty in Warwickshire, with relative low income increasing from 12.5% in 2017 to 15.3% in 2024, and Free School Meal eligibility rising from 13.3% in 2020 to 21.9% in 2025.

Draft Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31

The committee was invited to review and comment on the draft Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31. This strategy, owned by the Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB), sets out how partners will work together to improve population health, prevent ill-health, and reduce health inequalities. The strategy's development involved extensive engagement with stakeholders and residents, leading to three countywide priorities:

1. Creating the conditions to support good mental health and wellbeing, prioritising children and young people.
2. Tackling the factors that cause poverty and lead to inequalities in health and wellbeing.
3. Supporting people to move more and eat well.

The strategy also outlined place-based priorities for Rugby, South Warwickshire, and Warwickshire North.

Work Programme and Items on the Forward Plan

The committee was to be presented with an up-to-date work programme, including any items from the Council's Forward Plan relevant to the committee's remit. A report on the outcomes of the Great Alne School consultation was also to be considered for addition to the February agenda.

Corporate Parenting Panel Update

The Portfolio Holder for Children & Families was scheduled to provide an update on the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel, including information from the Children in Care Council and other forums.

Questions to Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Updates from Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Directors

The meeting included a dedicated session for members of the committee to ask questions of the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Education and the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children & Families. Additionally, Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Directors were invited to provide updates on issues within the committee's remit.

The agenda also included standard items such as apologies, disclosures of interest, and the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Public speaking was also scheduled, allowing members of the public to address the committee.