The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council met on Wednesday 3 June 2026. The committee's agenda included discussions on the Cornwall Local Area SEND Reform Plan and the Fair Funding for Cornwall report. The committee was also scheduled to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Cornwall Local Area SEND Reform Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the Cornwall Local Area SEND Reform Plan, which aims to redesign the SEND system over the next three years. The plan is intended to improve outcomes, strengthen inclusion, and stabilise the system in response to rising demand and longstanding pressures. Key features of the proposed model include earlier intervention and prevention, a greater focus on inclusive mainstream provision, and integrated, multi-disciplinary support delivered through locality-based teams. The plan aligns with national policy direction and aims to address findings from the Local Area SEND inspection. The report recommended that the committee consider the plan and provide comments to inform its final development before submission to the Department for Education.

Fair Funding for Cornwall - A Case for Structural Reform of Rural and Coastal Education Funding in England

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding the perceived funding inequalities in Cornwall's education system. The report argued that the current funding framework, including the National Funding Formula (NFF), has systematically disadvantaged rural and coastal regions. It highlighted that Cornwall faces higher educational delivery costs due to geography, sparsity, and workforce market conditions, yet receives below-average funding. The report detailed that Cornwall's per-pupil funding is ranked low nationally, and its High Needs funding is significantly below the regional average. The report recommended that the committee lobby the Department for Education and HM Treasury to move towards a place-based funding system that reflects real costs and needs, and to reform SEND funding, transport, workforce, and specialist provision models for rural areas.

Committee Work Programme 2026-2027

The committee was due to review its draft Work Programme for the upcoming year. The Work Programmes are described as a vital tool for identifying, prioritising, conducting, and reviewing the committee's work. The process for developing the programme involved considering suggestions from members, the public, and officers, with a focus on items that would lead to improvements for local people and measurable outcomes. The draft programme included items such as the Cornwall Education Partnership Strategy, the SEND Inspection outcome and action plan, and the Youth Strategy Development.

Questions from Members to Cabinet Member on Updates

The agenda included an opportunity for members to ask questions to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools. The Cabinet Member was expected to provide updates on various matters, including the Cornwall Council Annual Report, a motion on mental health and wellbeing in schools, and upcoming decisions regarding the Cornwall Local Area SEND Reform Plan and an Action Plan from the SEND Joint Area Inspection. The Cabinet Member also noted her new role as Chair of Adopt South West and the High Sheriff of Cornwall's interest in supporting children and young people.

Minutes of the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 4 March 2026

The committee was scheduled to review the minutes from its previous meeting on 4 March 2026.

Public Questions

An opportunity was allocated for members of the public to ask questions to the committee.

Other Business

The agenda also included a provision for any other urgent business that the Chairman considered necessary to discuss.