The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss a range of important topics concerning children and families in Leicestershire. Key areas scheduled for discussion included proposals for future school term dates, the growing issue of elective home education, and an update on the council's Corporate Parenting Strategy. The committee also reviewed the latest performance report for the Children and Family Services Department and considered national reforms affecting schools and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Leicestershire School Term Dates Autumn 2027 to Summer 2032

The committee was scheduled to consider proposed school term and holiday dates for Leicestershire maintained schools covering the period from autumn 2027 to summer 2032. This follows a public consultation on two potential models, aiming to balance traditional patterns with a desire for more balanced term lengths. The proposals, developed in collaboration with Leicester City Council, aim to retain Leicestershire's characteristic early July finish to the school year, which is approximately two weeks earlier than neighbouring local authorities. The consultation sought views on whether to maintain the historic pattern or adopt an alternative model that includes a two-week autumn half-term. The report noted that the current six-week summer break can lead to a rise in child protection referrals and learning loss for some children, while also presenting childcare challenges for families. The final decision on the term dates will be made by the Cabinet in September 2026.

Elective Home Education in Leicestershire

A report was presented to provide an overview of elective home education (EHE) in Leicestershire, detailing the County Council's statutory duties and how these are discharged by the Inclusion Service. The discussion was scheduled against a backdrop of a national rise in children being educated at home, with concerns raised by the Department for Education (DfE) about 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. It detailed the process of identifying EHE children, making informal enquiries, and issuing School Attendance Orders if education appears unsuitable. The report highlighted that in April 2026, there were 1,402 children electively home-educated in Leicestershire, with the primary reasons cited including mental health, provision not meeting need, and cultural or life choices.

Corporate Parenting Strategy

The committee was due to review 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. The updated strategy builds upon previous approaches, emphasising a commitment to acting as an ambitious, caring, and effective corporate parent. It is guided by the co-produced Our Promise, which details commitments to children in care and care leavers, focusing on ensuring they are listened to, respected, and supported to have safe, stable homes, and to achieve their goals. Key aims include raising aspirations, supporting positive health, education, and employment outcomes, and preparing care leavers for independent adulthood up to age 25. The strategy also highlights the importance of recognising care experience as a protected characteristic locally and fostering a sense of belonging.

Schools White Paper and SEND Reform

The committee was scheduled to receive an update 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 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 to address historic deficits.

Quarter 4 2025-26 Performance Report

A joint report from the Director of Public Health, Communities, Law and Governance and the Director of Children and Family Services was presented, providing an update on the Children and Family Services Department's performance for the period January to March 2026 (Quarter 4). The report detailed performance against priority areas identified in the Departmental Plan, including indicators related to children living in safe, stable environments, building family strength and resilience, and ensuring children receive the best possible start in life. The report highlighted performance in areas such as the percentage of children becoming subject to a child protection plan, re-referrals to Children's Social Care, and the suitability of accommodation for care leavers. It also provided data on early years provision, educational attainment at Key Stage 4, and the number of children electively home-educated.