The Children, Families and Education Select Committee was scheduled to consider several key items, including plans for school places, a proposal to amalgamate two primary schools, and a review of fostering services. The committee was also set to discuss budget and spending, the forward plan, and its work programme.

School Place Planning: School Organisation Plan

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the School Organisation Plan for 2025 to 2026. This plan outlines how the council intends to ensure sufficient school places are available for children in the borough. The agenda indicated that discussions would cover the overall strategy for school place planning, which is a crucial element in meeting the needs of a growing population and ensuring access to education for all children in Hillingdon. The supporting documents for this item include the main plan itself Hillingdon SOP - 2025 to 2026 and its appendices SOP Appendices - 2025 to 2026, as well as a specific document for the committee's consideration March 2026 - Select Committee SPP.

Proposal to Amalgamate Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School

The committee was scheduled to examine a proposal to amalgamate Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School. This item, which had extensive supporting documentation, suggested a significant change to the local educational landscape. The agenda indicated that discussions would likely cover the rationale behind the proposed amalgamation, the consultation process undertaken, and the potential impact on pupils, staff, and the wider community. Supporting documents for this item include a general overview Whitehall - Proposal to amalgamate Whitehall Infant and Whitehall Junior Schools - Select Committee, the formal statutory proposal Appendix 5 - Whitehall Schools Amalgamation - Statutory Proposal FORMAL, details of the consultation Appendix 2 - Pre-publication - Stage One - Consultation - Proposal to amalgamate Whitehall Infant Sc, and an equality and human rights impact assessment Appendix 1 - Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - Proposed Amalgamation of Whitehall. Information sessions and public notices related to the proposal were also scheduled for discussion Appendix 3 - Information Session Presentation - Proposal to amalgamate Whitehall Infant and Whitehal and Appendix 4 - Proposed Whitehall Amalgamation Consultation - Public Notice - 25.02.26. Financial benchmarking for both schools was also provided Appendix 7 - Whitehall Infant School - Financial Benchmarking and Insights Summary 2024 - 2025 and Appendix 8 - Whitehall Junior School - Financial Benchmarking and Insights Summary 2024 - 2025.

Fostering Review: Final Report

The committee was scheduled to review the final report on fostering services. This would likely involve an examination of the effectiveness and efficiency of the council's fostering arrangements, aiming to ensure that looked-after children receive the best possible care. The agenda indicated that the review's findings and recommendations would be presented. Supporting documents include the draft final report cover Fostering review - draft final report cover, a scoping report Appendix A - Scoping report - Fostering v5, and guidance on policy reviews Appendix B - Guidance on undertaking policy reviews.

Budget & Spending

The committee was scheduled to review the council's budget and spending in relation to children's services. This would involve an examination of financial performance and resource allocation within the directorate. The Select Committee Monthly Budget Report - Children Families and Education - March 2026 was available for consideration.

Corporate Parenting Panel Minutes

The minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel were scheduled for review. The Corporate Parenting Panel plays a vital role in overseeing the council's responsibilities towards children in its care, ensuring they are supported and their needs are met.

Forward Plan

The committee was set to consider the Forward Plan, which outlines future items of business and strategic priorities for the committee. The Public Forward Plan - March 2026 and its cover document Forward Plan Cover.pdf were available.

Work Programme

The committee's Work Programme was also on the agenda. This document details the planned activities and scrutiny work the committee intends to undertake over a specific period. The Work Programme and its cover Work programme cover.pdf were provided.

The meeting was also scheduled to confirm that items marked as Part I would be considered in public, while Part II items would be discussed in private. The minutes of the previous meeting were also to be confirmed.