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 implementation of national SEND reforms. The committee also reviewed performance reports for the Children and Family Services Department.

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 autumn 2027 to summer 2032. This follows a consultation process on two potential models, both aiming to retain the traditional Leicestershire early July finish to the school year. Model 1 retains the historic pattern with a one-week autumn half-term, while Model 2 proposes an earlier return in August to accommodate a two-week autumn half-term. The consultation, which ran from 5 May to 15 June 2026, sought views to inform a recommended model for Cabinet consideration in September 2026. The proposals were developed in collaboration with Leicester City Council, aiming to align dates where possible.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026–2029

A significant item on the agenda was the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy, intended to be in place until 2029. This strategy outlines how Leicestershire County Council will fulfil its statutory duties and responsibilities towards children in care and care leavers. It builds upon the previous strategy, incorporating updates reflecting changes in legislation, such as the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. The strategy is guided by the co-produced Our Promise, which details commitments from the council and its partners to children in care and care leavers, emphasising listening, respect, stability, and support for identity, culture, and relationships. Key aims include ensuring children feel safe and belong, raising aspirations, supporting positive health and educational outcomes, and preparing care leavers for independent adulthood up to age 25. The strategy is overseen by the Corporate Parenting Board, co-chaired by the Lead Member for Children's Services and a representative from the Youth Voice Council.

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, as discharged by the Inclusion Service. It highlighted the national rise in elective home education, exacerbated by the Coronavirus pandemic, and the government's identification of potential safeguarding risks. The report outlined the local authority's duty to ensure children educated at home receive a full-time, efficient, and suitable education, and the process for taking action if education appears unsuitable. Data presented showed an increase in elective home education referrals and numbers, with key reasons cited including mental health, provision not meeting needs, and cultural/life choices.

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 national reforms aim to raise standards, strengthen inclusion, and rebalance investment towards prevention and early intervention. 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. 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. The report noted that Leicestershire has received £3.8 million for the direct delivery of the Experts at Hand initiative for 2026-27.

Quarter 4 2025-26 Performance Report

The committee received a performance report for the Children and Family Services Department for the period January to March 2026 (Quarter 4). The report detailed performance against priority areas identified in the Departmental Plan. Key indicators included the percentage of children becoming subject to a child protection plan for a second or subsequent time, re-referrals to Children's Social Care, and the percentage of assessments completed within 45 days. Performance for care leavers in suitable accommodation and in education, employment, or training was also reported, with Leicestershire continuing to be in the top quartile for both. The report also covered the number of children in mainstream schools with EHCPs and those receiving SEN Support, noting an increase in EHCP numbers. Data on permanent exclusions and fixed-term suspensions from Leicestershire schools for the 2024/25 academic year was also presented, alongside figures for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).