The Children and Culture Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 05 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting children and young people in Lincolnshire. Key decisions included the endorsement of the Lincolnshire's Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan, and the Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy. The committee also reviewed proposals for the Special Schools Funding Formula, the Donington Cowley Academy Single Classroom Extension, and the potential for Lincolnshire to host Stage 1 of the 2026 Tour of Britain.

Lincolnshire's Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan 2026-31

The committee considered Lincolnshire's Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan, which aims to improve outcomes for children from pregnancy through to starting school. Nicky Myers, Head of Service for Early Years, presented the strategy, highlighting that 66.4% of children in Lincolnshire reach a good level of development by age five, but this figure drops to 50% for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The strategy includes a £10.6 million investment over three years to expand services, strengthen prevention, and deliver system-wide change. Key developments include four new family hubs in the Lincoln area, expanded speech and language support, improved perinatal mental health pathways, and an 18-month-old health visitor check pilot. Councillors discussed the ambitious targets for children eligible for free school meals and the importance of ensuring healthy food options are appealing to children. The strategy was acknowledged by the committee, with comments to be shared with the Executive Councillor for Children's Services.

Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy 2026-29

Paul Fisher, Corporate Parenting Manager, presented the updated Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy for 2026-29. The strategy aims to ensure that children in care and care leavers have stability, good health and well-being, access to education, their voices are heard, they are prepared for independence, have positive identities and relationships, and achieve good long-term outcomes. The committee heard about the increase in children coming into care, particularly in the five to 10 and 16 to 17 age groups, and the ongoing challenges around placement and expenditure. A new skills passport is being rolled out to help young people aged 16 and over evidence their skills for adulthood and employment. The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations to the Executive.

Special Schools Funding 2026/27 – Funding Formula Review

The committee reviewed proposals for the Special Schools Funding Formula for 2026/27, presented by Martin Smith, Assistant Director for Education, and Mark Popplewell, Strategic Finance Lead. The review aims to simplify the funding formula, reflect current needs, support higher complex pupil needs, and increase place numbers. The proposed formula introduces three tiers of funding: Core School Delivery, All-complex Needs, and Enhanced. Councillors discussed the potential impact on the high-needs block deficit, the transition arrangements for schools, and the criteria for exceptional funding. The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services.

Donington Cowley Academy - Single Classroom Extension

Dave Pennington, Head of Capital Projects, presented proposals for a single classroom extension at Donington Cowley Academy. The extension is needed to accommodate an increase in the school's Published Admissions Number (PAN) from 120 to 130, providing capacity for 50 additional pupils over five years. The project will be delivered using a standard classroom design, mirroring a previous extension, and will be funded through the Department for Education's Basic Need Capital Funding. The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations to the Executive Councillors for Children's Services and Resources.

Lloyds Tour of Britain

Adam Round, Delivery Manager for Highways, presented proposals for Lincolnshire to act as the Host Authority for Stage 1 of the 2026 Tour of Britain. The event, scheduled for 2 September 2026, is expected to bring significant economic, reputational, and social benefits, including national media coverage and promotion of local tourist assets. The estimated cost to the council is up to £450,000, covering hosting fees, traffic management, and public realm preparation. Councillors raised concerns about the cost, value for money, and the potential impact on local businesses, with some suggesting a need for more detailed financial breakdowns and income generation plans. The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services, with some members indicating they would abstain from voting due to a lack of detailed financial information.

Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. The next meeting on 17 July will include updates on the Library Service Contract, performance reporting, the Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for 2026/27, and a final evaluation of the Young Carers Scrutiny Review Action Plan. The committee reviewed and agreed the work programme.

Attendance in School, Elective Home Education and Children Missing Education Annual Report 2024/25

The committee received the annual report for 2024/25 on school attendance, elective home education (EHE), and children missing from education (CME). The report highlighted improvements in overall attendance, with primary and secondary school attendance rates exceeding the national average. However, special school attendance remains below the national average, and severe absence in primary schools has increased. The number of electively home-educated children has risen, and the team is working to ensure suitable education is provided. The number of children missing from education has decreased significantly. The committee noted the content of the report.