The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning children and young people in the county. Key topics included the proposed school term dates for the coming years, the strategy for corporate parenting of children in care and care leavers, and an update on the department's performance.

Leicestershire School Term Dates Autumn 2027 to Summer 2032

The committee was scheduled to consider proposed school term and holiday dates for Leicestershire schools for the period from autumn 2027 to summer 2032. These proposals were developed in collaboration with Leicester City Council and aimed to balance the traditional Leicestershire pattern, which includes an early July finish to the school year, with potential adjustments to term lengths. Two models were presented for consultation, with the aim of gathering views from parents, teachers, and residents to inform the final decision. The consultation period was set to run from 5 May to 15 June 2026, with a report on the outcomes to be presented to the Cabinet in September 2026.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026–2029

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy, which sets out how Leicestershire County Council will fulfil its statutory duties towards children in care and care leavers. The strategy, developed with input from young people through the Youth Voice Council and After Care Council, emphasises a commitment to acting as an ambitious and caring corporate parent. Key aims include ensuring children feel safe, stable, and a sense of belonging, raising aspirations, supporting positive health and educational outcomes, and preparing care leavers for independent adulthood up to the age of 25. The strategy highlights the importance of listening to children's voices, recognising their individual identities, and fostering long-term relationships. Success will be measured across five outcomes: improved physical and mental health, placement stability, educational attainment, and positive outcomes for care leavers.

Elective Home Education in Leicestershire

The committee was also scheduled to receive an overview of elective home education in Leicestershire. The report detailed the County Council's statutory duties in this area, which include ensuring that children educated at home are receiving a full-time, efficient, and suitable education. It outlined the process for identifying and assessing home-educated children, the legal framework governing parental responsibilities, and the role of the Leicestershire Inclusion Service. Data presented indicated a rise in the number of children being electively home-educated, mirroring a national trend, with reasons cited including mental health, provision not meeting needs, and cultural or life choices. The report also highlighted the importance of safeguarding and the need for robust conversations with families considering home education.

Schools White Paper and SEND Reform

An update was provided on the Government's Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and associated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform proposals. These reforms aim to raise standards, strengthen inclusion, and rebalance investment towards early intervention and family support. The proposals introduce a redesigned 0–25 SEND framework, with Individual Support Plans replacing EHCPs for most children, and EHCPs reserved for those accessing nationally defined Specialist Provision Packages. Local authorities are positioned as system leaders responsible for inclusive mainstream practice, place sufficiency, and joint commissioning. A key requirement is the submission of a Local SEND Reform Plan by mid-June 2026, which is a pre-condition for accessing High Needs Stability Grant funding.

Quarter 4 2025-26 Performance Report

The committee received a performance report for the Children and Family Services Department for the period of January to March 2026 (Quarter 4). The report provided an update on key performance indicators across various areas, including helping children live in safe, stable environments, supporting families' resilience, ensuring children have a good start in life, and access to quality education. The report highlighted areas of strength, such as care leavers in suitable accommodation and in education, employment, or training, and areas requiring continued focus, such as repeat child protection plans and re-referrals to Children's Social Care. Data on early years provision, secondary school attainment, elective home education, permanent exclusions, and young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) was also presented.