The Durham Family Panel was scheduled to discuss updates on Ofsted inspections, the progress of the Children in Care Council, and improvements at the Aycliffe Secure Centre. The meeting was also set to include presentations from young people involved in various council initiatives.

Ofsted Updates

The panel was scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services regarding Ofsted inspections. This would have followed a previous inspection of Aycliffe Secure Centre in December 2025, which judged the areas of help and protection, and the impact of leadership and management as inadequate, leading to an overall inadequate rating. A monitoring visit in January 2026 had observed notable improvements, with a further reinspection planned for March.

Children in Care Council (CiCC) and Regional CiCC Updates

Presentations from young people from the Children in Care Council (CiCC) were scheduled to cover their activities. This included their involvement in planning for Care Day 2026, a national celebration for care-experienced children and young people. The CiCC members were set to host the event at the Radisson Hotel in Durham, with activities shaped by the council.

Additionally, an update from the Regional Children in Care Council was planned, focusing on how young people aged 16 and over share their views and hold professionals to account. The aim of this regional group is for local authorities to learn from each other to enhance support for care leavers. The report pack indicated that young people from Durham had led a Housing Options workshop at a regional conference, delivering sessions to over 100 senior managers and professionals. The Pinky Promises for 2025/26 were also to be discussed, covering areas such as housing, language and stigma, corporate parenting, and mental health.

Kinship Care Council

A verbal update from young people from the Kinship Care Council was also scheduled.

Proud Moments

The panel was due to hear verbal updates from Strategic Managers on Proud Moments. This would have included reports on the Care Leavers Service's New Year Honours List event, the crafting of ceramic hearts for Care Day, and a visit to Ebchester Primary School. Updates were also expected from the Project Manager for Investing in Children regarding a visit to a Mockingbird Hub and the continued contact of a young person with their Mockingbird Hub family. Councillor Bowron was also scheduled to share information about a competition he launched to name Durham County Council's new refuse collection vehicles.

Aycliffe Secure Centre Improvement Work

A report from the Head of Strategy, Assurance and Specialist Services was scheduled to be presented regarding improvement work at the Aycliffe Secure Centre. This item was designated as exempt from public and press attendance.

Regulation 44 Visits

The panel was scheduled to receive a presentation from the Strategic Manager for Children's Homes concerning Regulation 44 visits to Durham County Council's Children's Homes. This report was also designated as exempt from public and press attendance. The report pack indicated that recommendations within this report were to be approved.